EWC Code
Ferrous metal filings and turnings
EUR-Lex Commission Decision 2000/532/EC — Official Journal L 226, 06/09/2000Annual Volume (EU)
~25 Mt/year EU machining and forming swarf
Valorisation Range
€80–400/tonne (clean dry swarf premium)
Primary Route
Steel Swarf to EAF — Briquetted
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Get contacts for EWC 12 01 01EWC 12 01 01 is a specific sub-code under EWC 12 01 — Wastes from shaping and physical and mechanical surface treatment of metals and plastics. The classification guidance below applies to this waste stream.
EWC 12 01 covers solid and liquid wastes generated during metalworking operations including turning, milling, grinding, drilling, honing and lapping. The primary solid wastes are metal swarf (fine chips and turnings), grinding sludge (metal particles mixed with coolant and grinding wheel abrasive), and filter residues from metalworking fluid treatment systems. These streams contain embedded metalworking fluid (MWF) — typically 5–15% by mass — that classifies many sub-codes as hazardous.
Metal swarf composition reflects the feedstock alloy: steel machining generates 12 01 01 (ferrous, non-hazardous) while swarf contaminated with MWF becomes 12 01 09* or 12 01 11* (hazardous). Aluminium swarf (12 01 03) and titanium swarf (classified under 12 01 03 or specific REACH exemptions) carry significant value — aluminium alloy AA2024 and AA7075 swarf reaches €0.50–1.20/kg in clean dry form and is segregated for secondary smelting rather than mixed with low-grade scrap.
Grinding sludge (12 01 17) from centreless grinding and surface grinding is the most challenging stream: fine particle size (D50 < 20 µm), high oil content (15–30%), and mixed metals make direct recycling difficult. Centrifugation removes 80–90% of MWF before briquetting; the centrifuged swarf briquette achieves 85–90% density and is accepted by steel and aluminium scrap processors.
Typical Generators
Established valorisation pathways for EWC 12 01 01, ranked by economic value and market depth.
Clean ferrous turnings (12 01 01) centrifuged to <2% oil content, briquetted at 200–400 bar into dense cylinders, charged directly to EAF as substitute scrap (NACE 24.10). Briquette density 5–6 t/m³ vs. loose swarf 0.5–1.0 t/m³. Premium over loose scrap: €20–40/t for oil-free briquette grade.
Alloy-segregated aluminium turnings (AA2024, AA6061) centrifuged and sold at alloy-specific premiums to secondary Al smelters (NACE 24.42). Mixed alloy aluminium swarf downgraded to De-ox grade (€0.20–0.40/kg). Alloy segregation at point of generation captures €0.30–0.60/kg additional margin.
Centrifuge or vacuum filtration recovers MWF (cutting oil, emulsion) from swarf for reuse or treatment. Recovered coolant reprocessed at fluid management companies; oil content ≥60% sent for fuel oil blending (NACE 19.20). Reduces hazardous waste classification of swarf and lowers disposal costs.
These are the established routes for EWC 12 01 01. Which one your stream qualifies for depends on its composition, volume and region.
Get the ranked options for your streamPrimary & secondary off-takers
Metal finishing shops generating swarf from precision machining; also receive treated swarf for proprietary briquetting before onward sale
EAF mini-mills accepting briquetted or clean ferrous swarf as charge material
Secondary Al smelters processing alloy-segregated aluminium turnings and borings
Swarf treatment: centrifugation, briquetting, fluid separation before onward recycling
Common materials that take EWC 12 01 01 depending on where the waste arises.
Dedicated waste-stream pages covering EWC 12 01 01 — pricing, buyer industries and valorisation routes.
Sectors that valorise EWC 12 01 01 as an input material or secondary raw material.
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