EWC Code
Oily water from oil/water separators
EUR-Lex Commission Decision 2000/532/EC — Official Journal L 226, 06/09/2000Annual Volume (EU)
1.8 million tonnes/year EU interceptor sludge and OWS waste
Valorisation Range
€85M oil/water separator waste treatment market
Primary Route
Thermal desorption and oil recovery
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Get contacts for EWC 13 05 07EWC 13 05 07 is a specific sub-code under EWC 13 05 — Oil/water separator contents. The classification guidance below applies to this waste stream.
Oil/water separator contents arise from petrol interceptors, industrial effluent separators and ship bilge separators where oil has been removed from drainage water. Petrol station forecourt interceptors collect petrol and diesel runoff from fuelling spills; garage drainage interceptors collect motor oil, hydraulic fluid and fuel from workshop floor drains. EU estimates approximately 50,000 tonnes of petrol interceptor sludge generated per year in the UK alone.
Interceptor sludge consists of emulsified oil, petrol/diesel components, grit, tyre rubber and detergent residues. Composition varies significantly by source: forecourt interceptors contain volatile hydrocarbons (BTEX) making transport hazardous; garage interceptors contain heavier lubricating oils. Oil/water separator contents are classified hazardous (13 05 01*, 13 05 02*, 13 05 03*) due to petroleum hydrocarbon content and classification as H3/H6 waste.
Three-chamber petrol interceptors require periodic desludging — typically 6-monthly at busy forecourts, annually at quieter sites. Specialist tanker operators collect sludge, transport under ADR regulations and deliver to licensed treatment facilities. Treatment by thermal desorption or centrifugal separation recovers oil fraction and cleans solids to below TPH thresholds for disposal as non-hazardous waste.
Typical Generators
Established valorisation pathways for EWC 13 05 07, ranked by economic value and market depth.
Interceptor sludge is processed by indirect thermal desorption at 300–400°C to volatilise and recover petroleum hydrocarbons. Recovered oil fraction condenses to liquid for re-refining or cement kiln co-processing. Treated solids achieve TPH <500 mg/kg and are classified non-hazardous for construction or landfill.
High-water-content OWS waste is processed by decanting centrifuge to separate oil, water and solids phases. Oil phase sent to waste oil processor; water phase treated through biological wastewater plant before discharge to consent; solids screened and disposed as non-hazardous waste after TPH testing.
High-calorific interceptor sludge with oil content >20% is co-processed in cement kilns as alternative fuel. Petroleum hydrocarbons destroyed at kiln temperatures >1400°C with zero organic residue. Mineral fraction recovered in cement clinker. Requires kiln operator co-incineration permit and waste acceptance testing.
These are the established routes for EWC 13 05 07. Which one your stream qualifies for depends on its composition, volume and region.
Get the ranked options for your streamPrimary & secondary off-takers
Arrange periodic interceptor desludging under waste transfer note and maintain inspection records
Operate thermal desorption or centrifuge facilities for interceptor sludge treatment
Co-process high-calorific interceptor sludge as alternative fuel in cement kiln
Arrange periodic desludging of workshop drainage interceptors under waste duty of care
Common materials that take EWC 13 05 07 depending on where the waste arises.
Sectors that valorise EWC 13 05 07 as an input material or secondary raw material.
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