In accordance with the provisions in force, based on EU Directive 2008/98/EC, some categories of waste may cease to be defined as such, provided that the end-of-waste criteria are met. These criteria specify when certain waste materials cease to be "waste" and take on the status of a product (or a secondary raw material).
For iron, steel, aluminum and copper scrap, as well as glass cullet waste products to qualify for end-of-waste certification, you will need to have implemented a quality management system (QMS) which can demonstrate compliance with the end-of-waste criteria. Confirmation of end-of-waste status can be made through an independent external audit which verifies that your QMS complies with the criteria set out in the regulations.
As an expert in waste management and an accredited Eco Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) verifier, we conduct certification audits confirming the fulfillment of end-of-waste criteria. Verification audits should be carried out every three years.
Legal status
End-of-waste management is complex and regulated by a number of standards in Poland: Directive 2008/98/EC of the European Parliament and Council of November 19, 2008 on waste and repealing certain Directives, and domestically, the Act of December 14, 2012 on waste, which implements the EU regulations to the Polish legal system.
Additionally, in accordance with Directive 2008/98/EC, detailed provisions are issued concerning:
- Iron, steel and aluminum scrap, including aluminum alloy scrap – Council Regulation (EU) No. 333/2011 of March 31, 2011
- Glass cullet – Commission Regulation (EU) No. 1179/2012 of December 10, 2012
- Copper scrap – Commission Regulation (EU) No. 715/2013 of July 25, 2013
End-of-Waste Criteria
According to Art. 6 of Directive 2008/98/EC, as well as Art. 14 of the Act on waste, the condition for ceasing waste status is that the waste must have undergone recycling or other recovery operation and the product resulting from the recovery process must comply with the following conditions:
- The substance or object is to be used for specific purposes
- A market or demand exists for such a substance or object
- The substance or object fulfills the technical requirements for the specific purposes and meets the existing legislation and standards applicable to products
- The use of the substance or object will not lead to overall adverse environmental or human health impacts
For scrap iron, steel, aluminum, copper and glass cullet, there are additional detailed regulations:
- Implementation of a quality management system compliant with the relevant Council regulation (EU)
- Submit to an audit of the quality management system compliant with the Council regulation (EU) confirming the fulfillment of the end-of-waste status criteria
Benefits of Achieving End-of-Waste Status
On successful completion of an end-of-waste audit, waste can be transformed into a valuable resource, and it can be freely disposed of – including selling it for further use. It contributes to the circular economy, offering sustainable environmental benefits, and reinforces a company’s reputation.
There are also administrative and financial benefits for waste that ceases the waste status, with no obligation to:
- Keep waste records
- Secure claims
- Meet requirements for storage of waste
- Meet conditions for fire protection
- Register transport or meet criteria for waste transport
Waste that changes its status can be transferred to installations that do not have a waste processing permit.
Why choose an end-of-waste audit from SGS?
We are one of only a few EMAS environmental verifiers, confirmed by the accreditation certificate No.PL-V-0018 issued by the Polish Center of Accreditation. Our environmental auditors have extensive experience in the field of services for the waste management industry and offer valuable insights into correctly managing waste at the end of its life.
To find out more about end-of-waste audits, please contact us.