Overview
EN ISO 24161:2024 (ISO 24161:2022) is a harmonized vocabulary for waste collection and transportation management. Adopted by CEN in May 2024, this standard defines commonly used terms and definitions to align national and international terminology across waste collection, storage, transport, recycling, treatment and disposal activities. Its primary goal is to reduce ambiguity and enable clear communication among regulators, operators, manufacturers and other stakeholders in the waste management sector.
Key topics
The standard organizes terms into practical categories and includes definitions and notes for industry use. Major topic areas include:
- Waste management and policy
- Concepts such as 3Rs (reduce, reuse, recycle), extended producer responsibility (EPR), pay-as-you-throw (PAYT) and integrated waste management.
- Waste categories
- Common waste streams: agricultural waste, biomass, bulky waste, construction and demolition (C&D) waste, e‑waste, hazardous waste, household waste, horticultural waste, and incinerable waste.
- Waste management facilities and processes
- Terminology covering treatment, recovery and disposal activities (vocabulary supports consistent use for transfer stations, treatment plants and disposal operations).
- Collection and transportation
- Terms for personnel, vehicles and associated equipment, storage and collection methods, containers and collection points.
- Reference resources and structure
- The document contains an indexed vocabulary structure and points users to ISO Online Browsing Platform and IEC Electropedia for further terminology references.
Note: EN ISO 24161:2024 contains no normative references and is intended as a descriptive vocabulary rather than a prescriptive technical specification.
Practical applications
EN ISO 24161:2024 is designed for broad practical use:
- Municipalities and local authorities standardizing tender documents, service contracts and operating procedures for waste collection and transport.
- Waste collection and logistics operators and fleet managers for consistent equipment, vehicle and personnel terminology.
- Equipment manufacturers and technology providers to ensure interoperability and clear specification of products and interfaces.
- Regulators, policymakers and legal experts drafting laws, guidelines or enforcement documents.
- Researchers, trainers and consultants developing curricula, reports or comparative studies across jurisdictions.
Who should use it
- Waste management companies
- Public authorities and environmental agencies
- Standards developers and conformity assessment bodies
- Product and vehicle manufacturers in the waste sector
- Academics and training organizations focused on waste systems
Related standards
- ISO 24161:2022 (original international edition) - adopted as EN ISO 24161:2024
- Terminology databases: ISO OBP and IEC Electropedia (referenced for standardization work)
Using EN ISO 24161:2024 as a common vocabulary improves clarity in contracts, operation manuals, regulations and cross-border projects in waste collection and transportation management.
