BDO ex code - what does it mean and when does it need to be used?

Code ex in the BDO is not a separate, new waste code, but a designation used for those items in the waste catalogue where the regulation narrows the scope of a particular type of waste. The official explanatory note to the regulations indicates explicitly that preceding the waste code with the letters „ex” This means that such a code covers only the types of waste specified in column two of the table. In practice, this means that the „ex” specifies the scope of the code in question and should not be regarded as a mere technical addition. From the point of view of the BDO user, therefore, the most important thing is that the designation ex is only used if it results from the correct classification of the waste in the catalogue and not because the system provides such a box to be ticked.

When the „code ex” box should be checked in the BDO”

If the waste is classified under a code appearing in the catalogue indicating ex, search for the correct code and type of waste in the BDO system, tick the box „ex code” and complete the field „waste type ex”. The same logic is shown by the official BDO instructions in several modules of the system, including the Waste Transfer Note, Hazardous Waste Record Card, ordinary Waste Record Card and in the reporting section. This is important, because users often think that the ex designation applies only to records or only to reports, while in practice it should be retained wherever the type of waste is documented according to the catalogue.

Ex-code vs. change in hazardous waste status - not the same thing

One of the most common mistakes is to equate code ex with the procedure for reclassifying hazardous waste as non-hazardous waste. Meanwhile, in the BDO manuals themselves, these are two separate functions: next to the field „ex code” there is a separate field „change of status of hazardous waste to non-hazardous waste”.”. This means that the ex-code is used to correctly map an item in the waste catalogue, whereas a change in hazardous waste status is a separate procedure under the Waste Act and requires a separate legal and documentary basis. In practice, an entrepreneur should not tick the „code ex” box just because he wants to demonstrate that the waste is not hazardous. The correct code must first be established and only then correctly mapped into the system.

How to avoid errors when using the ex code in BDO

The greatest risk arises when a company chooses a waste code „by shortcut”, without checking whether the catalogue provides for it to be narrowed down with a designation of ex or whether the item matches the actual waste type at all. In practice, a safe sequence should look like this: firstly, determining the correct code according to the waste catalogue, then checking whether the code appears with the designation ex, and only then to map it correctly in BDO by ticking the appropriate box and entering the waste type ex. This is particularly important in companies that carry out their own record-keeping and reporting, as misclassification of waste can then affect KPOs, record cards and annual reports. Therefore, the phrase „code ex BDO” is in practice a question not only about the operation of the system, but above all about the correct classification of the waste.

Frequently asked questions

You have doubts as to whether your company needs to use ex code in BDO, how to classify your waste correctly or how to avoid errors in your records and reports? Contact us Ekopro Group will help you to check your responsibilities, organise your records and answer your questions about BDO. Go to „Contact” and make use of our support.