> ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://code.dcycle.io/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # Category 4.2: Waste Disposal > Track emissions from disposal and treatment of solid and liquid waste generated at your facilities under ISO 14064-1 ## Understanding Waste Disposal Emissions **Waste generated in operations** covers emissions from third-party disposal and treatment of waste generated in your organization's owned or controlled operations. Under ISO 14064-1 Category 4, this includes: * **Landfill disposal**: Emissions from decomposition of waste in landfills * **Incineration**: Emissions from burning waste (with or without energy recovery) * **Recycling**: Emissions from processing waste for material recovery * **Composting**: Emissions from biological treatment of organic waste * **Waste transport**: Emissions from transporting waste to treatment facilities ``` ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │ ISO 14064-1 CATEGORY 4.2: Waste Generated in Operations │ ├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤ │ │ │ YOUR FACILITIES WASTE TREATMENT │ │ ────────────────── ───────────────── │ │ │ │ ┌──────────────┐ ┌──────────────┐ │ │ │ Office │──┐ ┌───►│ Landfill │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ (D01) │───┐ │ │ └──────────────┘ │ │ └──────────────┘ | │ │ │ ┌──────────┐ │ | │ │ ┌──────────────┐ │ │ Waste │ │ ┌──────────────┐ | │ │ │ Warehouse │──┼───►│ Collect │────┼───►│ Incineration │ | │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ (D10) │───┼ │ │ └──────────────┘ │ └──────────┘ │ └──────────────┘ | │ │ │ │ │ | │ │ ┌──────────────┐ │ │ │ ┌──────────────┐ | │ │ │ Factory │──┘ │ └───►│ Recycling │ | │ │ │ │ │ │ (R03) │───┼ │ │ └──────────────┘ │ └──────────────┘ | │ │ │ | │ │ ┌─────────▼─────────┐ | │ │ │ CATEGORY 4.2 │ | │ │ │ Emissions from │ | │ │ │ waste treatment + │<───────────────────────┘ │ │ │ transport │ │ │ └───────────────────┘ │ │ │ │ EXAMPLE WASTE TYPES: EXAMPLE TREATMENT METHODS: │ │ • Paper/cardboard (150101) • R01-R13: Recovery operations │ │ • Plastics (150102) • D01-D15: Disposal operations │ │ • Mixed packaging (150106) • R03: Recycling │ │ • Organic waste (200108) • R01: Energy recovery │ │ • Electronic waste (160214) • D01: Landfill │ │ • Hazardous waste (various) • D10: Incineration │ │ │ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ ``` **Category 4.2 vs Other Waste-Related Emissions** * **Category 4.2**: Waste generated in your operations, treated by third parties * **Category 5**: End-of-life treatment of products you sell (downstream) * **Category 1**: On-site waste treatment at facilities you own/control (direct emissions) ## Prerequisites Before starting, ensure you have: * Dcycle API credentials ([get them here](/docs/quickstart#step-1-get-your-api-key)) * Completed [ISO 14064 Tutorial](/guides/emissions/iso-14064-tutorial) * At least one facility created * Waste manifests or invoices from your waste management provider **Using the Dcycle App?** You can track waste through our web interface: * [Upload waste invoices](https://scribehow.com/shared/How_to_upload_waste_management_documents__xGVqFqA5RH6vT4p6q1-bKA) ([ES](https://scribehow.com/shared/Como_subir_documentos_de_gestion_de_residuos__rYt4xZ0rQUaKdJHLp2Vq4w)) - Automatic PDF extraction * Manual entry for individual waste records ## Data Map: Category 4.2 Requirements Overview ``` ┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │ CATEGORY 4.2 DATA REQUIREMENTS OVERVIEW │ ├────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤ │ │ │ ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │ │ │ WASTE RECORD (Per waste entry) │ │ │ ├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ Required Fields Optional Fields │ │ │ │ ────────────────── ────────────────── │ │ │ │ • facility_id • rd_code (treatment code) │ │ │ │ • ler_code (LER/LoW code) • identification_name │ │ │ │ • quantity (kg) • description │ │ │ │ • start_date • destination │ │ │ │ • end_date • total_km_to_waste_center │ │ │ │ • file_url (supporting doc) │ │ │ │ │ │ │ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ │ │ │ │ ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │ │ │ CALCULATION FLOW │ │ │ ├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ LER Code + RD Code ──► Waste Emission Factor (kg CO₂e/kg) │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ Quantity (kg) ─────────────────┼──► Treatment Emissions │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ Distance (km) ─────────────────┼──► Transport Emissions │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ Total CO₂e = (Quantity × Waste EF) + (ton-km × Transport EF) │ │ │ │ │ │ │ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ │ │ │ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ ``` ## Understanding Waste Codes ### LER Codes (European List of Waste) The **LER code** (also called LoW code) is a 6-digit code that identifies the type of waste according to the European List of Waste. Common examples: | LER Code | Description | Category | | --------- | --------------------------------- | ------------- | | `150101` | Paper and cardboard packaging | Non-hazardous | | `150102` | Plastic packaging | Non-hazardous | | `150103` | Wooden packaging | Non-hazardous | | `150106` | Mixed packaging | Non-hazardous | | `200108` | Biodegradable kitchen waste | Non-hazardous | | `200301` | Mixed municipal waste | Non-hazardous | | `160214` | Electronic equipment | Non-hazardous | | `150110*` | Packaging with hazardous residues | Hazardous | | `160601*` | Lead batteries | Hazardous | **Hazardous Waste** LER codes ending with an asterisk (\*) indicate hazardous waste. These typically have different emission factors and require special handling documentation. ### RD Codes (Treatment Methods) The **RD code** identifies the treatment or disposal method. It consists of R (Recovery) or D (Disposal) followed by a 2-digit number: **Recovery Operations (R codes):** | Code | Description | Typical Impact | | ----- | ------------------------------------------- | -------------- | | `R01` | Energy recovery (incineration with energy) | Medium | | `R02` | Solvent reclamation | Low | | `R03` | Recycling/reclamation of organic substances | Low | | `R04` | Recycling/reclamation of metals | Low | | `R05` | Recycling/reclamation of other inorganics | Low | | `R10` | Land treatment (composting) | Low | | `R12` | Exchange of waste for recovery | Variable | | `R13` | Storage pending recovery | N/A | **Disposal Operations (D codes):** | Code | Description | Typical Impact | | ----- | ---------------------------------------------- | -------------- | | `D01` | Deposit into or onto land (landfill) | High | | `D02` | Land treatment (not composting) | Medium | | `D09` | Physico-chemical treatment | Medium | | `D10` | Incineration on land (without energy recovery) | High | | `D14` | Repackaging prior to disposal | N/A | | `D15` | Storage pending disposal | N/A | **When RD Code is Unknown** A single LoW/LER code can be associated with multiple treatment methods (RD codes), each with different emission factors. If the RD code is not provided, Dcycle automatically uses the **average emission factor** across all possible treatment methods for that waste type. For more accurate emissions calculations, provide the RD code when known from your waste management documentation. ## Emission Factors Dcycle uses waste emission factors derived from the [IPCC Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories](https://www.ipcc.ch/site/assets/uploads/2018/03/5_Waste-1.pdf): **Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)** * Default emission factors for solid waste disposal sites (landfill) * Methane (CH₄) emissions