Are spent catalysts always hazardous?

Not always. Spent precious metal catalysts (16 08 01) are non-hazardous. Catalysts containing heavy metals, sulfides, or pyrophoric materials (16 08 07*) are hazardous and require manifested handling.

How is PGM value determined at handover?

PGM-bearing catalysts are assayed by the receiver. The contract typically specifies a sampling method (ASTM E2863 or equivalent), assay method, and settlement terms based on LME fix prices at the time of refining.

Can spent halogenated solvents be reclaimed?

Yes — halogenated solvents (07 01 03*) can be re-distilled to recoverable quality. Grade and economics depend on contamination level. SymbioFlows will assess your stream against current re-distiller acceptance specs.

We use cookies to improve your experience and save your reports. Privacy Policy

Recover Value From Chemical Waste Streams

Name: SymbioFlows Platform
Availability: InStock
Author: SymbioFlows

Spent catalysts contain platinum, palladium, and rhodium worth thousands per kilogram. SymbioFlows connects chemical producers with refiners who pay for what others dispose of.

Get Your Valorization Report

0.3–3 %

PGM content of spent hydrotreating catalysts

src: Johnson Matthey data

~55%

EU spent solvent recovery rate

src: Eurostat 2022

95%+

Catalyst precious metal refining yield

src: BASF Catalysts

20–30 MJ/kg

Distillation residue fuel value

src: industry avg

Key Waste Streams — EWC Codes & Buyers

EWC Code	Material	Description	Who Buys It
16 08 07*	Hazardous Spent Catalysts	Spent hydrotreating, reforming, and process catalysts with PGM or heavy metal content.	Precious metal refiners, catalyst regenerators
16 08 01	Spent Precious Metal Catalysts	Pt, Pd, Rh-bearing catalysts — high recovery value.	PGM refiners (Umicore, Johnson Matthey)
07 01 03*	Halogenated Spent Solvents	Chlorinated solvents from extraction and cleaning processes.	Solvent re-distillers, cement kiln co-processing
07 01 04*	Non-halogenated Spent Solvents	Acetone, toluene, alcohols from synthesis operations.	Solvent recovery distillers, fuel blenders
07 01 08*	Distillation Bottoms & Tars	Heavy organic residues from distillation columns.	Cement kilns, gasification, waste-to-energy
06 02 05*	Other Bases (hazardous)	Spent caustic and alkaline process liquors.	Neutralisation, pH-adjustment facilities