EWC Code
Spent catalysts containing dangerous transition metals
EUR-Lex Commission Decision 2000/532/EC — Official Journal L 226, 06/09/2000Annual Volume (EU)
Moderate — dominated by spent amine solutions and elemental sulphur
Valorisation Range
Elemental sulphur €50–120/t; spent amine solutions require treatment
Primary Route
Amine reclaiming and regeneration
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Get contacts for EWC 16 08 02*EWC 16 08 02* is a specific sub-code under EWC 05 07 — Wastes from natural gas purification and transportation. The classification guidance below applies to this waste stream.
EWC 05 07 covers wastes from the removal of impurities (H₂S, CO₂, water, mercury, heavy hydrocarbons) from natural gas before transmission and liquefaction. Principal streams are spent amine (DEA/MEA/MDEA) solutions used for gas sweetening, sulphur compounds from Claus unit operations and pipeline pigging solids.
Sulphur-containing wastes (05 07 01* — mercury-containing) are hazardous. Spent amine solutions (05 07 02) contain degradation products, heat-stable salts and absorbed H₂S; they require amine reclaiming or incineration. Pipeline pigging residues contain hydrocarbons, scale and corrosion products and may be classified hazardous depending on composition.
EU gas processing has expanded with LNG import terminal growth. Claus process recovered sulphur (non-waste where meeting product specification) is the dominant valorisation route. Sulphuric acid producers and fertiliser manufacturers are primary receivers of elemental sulphur. The sector is subject to IED Large Combustion Plant provisions and offshore-specific OSPAR guidelines.
Typical Generators
Established valorisation pathways for EWC 16 08 02*, ranked by economic value and market depth.
Spent amine solutions processed through reclaimer units to remove heat-stable salts and degradation products, returning clean amine to service. Reclaimer bottoms (concentrated salts and heavy compounds) sent for further treatment or hazardous waste disposal.
Elemental sulphur from Claus process sold as product where meeting EN 1420 or fertiliser-grade specification. Sulphur below spec co-processed at sulphuric acid plants or blended into sulphur-extended asphalt.
Mercury-containing wastes (05 07 01*) and off-spec amine streams incinerated at permitted hazardous waste facilities with mercury capture and acid gas scrubbing. Residue characterised before disposal.
These are the established routes for EWC 16 08 02*. Which one your stream qualifies for depends on its composition, volume and region.
Get the ranked options for your streamPrimary & secondary off-takers
Gas processing operators manage amine reclaiming in-house or via specialist contractors
Purchases recovered elemental sulphur for sulphuric acid and superphosphate production
Sulphuric acid alkylation units consume recovered sulphur
Handles mercury-containing wastes and off-spec amine streams
Common materials that take EWC 16 08 02* depending on where the waste arises.
Dedicated waste-stream pages covering EWC 16 08 02* — pricing, buyer industries and valorisation routes.
Sectors that valorise EWC 16 08 02* as an input material or secondary raw material.
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