01Why Waste and recycling needs specialised logistics
Waste logistics moves waste and recycling streams — often cross-border and with demanding documentation duties (Basel Convention, Annex lists).
Requirements differ significantly from standard LCL logistics: different documents, different equipment, different safety standards.
02Typical goods and trade flows
Main commodities: Scrap metal, paper, plastics, waste electronics (WEEE), batteries, hazardous waste.
Flows usually go from a small number of production and raw-material sources to global distribution centres. Transit time, frequency and capacity booking are therefore critical.
03Equipment and packaging
Roll containers, skips, baled loads (paper, metal, plastic), hazardous-waste drums, tanks for liquid waste.
Equipment choice directly affects transport cost, CO₂ footprint and damage rate. Recommendation: agree an equipment concept with the carrier before requesting the first quote.
04Compliance and regulatory framework
Key frameworks: Basel Convention, EU Waste Shipment Regulation 1013/2006, Annex III/IV, notifications, ADR for hazardous waste.
Beyond those, industry-specific certificates and audits (e.g. supplier audits, AEO, TAPA) are typically prerequisites for market access.
Frequently asked questions
Which Incoterm should I use for Waste and recycling?
In practice, DAP / FCA is the industry default. The final choice depends on country, sales model and tax situation — always have the term reviewed by customs and tax advisers before contract.
Which regulations are most critical?
The frameworks named above — particularly Basel Convention, EU Waste Shipment Regulation 1013/2006 — should be embedded in your SOPs and audit programme.