EWC Code
Wastes containing other dangerous substances
EUR-Lex Commission Decision 2000/532/EC — Official Journal L 226, 06/09/2000Annual Volume (EU)
15,000 tonnes/year EU-wide
Valorisation Range
Specialist disposal market; minimal recovery value
Primary Route
Controlled detonation
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Get contacts for EWC 16 07 09EWC 16 07 09 is a specific sub-code under EWC 16 04 — Waste explosives. The classification guidance below applies to this waste stream.
EWC 16 04 covers waste explosives including waste ammunition, fireworks and pyrotechnics. These materials retain energetic properties and require specialised handling under ADR 2023 Class 1 regulations for transport and disposal. Mirror entry 16 04 01* covers waste ammunition; 16 04 02* fireworks; 16 04 03* other waste explosives.
Classification requires assessment of explosive reactivity, sensitiveness and compatibility. Deteriorated or aged explosives may exhibit unpredictable sensitivity characteristics. Unauthorised storage or transport constitutes a criminal offence in all EU Member States under national explosive regulations implementing Directive 2014/28/EU.
Decommissioned military ordnance, unexploded ordnance (UXO) from construction sites and expired quarry explosives are the main waste streams. Specialist explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) contractors with specific licensing are required for collection, transport and destruction.
Typical Generators
Established valorisation pathways for EWC 16 07 09, ranked by economic value and market depth.
Licensed EOD contractor detonates waste explosives at approved range or quarry face. Only method for deteriorated or unknown explosive materials. Generates inert residues requiring disposal.
Specialist facilities disassemble munitions and chemically neutralise explosive fill. Nitrate salts from certain explosives may be recovered as secondary fertiliser feedstock.
Permitted high-temperature incineration for small quantities of pyrotechnic and firework waste. Requires IED-compliant facility with specific approval for energetic materials.
These are the established routes for EWC 16 07 09. Which one your stream qualifies for depends on its composition, volume and region.
Get the ranked options for your streamPrimary & secondary off-takers
Licensed facilities for explosive waste reception, storage and destruction
Quarry blasting sites for controlled detonation disposal of compatible explosives
Military EOD units handling decommissioned ordnance and unexploded ordnance
Demolition contractors with EOD sub-contractors for construction site UXO
Sectors that valorise EWC 16 07 09 as an input material or secondary raw material.
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