EWC Code
Laboratory chemicals consisting of dangerous substances
EUR-Lex Commission Decision 2000/532/EC — Official Journal L 226, 06/09/2000Annual Volume (EU)
~200–400 kt/year adhesive and sealant waste
Valorisation Range
Solvent-based adhesive waste €80–250/t as fuel; silicone sealant waste disposal €100–250/t
Primary Route
Hot-melt reprocessing and container recovery
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Get contacts for EWC 16 05 06*EWC 16 05 06* is a specific sub-code under EWC 08 04 — Wastes from manufacture, formulation, supply and use of adhesives and sealants including waterproofing products. The classification guidance below applies to this waste stream.
EWC 08 04 covers wastes from the production and use of adhesives and sealants — including hot-melt, solvent-based, water-based, UV-cured and reactive (epoxy, polyurethane, silicone) formulations. Hazardous sub-codes: 08 04 09* (waste adhesives and sealants containing organic solvents or other dangerous substances), 08 04 11* (adhesive and sealant sludges containing organic solvents). Non-hazardous: 08 04 10 and 08 04 12.
Automotive assembly uses large volumes of structural adhesives (epoxy, polyurethane) for body-in-white joining, cavity wax and seam sealing. Isocyanate-containing adhesive waste (polyurethane) carries H6 (acute toxicity) hazard from MDI/TDI content. Silicone sealant waste (polydimethylsiloxane) is generally non-hazardous but bulky and resistant to biodegradation. Hot-melt adhesive waste is thermoplastic — can be remelted and reused in lower-specification applications.
Construction waterproofing — bitumen-based and polyurethane membranes — generates significant waste during application (off-cuts, container residues). Solvent-based contact adhesives in footwear and furniture manufacturing are being phased out under IED VOC controls, reducing hazardous adhesive waste volumes. Reactive adhesive mixing waste (epoxy resin + hardener) is classified by the hazard of the more dangerous component.
Typical Generators
Established valorisation pathways for EWC 16 05 06*, ranked by economic value and market depth.
Solid hot-melt adhesive waste remelt-filtered and recast for lower-specification applications or returned to manufacturer for rework. Container residues emptied and triple-rinsed; rinsate treated by biological effluent treatment. Hot-melt containers collected for plastic recycling under packaging EPR.
Solvent-based adhesive washings (acetone, MEK, EtOAc, cyclohexane) distilled to recover solvent. Still bottoms with high polymer content blended into alternative fuel stream for cement kiln co-processing. Isocyanate-containing residues segregated and hydrolysed before solvent distillation.
Isocyanate-bearing waste (08 04 09*) incinerated at permitted facilities — thermal destruction converts MDI/TDI to CO₂, H₂O, NO₂ and HCN (scrubbed). Cured epoxy waste (non-hazardous) may be co-incinerated or sent to industrial energy-from-waste.
These are the established routes for EWC 16 05 06*. Which one your stream qualifies for depends on its composition, volume and region.
Get the ranked options for your streamPrimary & secondary off-takers
Generates in-process adhesive waste, reactor washout and off-spec product
Automotive OEM generates structural adhesive and cavity wax waste in body assembly
Waterproofing and sealant applicators generate container and application residue waste
Handles isocyanate-containing adhesive waste requiring specialist incineration
Common materials that take EWC 16 05 06* depending on where the waste arises.
Sectors that valorise EWC 16 05 06* as an input material or secondary raw material.
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