from anaerobic decomposition * Waste incineration factors for CO₂ and N₂O * Covers all standard waste categories and treatment methods **By disposal/recovery method:** * **Landfill (D01)**: CH₄ from organic decomposition, based on IPCC default methane correction factors * **Incineration (D10/R01)**: CO₂ from fossil carbon content + N₂O from combustion * **Recycling (R03-R05)**: Processing emissions, often offset by avoided virgin material * **Composting (R10)**: CH₄ and N₂O from biological treatment **Waste transport to treatment facility:** * Based on average truck emissions (Ecoinvent) * Calculated using: `(quantity_kg / 1000) × distance_km × transport_ef` * Default transport EF: \~0.1 kg CO₂e per ton-km ## Recording Waste Data ### Create Waste Records | Field | Type | Required | Description | Example | | -------------------------- | ------ | -------- | ------------------------- | ----------------------- | | `facility_id` | UUID | ✅ | Facility generating waste | `"facility-uuid"` | | `ler_code` | string | ✅ | 6-digit LER/LoW code | `"150101"` | | `quantity` | number | ✅ | Waste quantity (kg) | `500` | | `start_date` | date | ✅ | Period start | `"2024-01-01"` | | `end_date` | date | ✅ | Period end | `"2024-03-31"` | | `rd_code` | string | ❌ | Treatment method code | `"R03"` | | `identification_name` | string | ❌ | Reference (invoice #) | `"WM-2024-001"` | | `description` | string | ❌ | Waste description | `"Office paper waste"` | | `destination` | string | ❌ | Treatment facility name | `"Green Recycling Ltd"` | | `total_km_to_waste_center` | number | ❌ | Distance to treatment | `25` | **Where to get this data:** * **LER code**: Waste manifest or transfer note from waste collector * **RD code**: Waste management invoice or certificate * **Quantity**: Weighbridge ticket or estimated from container size * **Distance**: Address of treatment facility (or ask waste provider) Track individual waste disposal from your facilities: ```python Python theme={"theme":{"light":"github-light","dark":"github-dark"}} import requests import os headers = { "Authorization": f"Bearer {os.getenv('DCYCLE_API_KEY')}", "Content-Type": "application/json", "x-organization-id": os.getenv("DCYCLE_ORG_ID"), "x-user-id": os.getenv("DCYCLE_USER_ID"), } # Get your facility ID facilities = requests.get( "https://api.dcycle.io/v1/facilities", headers=headers, params={"page": 1, "size": 100} ).json() facility_id = facilities['items'][0]['id'] # Example: Office paper recycling waste_data = { "facility_id": facility_id, "ler_code": "150101", # Paper and cardboard packaging "rd_code": "R03", # Recycling "quantity": 500, # 500 kg "start_date": "2024-01-01", "end_date": "2024-03-31", "identification_name": "WM-2024-Q1-001", "description": "Office paper and cardboard waste - Q1 2024", "destination": "Green Recycling Ltd", "total_km_to_waste_center": 25, # Distance to recycling facility } response = requests.post( f"https://api.dcycle.io/v1/facilities/{facility_id}/wastes", headers=headers, json=waste_data ).json() print(f"✅ Waste record created") print(f" ID: {response['id']}") print(f" LER Code: {waste_data['ler_code']}") print(f" Treatment: {waste_data['rd_code']}") print(f" Quantity: {waste_data['quantity']} kg") print(f" CO₂e: {response.get('co2e', 'Calculating...')