EWC Code itself is made up of 6 digits. First two digits 01 to 20 correspond to each of the twenty chapters of the Catalogue, each chapter being a broad classification of waste. Next two digits correspond to sub-classification of these twenty main categories. The last two digits correspond to the actual waste itself and its description.

e.g. 02 04 01

02 – Second Chapter corresponding to wastes from agriculture, horticulture, aquaculture, forestry, hunting, and fishing, food preparation and processing
04 – Sub-Category corresponds to wastes from sugar processing
01 – Description of the waste itself, in this instance ‘soil from cleaning and washing beet’

Some waste code are marked with an asterisk (*) meaning it is a hazardous waste e.g. 02 01 08*.

Waste holders i.e. Producer, Carrier and Disposer should hold valid licences or permits for EWC codes and should know the safe handling and management of the waste.

NviroSoft, the product developed by Aarushi Software, has built-in features where you can search the EWC Catalogue by EWC Code, Category or Text. The EWC data is kept up-to-date with the latest additions and amendments. These codes can easily be assigned by the field or office staff during waste collection or waste disposal, thus reducing the effort while preparing compliance reports for submission to the relevant Environmental Agencies.