EWC Code
Organic wastes containing dangerous substances
EUR-Lex Commission Decision 2000/532/EC — Official Journal L 226, 06/09/2000Annual Volume (EU)
~50–200 kt/year silicon process waste across EU
Valorisation Range
Silicon kerf slurry €20–80/t recovered; silane off-gas destruction cost €100–300/t
Primary Route
Silicon kerf recovery
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Get contacts for EWC 16 03 05*EWC 16 03 05* is a specific sub-code under EWC 06 08 — Wastes from manufacture, formulation, supply and use of silicon and silicon compounds. The classification guidance below applies to this waste stream.
EWC 06 08 covers wastes from the manufacture and processing of silicon and silicone-based compounds, including silicon kerf slurry from wafer sawing, trichlorosilane (TCS) off-gases and residues from polysilicon production (Siemens process), and silica gel wastes. Sub-code 06 08 02* (chlorosilane-containing wastes) is hazardous due to reactivity with water and hydrogen chloride generation.
Polysilicon production (for solar PV and electronics) generates significant chlorosilane waste streams — SiCl₄ (silicon tetrachloride), SiHCl₃ (TCS) and SiH₂Cl₂ byproducts. Large-scale facilities typically hydrogenate SiCl₄ back to TCS for recycling. Silicon kerf slurry from multi-wire wafer sawing contains fine silicon powder, polyethylene glycol coolant and silicon carbide abrasive — a valuable silicon recovery feedstock.
EU silicon manufacturing is expanding with solar PV growth (REPowerEU solar strategy). Silicon kerf recovery by acid leaching, flotation or spray drying is established — recovered silicon powder reused in metallurgical or anode applications. Closed-loop chlorosilane circuits at polysilicon plants are BAT, minimising 06 08 02* waste arisings. Amorphous silica by-product from ethylene and propylene production via silica-alumina catalysis generates large volumes of spent silica.
Typical Generators
Established valorisation pathways for EWC 16 03 05*, ranked by economic value and market depth.
Kerf slurry processed by acid leaching to remove iron and other metals, flotation to separate SiC from Si, and spray drying. Recovered Si powder sold to metallurgical silicon consumers or lithium-ion battery anode manufacturers (silicon-graphite composites). PEG coolant recovered and recycled.
Chlorosilane waste (06 08 02*) hydrolysed with controlled water addition in scrubbing system to produce HCl (recovered) and amorphous silica (SiO₂). SiO₂ sold to refractory, rubber or silicone sealant manufacturers. HCl neutralised or recycled to TCS production.
Off-specification chlorosilane and silicon-organic mixtures (06 08 02*) incinerated at permitted high-temperature facilities with HCl scrubbing. Inert silica residues from scrubbing disposed at inert landfill.
These are the established routes for EWC 16 03 05*. Which one your stream qualifies for depends on its composition, volume and region.
Get the ranked options for your streamPrimary & secondary off-takers
Wafer manufacturers generate kerf slurry; some recover silicon in-house or via contracted recyclers
Silicone producers accept amorphous SiO₂ from chlorosilane hydrolysis as silicone formulation feedstock
Polysilicon producers (some collocated with nuclear fuel enrichment sites) manage TCS/SiCl₄ circuits
Specialist firms handle reactive chlorosilane waste requiring controlled hydrolysis
Sectors that valorise EWC 16 03 05* as an input material or secondary raw material.
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