} kg") print(f" ISO 14064-1 Category: 4.2 (Waste Disposal)") ``` ```javascript JavaScript theme={"theme":{"light":"github-light","dark":"github-dark"}} const axios = require('axios'); const headers = { 'Authorization': `Bearer ${process.env.DCYCLE_API_KEY}`, 'Content-Type': 'application/json', 'x-organization-id': process.env.DCYCLE_ORG_ID, 'x-user-id': process.env.DCYCLE_USER_ID }; // Get your facility ID const facilities = await axios.get( 'https://api.dcycle.io/v1/facilities', { headers, params: { page: 1, size: 100 } } ).then(res => res.data); const facilityId = facilities.items[0].id; // Example: Office paper recycling const wasteData = { facility_id: facilityId, ler_code: '150101', rd_code: 'R03', quantity: 500, start_date: '2024-01-01', end_date: '2024-03-31', identification_name: 'WM-2024-Q1-001', description: 'Office paper and cardboard waste - Q1 2024', destination: 'Green Recycling Ltd', total_km_to_waste_center: 25 }; const response = await axios.post( `https://api.dcycle.io/v1/facilities/${facilityId}/wastes`, wasteData, { headers } ).then(res => res.data); console.log('✅ Waste record created'); console.log(` ID: ${response.id}`); console.log(` LER Code: ${wasteData.ler_code}`); console.log(` Treatment: ${wasteData.rd_code}`); console.log(` Quantity: ${wasteData.quantity} kg`); console.log(` ISO 14064-1 Category: 4.2 (Waste Disposal)`); ``` ### Common Waste Types Example Track multiple waste streams from your facility: ```python theme={"theme":{"light":"github-light","dark":"github-dark"}} # Track all Q1 2024 waste from a facility waste_records = [ { "ler_code": "150101", # Paper/cardboard "rd_code": "R03", # Recycling "quantity": 500, "description": "Office paper and cardboard", }, { "ler_code": "150102", # Plastic "rd_code": "R03", # Recycling "quantity": 150, "description": "Plastic packaging", }, { "ler_code": "200301", # Mixed municipal "rd_code": "D01", # Landfill "quantity": 200, "description": "General office waste (non-recyclable)", }, { "ler_code": "200108", # Organic "rd_code": "R10", # Composting "quantity": 100, "description": "Canteen food waste", }, { "ler_code": "160214", # Electronics "rd_code": "R04", # Metal recovery "quantity": 25, "description": "End-of-life IT equipment", }, ] created_records = [] for waste in waste_records: waste_data = { "facility_id": facility_id, "ler_code": waste["ler_code"], "rd_code": waste["rd_code"], "quantity": waste["quantity"], "start_date": "2024-01-01", "end_date": "2024-03-31", "description": waste["description"], "total_km_to_waste_center": 25, } response = requests.post( f"https://api.dcycle.io/v1/facilities/{facility_id}/wastes", headers=headers, json=waste_data ).json() created_records.append(response) print(f" {waste['description']}: {waste['quantity']} kg → {waste['rd_code']}") print(f"\n✅ Created {len(created_records)} waste records") total_waste = sum(w['quantity'] for w in waste_records) print(f" Total waste: {total_waste} kg") ``` ## Upload Waste Documents (PDF) Dcycle can automatically extract waste data from PDF invoices: ```python theme={"theme":{"light":"github-light","dark":"github-dark"}} import requests import os import base64 headers = { "Authorization": f"Bearer {os.getenv('DCYCLE_API_KEY')}", "x-organization-id": os.getenv("DCYCLE_ORG_ID"), "x-user-id": os.getenv("DCYCLE_USER_ID"), } # Read and encode the PDF file with open("waste_invoice.pdf", "rb") as f: file_content = f.read() # Upload the waste invoice files = { "file": ("waste_invoice.pdf", file_content, "application/pdf"), } data = { "supplier": "generic", # Or specific waste provider if supported "kms_to_waste_center": 25, # Optional: distance to treatment facility } response = requests.post( f"https://api.dcycle.io/v1/facilities/{facility_id}/wastes/upload", headers=headers, files=files, data=data ) if response.status_code == 200: result = response.json() print(f"✅ Waste invoice processed") for waste in result: print(f" LER: {waste.get('ler_code')} | Treatment: {waste.get('rd_code')}") print(f" Quantity: {waste.get('quantity')} kg") print(f" CO₂e: {waste.get('co2e', 'Calculating...')