End of Waste

The metal industry plays a crucial role in modern economies, but it also has a significant environmental footprint. To mitigate this, the European Union has introduced various legislations aimed at promoting sustainable practices. One such important regulation is the End of Waste (EoW) legislation, known as Council Regulation (EU) 715/2013 of 25th July 2013.

What is End of Waste (EoW) Legislation?

End of Waste (EoW) legislation is designed to define when certain waste ceases to be waste and becomes a product or a secondary raw material. The primary objective of EoW is to facilitate recycling and promote the use of secondary materials, thereby reducing the dependency on virgin resources and minimizing environmental impacts. For a material to achieve EoW status, it must meet specific criteria:

  • Common Usage: The material must be commonly used for specific purposes.
  • Market Demand: There must be a market or demand for the material.
  • Technical Requirements: The material must meet technical requirements and
    standards for its intended use.
  • Environmental Impact: The use of the material should not lead to overall adverse
    environmental or human health impacts.

EU Regulation No. 715/2013: Specifics for Brass and Bronze Rods

EU Regulation No. 715/2013 lays out the criteria under which copper-based scrap, including brass and bronze scraps, can achieve EoW status. The legislation details the quality and treatment requirements that must be met for these materials to be considered no longer waste. This includes:

  • Quality Requirements:
    • The copper content must be sufficiently high to be recycled efficiently.
    • The material must be free from hazardous substances as well as non-metallic impurities.
  • Possible Treatment Processes:
    • Collection and Sorting: Efficient collection and sorting of scrap materials to ensure purity.
    • Shredding and Cleaning: Mechanical processes to shred the scrap and remove any residual contaminants.
    • Melting and Refining: High-temperature processes to melt the scrap and refineit into pure brass or bronze.
  • Documentation:
    • Detailed records of the entire process from collection to final product.
    • Traceability documentation to track the material through the supply chain.
Why Companies Should Partner an End of Waste Certified Recycler

In today’s competitive and environmentally conscious market, companies are increasingly seeking ways to enhance their sustainability efforts while optimizing their operations. Here’s why partnering with an EoW certified recycler is a smart move for businesses:

1. Environmental Responsibility
Commitment to Sustainability: By selling scraps to an EoW certified Recycler, companies demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and responsible waste management. EoW certification ensures that the materials are recycled and repurposed in an environmentally friendly manner, contributing to the circular economy. Conservation of Natural Resources: Recycling scrap materials conserves natural resources by reducing the need for mining and extracting virgin raw materials. This helps preserve ecosystems and reduces the strain on natural resources.

2. Economic Advantages
Cost Savings: Selling scraps to an EoW certified Recycler can be financially beneficial. Companies can generate better revenues from selling their scrap materials. This can improve the overall financial health of the business. Access to a Stable Market: EoW certified Recyclers often have established strong markets for recycled materials. This ensures a stable demand for scrap materials, providing companies with a reliable outlet for their waste.

3. Compliance and Risk Management
Regulatory Compliance: EoW certification involves adherence to strict regulatory standards for waste treatment and recycling. By selling scraps to a certified Recycler, companies can ensure compliance with local and international environmental regulations, avoiding potential legal issues and fines.

Future-Proofing: As environmental regulations continue to evolve, partnering with an EoW certified Recycler helps companies stay ahead of regulatory changes. This proactive approach can mitigate risks associated with future regulatory shifts. Enhanced Traceability: EoW certified Recyclers maintain detailed records and documentation of the recycling process. This traceability ensures accountability and transparency, providing companies with peace of mind that their scrap materials are being handled responsibly.

4. Enhanced Corporate Reputation
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): Selling scraps to an EoW certified Recycler aligns with corporate social responsibility goals. It showcases the company's dedication to sustainable practices and responsible resource management. Carbon reduction statements compliant with the Corporate Sustainability Report Directive ( CSRD) are available to support your annual ESG Reporting with actual impact numbers.
Positive Brand Image: Businesses that prioritize sustainability and responsible waste management enhance their brand image. This can attract environmentally conscious customers, investors, and partners, ultimately boosting the company’s reputation and market position.

5. Contribution to the Circular Economy
Resource Efficiency: The circular economy model focuses on resource efficiency, maximizing the value of materials throughout their lifecycle. By participating in this model, companies contribute to a more sustainable and resilient economy. Innovation and Collaboration: Partnering with EoW certified Recyclers can lead to innovative solutions for waste management and recycling. Collaboration between companies and certified Recyclers can drive advancements in sustainable practices and technologies.

Our Commitment to Sustainability

We are proud to announce that OYO Alloys has been End of Waste (EoW) certified since 2023. Achieving this certification involved rigorous processes to ensure our internal processes and products meet all EoW criteria. This certification highlights our commitment to sustainability and provides our customers with high-quality, environmentally friendly services.

Conclusion and Call to Action

We encourage industry professionals to embrace these practices and explore the opportunities that EoW compliance can bring. For more information or to explore partnership opportunities, please contact us via info@oyo-
alloys.com. Our team of experts is ready to help you navigate the process and realize the full potential of sustainable waste management.