EWC Code
Gases in pressure containers and discarded chemicals
EUR-Lex Commission Decision 2000/532/EC — Official Journal L 226, 06/09/2000Annual Volume
200,000 cylinders/year EU-wide
Valorisation Range
€45M cylinder recovery and gas reuse market
Primary Route
Gas recovery and cylinder return
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Get contacts for EWC 16 05EWC 16 05 covers gases in pressure containers (including halons) and discarded chemicals. Sub-entries distinguish by hazard: 16 05 04* (dangerous substances), 16 05 05 (non-dangerous gases), 16 05 06* (laboratory chemicals containing dangerous substances), 16 05 07* (discarded inorganic chemicals), 16 05 08* (discarded organic chemicals) and 16 05 09 (non-dangerous discarded chemicals).
Pressure vessel integrity is the primary safety concern — punctured or corroded cylinders present explosion risk. All waste pressure containers must be transported in the orientation and conditions specified by the cylinder manufacturer and ADR regulations. Pressure must be relieved by qualified personnel before cylinder scrapping.
Halon fire suppressants (e.g. halon 1301, 1211) are controlled under ODS Regulation 1005/2009; waste halons must be recovered and either reused in critical sectors or destroyed at approved facilities. Mixed gas cylinders with unknown content require hazardous classification by default.
Typical Generators
Established valorisation pathways for EWC 16 05, ranked by economic value and market depth. Gas recovery and cylinder return is the primary route.
Residual gas recovered by licensed gas supplier. Cylinder inspected, re-tested and returned to service. Cylinder rental schemes typical for industrial gases — cylinder remains property of gas company.
Gases not suitable for recovery vented under controlled conditions at approved facility. Toxic gases (HCN, H2S, Cl2) incinerated rather than vented. ODS gases routed to approved destruction per ODS Regulation 1005/2009.
Empty, depressurised cylinders processed as steel or aluminium scrap after pressure release verification. Valve removal and documented depressurisation required before acceptance at metal recycler.
These are the established routes for EWC 16 05. Which one your stream qualifies for depends on its composition, volume and region.
Get the ranked options for your streamPrimary & secondary off-takers
Industrial gas companies recovering residual gas and recertifying cylinders
Licensed treatment of cylinders containing unknown or dangerous gas content
Steel and aluminium scrap recovery from depressurised empty cylinders
Medical gas cylinder management in healthcare settings
Source: NACE Rev.2 — Eurostat, 2008
Key legislative frameworks governing EWC 16 05 classification, transport, and treatment.
Waste halons in pressure containers must be recovered and either reused in critical permitted applications or destroyed at approved facilities. Emission to atmosphere is prohibited. Licensed recovery contractors and destruction facilities required.
Waste gas cylinders transported under ADR Class 2 provisions. Cylinder must be closed and leak-free for transport. Residual pressure must not exceed ADR limits for the gas type. Transport of cylinders with unknown content requires Class 6.1 or 2.3 precautions.
Pressure cylinders placed on EU market must bear CE marking to PED. Waste cylinders removed from service must be depressurised and rendered incapable of re-pressurisation before metal recycling, to prevent re-entry into service without re-testing.
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Waste-stream pages and resources connected to EWC 16 05 valorisation.
Explore EU waste flows — Waste Atlas
Visualise 17 years of E-PRTR industrial facility data. See how EWC 16 05 and related waste streams flow across European industries and sectors.
Source: EUR-Lex Commission Decision 2000/532/EC · NACE Rev.2 — Eurostat 2008
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