Overview
EN ISO 21640:2021 - Solid recovered fuels: Specifications and classes (ISO 21640:2021) defines a harmonized classification and specification system for solid recovered fuels (SRF) produced from non‑hazardous waste. The standard is intended to enable trade, safe use and regulatory reporting of SRF while supporting environmental protection. It replaces EN 15359:2011 and was adopted by CEN as EN ISO 21640:2021.
Key points:
- Applies to SRF produced from non‑hazardous waste (municipal, industrial, commercial, construction/demolition, sewage sludge, etc.).
- Untreated municipal solid waste is not SRF as such but can be feedstock for SRF production.
- Focuses on classification at the point after production up to delivery (trade and storage).
Key Topics
The standard covers technical and procedural requirements essential for consistent SRF use and trade:
- Classification system: Categorizes SRF classes based on principal properties (notably net calorific value (NCV), chlorine (Cl) and mercury (Hg) boundary values).
- Specification template: Annex A provides a template listing mandatory and optional fuel characteristics to be declared for each SRF product.
- Obligatory vs non‑obligatory properties: Clause 7 distinguishes properties that must be specified (e.g., calorific value, moisture, ash) and those that can be optionally declared.
- Traded forms and origin: Defines forms in which SRF are supplied and information about feedstock/origin to improve traceability.
- Compliance and conformity: Clauses 8–9 set rules for demonstrating compliance with class boundaries, start‑up and change procedures, exemptions and declaration of conformity.
- Sampling and test methods: Normative references include ISO 21637 (vocabulary), ISO 21645 (sampling), ISO 21654 (calorific value), ISO 21656 (ash content) and ISO 21660‑3 (moisture), ensuring consistent measurement practice.
- Informative annexes: Provide guidance on fuel preparation, conformity templates, statistical calculations (median, percentiles) and worked examples.
Applications
Who uses EN ISO 21640:2021 and why:
- SRF producers and processors - to classify products, create specifications and support quality control.
- SRF traders and storage operators - to ensure traded fuels meet buyer expectations and regulatory requirements.
- Energy conversion facilities (co‑incineration, cement kilns, power plants) - to select suitable SRF that meet process and emission constraints.
- Accredited testing laboratories - to apply standardized sampling and test methods for conformity assessment.
- Regulators and permit authorities - to evaluate SRF declarations, permits and environmental reporting.
- Equipment manufacturers - to design combustion and feeding systems matched to SRF classes.
Related Standards
EN ISO 21640:2021 provides a practical, market‑oriented framework to increase transparency, safety and environmental compliance in the production, trade and use of solid recovered fuels.
