2.2 Definition of Waste

The definition of waste given in Council Directive 75/442/EEC (Waste Framework) as amended by Council Directive 91/156/EEC is any substance or object in the categories set out in Annex 1 which the holder discards or intends or is required to discard. The Directive excludes from its scope gaseous effluents emitted into the atmosphere and, where they are already covered by other legislation radioactive waste; waste resulting from prospecting, extraction, treatment and storage of mineral resources and the working of quarries; animal carcasses and the following agricultural wastes; faecal matter and other natural non-dangerous substances used in farming; waste waters with the exception of waste in liquid form; and decommissioned explosives.