End-of-Waste Condition Certification

What is End-of-Waste Condition Certification?

End-of-Waste Condition Certification assesses whether a material or substance has ceased to be considered waste after undergoing a recovery process, and can be reused as raw material in new production processes, in accordance with European and national legislation.

This certification ensures that the material meets the specific requirements for quality, usage, and safety established for it to be regarded as a by-product or secondary raw material, thereby contributing to a circular economy model and reducing environmental impact.

Which Legislation Applies?

These measures are adopted under:

• Directive 2008/98/EC on Waste: Establishes the criteria for certain materials to cease being considered waste following a recovery process.
• Regulation 333/2011: Sets the criteria for the end-of-waste status for scrap iron, steel, and aluminium.
• Regulation 715/2013: Sets the criteria for the end-of-waste status for copper scrap.
• Regulation 1179/2012: Defines the criteria that allow glass to cease being considered waste as a result of its recycling.
• Waste Framework Directive: Provides a general framework for waste management within the EU.

What Are the Benefits of This Certification?

The benefits include:

• Commercial Value: It enables the marketing of recovered material as a reusable resource, generating economic value and reducing the need for virgin raw materials.
• Cost Reduction: By no longer being considered waste, costs associated with the management, storage, and transportation of hazardous waste are eliminated.
• Legal Assurance: It ensures compliance with current legislation and provides legal backing that facilitates the use of the material in new production processes.
• Resource Efficiency: It promotes the efficient use of resources, contributing to sustainability and the implementation of a circular economy model.
• Enhanced Reputation: It reinforces the company’s image as an organisation committed to sustainability and waste recovery, thereby improving its perception among clients and partners.
• Market Advantage: It facilitates the marketing of by-products and secondary raw materials in markets where sustainability and responsible resource use are prioritised.
• Sustainability Reporting: The certification can serve as a performance indicator in sustainability reports and corporate social responsibility (CSR) statements, further reinforcing environmental commitment.
• Complementary Standards: It can be complemented with other environmental certifications such as ISO 14001 or EMAS, strengthening the company’s environmental management system and providing an integrated approach to sustainability.

Who Is This for?

This certification may be relevant for:

• High-Volume Industries: Industries that produce large amounts of recoverable waste, such as those in the metallurgical, plastics, construction, paper, agri-food, or textile sectors, which generate waste with the potential for reuse as raw material.
• Waste Recovery Companies: Businesses dedicated to waste recovery that seek formal recognition that their materials can be marketed as products rather than waste.
• Resource-Optimising Organisations: Organisations looking to reduce their dependence on virgin raw materials by using certified by-products or secondary materials.
• Sustainability-Driven Entities: Entities committed to reducing waste and promoting a more sustainable production model.
• Diversifying Enterprises: Companies interested in diversifying their product offerings through the recovery of waste as by-products or secondary resources.

Why Get Certified with Applus+ Certification?

Choosing to obtain End-of-Waste Condition Certification with Applus+ Certification is a strategic decision that offers multiple benefits for companies wishing to validate and optimise their waste management practices. Applus+ is a certification body of international repute, known for its rigour, transparency, and quality focus, thereby providing solid and credible recognition to organisations that aim to be leaders in sustainability and the circular economy.

Furthermore, it ensures compliance with European legislation (Directive 2008/98/EC) and local waste regulations, providing companies with legal certainty when classifying their materials as by-products or secondary raw materials.