§3.1 General approach to the classification of waste

The assessment and classification of waste is applied to each distinct waste stream generated by a producer, following the obtainment of a representative sample. Where more than one waste type is present, each would need to be assessed separately. This ensures that any items or batches of hazardous waste: — are not erroneously classified as non-hazardous by mixing (diluting) it with other wastes (see Article 7 (4) of the WFD); — are identified in time to prevent being mixed with other wastes, e.g. in a bin, bag, stockpile or skip (see Article 18 of the WFD). Only mixed municipal waste from domestic households is exempt from these requirements. The following chapter and flowchart (cf. Figure 2) guide through the general approach for classification of waste. The flowchart indicates a reference to: — the relevant chapter of this document, where the classification step is generally explained and; — the respective relevant Annex to this document, where detailed information is provided. Having completed the first two steps described below it should be known whether: — the substance or object in question is subject to the WFD and LoW and; — either an ‘absolute’ (hazardous or non-hazardous) LoW entry applies or a ‘mirror entry’ applies and thus performing a further assessment is necessary.

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Source: EUR-Lex (Cellar) · retrieved 2026-09-07