Overview
ISO 24161:2022 - Waste collection and transportation management - Vocabulary is a first-edition ISO standard (2022) that defines harmonized terms and definitions commonly used in the field of waste collection and transportation management. Prepared by ISO/TC 297, the document provides a common language to reduce ambiguity and support consistent communication across regulations, standards, research, training and operational practice worldwide.
Key topics
The standard organizes terminology into two main areas: waste management and collection & transportation. Key topics covered include:
- Waste management & policy terms
- 3Rs (reduce, reuse, recycle), extended producer responsibility (EPR), pay-as-you-throw (PAYT), integrated waste management, reuse and reduction concepts.
- Waste categories
- Definitions for municipal solid waste (MSW), hazardous waste, e‑waste, organic/food waste, plastic, paper, glass, bulky waste, construction & demolition (C&D) waste, industrial waste, sewage sludge, wood, tyres, etc.
- Notes and examples for specific items (e.g., e‑waste examples: TVs, computers; incineration residues such as bottom ash and fly ash).
- Facilities and processes
- Terms for treatment and handling processes such as baling, compacting, disposal, incineration-related residues, recovery and recycling concepts.
- Collection & transportation elements
- Structured terms for personnel, vehicles and associated equipment, storage and collection methods (vocabulary structure addresses these areas although detailed specifications are not included in the vocabulary).
The document also cross-references established sources (e.g., Basel Convention) and points users to ISO’s Online Browsing Platform and IEC Electropedia for related terminology resources.
Applications and users
ISO 24161:2022 is primarily a vocabulary standard - it does not prescribe technical performance criteria but supports consistency and interoperability across the waste sector. Typical users include:
- Municipal authorities and waste service operators for clear contract and process descriptions
- Regulators and policy makers drafting legislation or guidance (EPR, PAYT, MSW definitions)
- Standards developers and conformity assessment bodies to ensure consistent term use
- Equipment manufacturers and technology providers for interoperable specifications
- Consultants, researchers, educators and trainers working in waste management and circular economy projects
Practical value
- Reduces misunderstanding in multi‑stakeholder projects (operators, regulators, manufacturers)
- Improves clarity in tender documents, regulatory texts and training materials
- Serves as a reference for harmonizing national and international documents
Related resources
- ISO/TC 297 (Waste collection and transportation management)
- ISO Online Browsing Platform (OBP) and IEC Electropedia for additional standard terminology
- Basel Convention references cited for specific waste definitions
Keywords: ISO 24161:2022, waste collection, transportation management, vocabulary, waste categories, municipal solid waste, hazardous waste, EPR, 3Rs.
