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ECN publication
Title:
Study on methodological aspects regarding limit values for pollutants in aggregates in the context of the possible development of end-of-waste criteria under the EU Waste Framework Directive
 
Author(s):
Saveyn, H.; Eder, P.; Garbarino, E.; Muchova, L.; Hjelmar, O.; Sloot, H.A. van der; Zomeren, A. van; Hyks, J.; Oberender, A.
 
Published by: Publication date:
ECN Environment & Energy Engineering 29-9-2014
 
ECN report number: Document type:
ECN-O--14-045 Other
 
Number of pages: Full text:
203 Download PDF  

Abstract:
The Waste Framework Directive (WFD) 2008/98/EC includes the option to set so-called end-ofwaste (EoW) criteria under which specified waste fractions shall cease to be waste. If these criteria are fulfilled, the material will no longer be classified as a waste but it will instead become a product subject to free trade and use (albeit for specific purposes). In accordance with Article 6 (1) of the WFD, a waste material (substance or object) may cease to be waste as defined in the WFD when it has undergone a recovery, including recycling, operation and is commonly used for specific purposes, has a market value, fulfils the technical requirements for the specific purpose and meets existing standards and legislation applicable to products. In addition, criteria shall be set to ensure that the use of the material will not lead to overall adverse environmental or human health impacts (indent (d) in Article 6 (1)). These criteria shall include limit values for pollutants where necessary and shall take into account any possible adverse environmental effects of the material. The European Commission's Joint Research Centre, Institute for Prospective Technological Studies (EC JRC-IPTS) has established general guidelines for the development of EoW criteria for waste materials. Furthermore, the JRC-IPTS has carried out a number of studies leading to proposals for European end-of-waste criteria for certain waste streams and it has launched a number of preliminary studies to collect in-depth background information about certain important aspects of possible future candidate materials for end-of-waste. In this context, the JRC-IPTS had launched a call for tender for a study on the methodological aspects regarding limit values for pollutants in aggregates in the context of the development of end-of-waste criteria, i.e. addressing the above mentioned requirement to prevent adverse environmental or human health impacts. More specifically, the study had the following objectives: ? to identify and assess the pollution risks of using aggregates derived from waste; ? to review how the use of aggregates is regulated today in the EU with respect to avoiding pollution; ? to assess the need for including limit values for pollutants in possible end-of-waste criteria; ? to assess the suitability of different types of limit values; ? to identify and assess the different methodological approaches for deriving pollutant limit values; and ? to identify the most suitable testing approaches and methods, including simplified modes of compliance. The study focuses primarily on environmental risks and limit values associated with leaching of substances from aggregates in relation to EoW whereas the prevention of environmental and human health impacts related to the composition of the aggregates is discussed more briefly. The study was started in 2011 by DHI (Denmark) in cooperation with ECN and Hans van der Sloot Consultancy and this report describes the study and the resulting findings and proposals.


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