} kg") else: print(f"❌ Upload failed: {response.text}") ``` **Supported Waste Invoice Formats** Dcycle's OCR can extract data from standard waste transfer notes and invoices, including: * Spanish DI (Documento de Identificación) * Standard European waste manifests * Various waste management company formats The system extracts: LER code, quantity, date, and description automatically. ## Bulk Upload Waste Records For organizations with many waste streams, use CSV upload: ### CSV Format ```csv theme={"theme":{"light":"github-light","dark":"github-dark"}} facility_id,ler_code,rd_code,quantity,start_date,end_date,description,destination,kms_to_waste_center "facility-uuid-1","150101","R03",500,"2024-01-01","2024-03-31","Paper recycling","Green Recycling",25 "facility-uuid-1","150102","R03",150,"2024-01-01","2024-03-31","Plastic recycling","Green Recycling",25 "facility-uuid-1","200301","D01",200,"2024-01-01","2024-03-31","General waste","City Landfill",40 "facility-uuid-2","150101","R03",300,"2024-01-01","2024-03-31","Paper recycling","EcoWaste Ltd",15 "facility-uuid-2","200108","R10",75,"2024-01-01","2024-03-31","Food waste","CompostCo",20 ``` **CSV Notes:** * `quantity` is always in kilograms (kg) * `kms_to_waste_center` is optional but recommended for accurate transport emissions * Use the correct facility\_id for each waste record ## Query Category 4.2 Emissions ### Get Waste Totals by Facility ```python theme={"theme":{"light":"github-light","dark":"github-dark"}} import requests import os headers = { "Authorization": f"Bearer {os.getenv('DCYCLE_API_KEY')}", "Content-Type": "application/json", "x-organization-id": os.getenv("DCYCLE_ORG_ID"), "x-user-id": os.getenv("DCYCLE_USER_ID"), } # Get all waste records for a facility response = requests.get( f"https://api.dcycle.io/v1/facilities/{facility_id}/wastes", headers=headers, params={ "start_date": "2024-01-01", "end_date": "2024-12-31", } ).json() print(f"📊 ISO 14064-1 Category 4.2: Waste Generated in Operations (2024)") print("=" * 60) total_quantity = 0 total_co2e = 0 for waste in response.get('items', []): total_quantity += waste['quantity'] total_co2e += waste.get('co2e', 0) print(f" {waste['description'][:30]}: {waste['quantity']} kg → {waste.get('co2e', 0):.1f} kg CO₂e") print("-" * 60) print(f" Total waste: {total_quantity:,.0f} kg") print(f" Total CO₂e: {total_co2e:,.1f} kg ({total_co2e/1000:.2f} tonnes)") ``` ### Analyze by Treatment Method ```python theme={"theme":{"light":"github-light","dark":"github-dark"}} # Group waste by treatment method from collections import defaultdict treatment_summary = defaultdict(lambda: {"quantity": 0, "co2e": 0, "records": 0}) for waste in response.get('items', []): rd_code = waste.get('rd_code', 'Unknown') treatment_summary[rd_code]["quantity"] += waste['quantity'] treatment_summary[rd_code]["co2e"] += waste.get('co2e', 0) treatment_summary[rd_code]["records"] += 1 print("\n📊 Category 4.2 by Treatment Method:") print("-" * 50) treatment_names = { "R01": "Energy recovery", "R03": "Recycling", "R04": "Metal recovery", "R10": "Composting", "D01": "Landfill", "D10": "Incineration", } for rd_code, data in sorted(treatment_summary.items()): name = treatment_names.get(rd_code, rd_code) print(f" {rd_code} ({name}):") print(f" Quantity: {data['quantity']:,.0f} kg") print(f" CO₂e: {data['co2e']:,.1f} kg") print(f" Records: {data['records']}") print() ``` ## Best Practices ### 1. Track All Waste Streams ```python theme={"theme":{"light":"github-light","dark":"github-dark"}} # Ensure comprehensive coverage required_waste_streams = [ {"category": "Paper/Cardboard", "ler_codes": ["150101", "200101"]}, {"category": "Plastics", "ler_codes": ["150102", "200139"]}, {"category": "Glass", "ler_codes": ["150107", "200102"]}, {"category": "Metals", "ler_codes": ["150104", "200140"]}, {"category": "Organic", "ler_codes": ["200108", "200201"]}, {"category": "General/Mixed", "ler_codes": ["200301", "150106"]}, {"category": "Electronics", "ler_codes": ["160214", "200135*"]}, ] # Check coverage tracked_ler_codes = set(w.get('ler_code') for w in response.get('items', [])) print("📋 Waste Stream Coverage:") for stream in required_waste_streams: covered = any(ler in tracked_ler_codes