Euralcodes: What Are They, and Why Are They Important for Industrial Scrap?

A Euracode is a European code used to classify waste materials, including scrap metal. If you work with industrial scrap, you need a Euracode to properly register and document your shipment. Without the correct Euracode, you’ll run into problems during transport, processing, or an environmental inspection.

Yet many companies don’t know exactly what a Euracode is, even though they encounter it in every transport and processing operation. Below, you’ll learn what a Euracode is, why it’s required for scrap metal, and how to find the correct Euracode for your metal stream.

What exactly is a Eurocode?

A EURAL code is a six-digit code from the European Waste List, also known as the EURAL Waste List. That list contains hundreds of codes, each of which describes a specific category of waste. For metal waste, there are separate codes for each type of metal and origin.

The code begins with two digits for the main category (chapters 01–20), followed by two digits for the subchapter and two digits for the specific waste material. This tells you what type of waste it is and where it comes from.

Hazardous waste is identified by an asterisk (*) following the Euralcode.

With industrial scrap, the material comes from a variety of sources, and that is the primary factor in determining which code you need. Commonly used Eural codes for metal can be found in Chapter 17, which covers construction and demolition waste. This includes metal generated during demolition and dismantling. In addition, Chapters 11, 12, and 16 contain codes for waste from, among other things, chemical surface treatment, mechanical metalworking, and specific waste streams not listed elsewhere in the list.

Why are Euralcodes required for scrap metal?

Short answer: It is required by law, including through the Decree on the Reporting of Commercial Waste and Hazardous Waste.

Anyone disposing of waste must describe the waste and assign it a Euralcode. This also applies to scrap metal sent to a metal recycling company such as Krommenhoek Metals.

But it's more than just a checkmark on a form. The Euralcode:

• Indicates whether a waste material is hazardous or non-hazardous.
• Is required on waste transport documentation, such as a consignment note.
• This serves as the basis for your mandatory waste records and any audits. Certain records must be retained for five years.
• Helps demonstrate supply chain accountability at certified companies.

If you work with ISO 14001 or another management system, you know how important it is to have this in order. A mistake in the classification can quickly lead to re-registration, a fine, or problems during an audit.

Krommenhoek Metals holds various certifications and accreditations, including ISO 9001, ISO 14001, WEEELABEX Collection & Logistics, the MRF seal of approval, BIR Gold Member status, and the End of Waste certificate. The documentation you receive from us is fully aligned with these standards.

How do you determine the correct Euralcode for your scrap metal?

When determining the correct Euralcode, you should consider three questions: What is the origin and source of the waste? What is its composition? And is the waste hazardous or not? Based on these factors, look up the most appropriate code in the Euralcode list.

Below is a list of commonly used Euralcodes for scrap metal:

Please note: The correct Euralcode is determined not only by the type of metal, but also by the origin, the production process, and any hazardous properties of the waste material.

Not sure which Euralcode applies to your waste material? Then ask a certified processor for expert advice. Krommenhoek Metals has been helping business customers with exactly these kinds of practical questions since 1925. A photo or brief description sent through our WhatsApp service is often all it takes to get you started.

What makes a Euralcode dangerous, and what does that mean for your scrap metal?

In the Eural waste list, some codes are marked with an asterisk (*). This symbol indicates that the waste is classified as hazardous. For metal waste, for example, this may be the case when the material is contaminated with hazardous substances, such as certain oils, coolants, paints, or other hazardous residues.

Hazardous waste follows a different, often more expensive disposal process and requires additional documentation. Transportation and disposal must comply with the applicable legal requirements. If you handle this incorrectly, you may be held liable as the disposer.

Proper sorting and classification therefore pays off twice over. It prevents legal problems and has a direct impact on your revenue. Clean, sorted metal generally fetches higher scrap prices than a mixed or contaminated batch. It’s that simple.

How does proper sorting lead to a higher yield?

If you sort your scrap metal by composition and assign the correct Euralcode to it, you’ll get more out of it. Not because you’ll have more weight, but because a processor can more easily market a pure stream on the international metals market.

In practice, this means:

• Keep copper, aluminum, and stainless steel separate from iron and steel.
• Please submit contaminated or mixed fractions separately.
• Document the origin of the material to ensure the correct Euralcode is selected.
• For large volumes, request a container service so that sorting can begin on-site.

Krommenhoek Metals handles the entire process in-house, from collection to processing. This means you know exactly what happens to your metal and how much it’s worth. For us, transparency regarding scrap prices and weighing isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s the standard.

Krommenhoek Metals has been active in the metal trade and metal recycling since 1925. It is a family-owned business with Royal Warrant status, a customer rating of 4.75 out of 5, and two locations: Keenstraat 28 in Rotterdam (for vehicles up to 4 metric tons) and Maasdijkseweg 138 in Wateringen.

That experience is reflected in how we classify, document, and process metal.

Frequently Asked Questions About Euralcodes

What exactly is a Eurocode?

A Euracode is a six-digit code from the European Waste List used to classify a type of waste. The code indicates the type of waste and the process from which it originates. An asterisk (*) indicates that the waste is classified as hazardous. For metal waste, the code plays an important role in mandatory waste registration and transport documentation.

As a company, am I required to use a Eurocode?

Yes. Companies that dispose of waste must classify it correctly using the appropriate Euralcode wherever regulations require it. This also applies to metal waste and scrap. Without proper classification, you risk fines and problems during environmental inspections.

How do I know which Euralcode applies to my scrap metal?

That depends on the material, its origin, the manufacturing process, and any contaminants or hazardous properties. Use the Euralcode list as a starting point. A useful online resource is www.euralcode.nl. If you’re unsure, we can help you determine the Euralcode based on your specific situation.

What does an asterisk next to a Eurocode mean?

An asterisk (*) indicates that the waste is classified as hazardous. This may require additional documentation and a specific disposal route. Metal waste contaminated with hazardous substances, such as certain oils or coolants, may fall under this category.

Does the Euralcode affect the price I receive for my scrap metal?

Indirectly, yes. A well-sorted, uncontaminated metal stream generally yields a higher return than mixed or contaminated waste. Sorting and proper classification can thus directly affect the scrap price you receive.