Conditions for using the R and D codes. Analysis of the current situation and construction of collective proposals

Summary

In a bid to standardise waste treatment and recovery operations, codes for recovery operations (R1 to R13) and disposal operations (D1 to D15) have been defined internationally by the Basel Convention (1992). However, there is a major problem associated with the use of these codes. The 188 signatory countries differ in the way they interpret the codes and in the errors made in assigning them. This lack of harmonisation in the allocation of R and D codes has a direct impact on producers and waste processors/recoverers, as well as on national and European authorities, particularly in terms of :  - the collection of statistical data on waste recovery and disposal operations, - the provision of information to producers on the fate and traceability of waste from their activities. The work carried out here has enabled a detailed analysis to be made of current practices in 8 EU member states (Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom), and has put forward some very practical proposals for making better use of these 28 codes.