for ler in stream['ler_codes']) status = "✅" if covered else "❌" print(f" {status} {stream['category']}") ``` ### 2. Prioritize High-Impact Waste ```python theme={"theme":{"light":"github-light","dark":"github-dark"}} # Identify waste types with highest emissions waste_by_impact = sorted( response.get('items', []), key=lambda w: w.get('co2e', 0), reverse=True ) print("\n🎯 Top 5 Highest Impact Waste:") for i, waste in enumerate(waste_by_impact[:5], 1): print(f" {i}. {waste['description'][:35]}") print(f" LER: {waste['ler_code']} | Treatment: {waste['rd_code']}") print(f" CO₂e: {waste.get('co2e', 0):,.1f} kg") # Suggest improvement if using disposal if waste.get('rd_code', '').startswith('D'): print(f" 💡 Consider recycling (R03) to reduce emissions") print() ``` ### 3. Track Diversion Rate ```python theme={"theme":{"light":"github-light","dark":"github-dark"}} # Calculate waste diversion from landfill def calculate_diversion_rate(wastes): """Calculate percentage of waste diverted from landfill""" total_quantity = 0 diverted_quantity = 0 for waste in wastes: quantity = waste.get('quantity', 0) rd_code = waste.get('rd_code', '') total_quantity += quantity # R codes (except R13) and some D codes are considered diversion if rd_code.startswith('R') and rd_code != 'R13': diverted_quantity += quantity elif rd_code in ['D09', 'D14']: # Treatment/processing diverted_quantity += quantity if total_quantity > 0: return (diverted_quantity / total_quantity) * 100 return 0 diversion_rate = calculate_diversion_rate(response.get('items', [])) print(f"\n♻️ Waste Diversion Rate: {diversion_rate:.1f}%") if diversion_rate < 50: print(" ⚠️ Below 50% - significant improvement opportunity") elif diversion_rate < 75: print(" 📈 Good progress - target 75%+") else: print(" ✅ Excellent diversion rate!") ``` **Reduction Strategies for Category 4.2** 1. **Reduce waste generation**: Source reduction is the most effective strategy 2. **Increase recycling**: Switch from D01 (landfill) to R03 (recycling) where possible 3. **Composting**: Divert organic waste from landfill to R10 4. **Energy recovery**: If recycling isn't possible, R01 beats D01 5. **Local treatment**: Reduce transport emissions with nearby facilities 6. **Supplier engagement**: Work with waste providers on lower-carbon options ## Troubleshooting ### Issue: LER Code Not Found ```python theme={"theme":{"light":"github-light","dark":"github-dark"}} # Get available LER codes ler_codes = requests.get( "https://api.dcycle.io/v1/waste_efs/ler_codes", headers=headers ).json() print("Available LER codes:") for code in ler_codes[:10]: print(f" {code['low_code']}: {code['low_description']}") # If your code isn't found, try the generic version # e.g., "150101" → check if "1501*" or "15*" exists ``` ### Issue: Unknown Treatment Method ```python theme={"theme":{"light":"github-light","dark":"github-dark"}} # Get available RD codes rd_codes = requests.get( "https://api.dcycle.io/v1/waste_efs/rd_codes", headers=headers ).json() print("Available treatment codes:") for code in rd_codes: print(f" {code['rd_code']}: {code['rd_description']}") ``` ### Issue: Category 4.2 Seems Too Low ```python theme={"theme":{"light":"github-light","dark":"github-dark"}} # Common reasons for underreported waste emissions: checks = { "Missing waste streams": "Check all facilities are tracked", "Incomplete periods": "Ensure full year coverage", "Missing transport": "Add kms_to_waste_center where known", "Contractor waste": "Include waste from on-site contractors", "Construction waste": "Don't forget renovation/construction debris", } print("🔍 Checklist for Category 4.2 completeness:") for issue, action in checks.items(): print(f" ☐ {issue}") print(f" → {action}") ``` ## Next Steps Track capital asset emissions Track purchased goods and services Complete facility management guide Return to Category 4 overview