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Abfallschlüssel 16 02 14 und 16 02 13*
In brief
The waste codes 16 02 14 and 16 02 13* come from the German Waste Catalogue Ordinance (Abfallverzeichnis-Verordnung, AVV) and designate used electrical and electronic equipment from commerce and industry. 16 02 14 stands for devices without hazardous components, 16 02 13* with an asterisk for devices that contain hazardous components. In the disposal of retired IT, the code determines which obligations and documentation apply.
The codes at a glance
The AVV assigns every waste a six-digit Waste code . An asterisk marks hazardous waste. Group 16 02 covers waste from electrical and electronic equipment.
| Code | Designation according to the AVV | Hazardous? |
|---|---|---|
| 16 02 13* | Discarded equipment containing hazardous components other than those mentioned in 16 02 09 to 16 02 12 | Yes |
| 16 02 14 | Discarded equipment other than that mentioned in 16 02 09 to 16 02 13 | No |
| 16 02 15* | Hazardous components removed from discarded equipment | Yes |
| 16 02 16 | Components removed from discarded equipment other than those mentioned in 16 02 15 | No |
Waste electrical equipment from households, by contrast, carries codes from chapter 20, such as 20 01 35* and 20 01 36.
What this means for IT hardware
Which code applies depends on the device and its components. Hazardous components include, for example, certain batteries classified as hazardous, components containing mercury or cathode ray tubes. If a device contains such parts, it is hazardous waste. You agree the exact assignment with the certified waste management company. Stricter documentation obligations apply to hazardous waste. More on this in the guide Certified waste management company and ElektroG.
Second IT disposes of devices that can no longer be recovered as a certified waste management company under § 56 KrWG and issues disposal documentation. This entry does not replace legal advice.
Frequently asked questions about 16 02 14 and 16 02 13*
What does the asterisk on the waste code mean?
It marks hazardous waste. Stricter rules apply to it for collection, transport and documentation.
Is a laptop with a battery 16 02 13*?
There is no blanket answer. What matters is whether the device contains components classified as hazardous. If the battery is removed, device and battery are classified separately.
Who determines the waste code?
In principle the waste producer. In practice, they agree the classification with the disposal company.
Does waste code 16 02 14 also apply to household appliances?
No. The codes 16 02 14 and 16 02 13* designate used devices from commerce and industry. Waste electrical equipment from households, by contrast, carries codes from chapter 20 of the Waste Catalogue Ordinance, such as 20 01 35* and 20 01 36.
Which waste code applies to components removed from devices?
Hazardous components removed from used devices carry the code 16 02 15*. All other removed components fall under 16 02 16. The asterisk here too marks hazardous waste with stricter documentation obligations.
Old devices correctly classified and disposed of – with documentation.
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