ASTM E2979-22

Standard Classification for Discarded Materials from Manufacturing Facilities and Associated Support Facilities

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This classification can be used to classify material outputs from manufacturing facilities and associated support facilities. This classification does not include classification of emissions to air or water.  
4.2 This classification can be used to classify discarded materials for marketing claims associated with discarded materials generation and development of consistent tracking metrics for manufacturing facilities.
SCOPE
1.1 This standard classifies discarded materials from manufacturing facilities and associated on-site support facilities.  
1.2 This classification system is based on classification, location, disposition, and treatment.  
1.3 This classification does not purport to address or supersede proper waste disposal required by laws and regulations.  
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 30-Apr-2022
• ICS: 13.030.99 - Other standards related to wastes
• Technical Committee: E60 - Sustainability
• Drafting Committee: E60.13 - Sustainable Manufacturing

Relations

• Refers: ASTM E2987/E2987M-18 - Standard Terminology for Sustainable Manufacturing
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2018
• Refers: ASTM E2987/E2987M-17 - Standard Terminology for Sustainable Manufacturing
• Effective Date: 15-Oct-2017
• Refers: ASTM E2114-17 - Standard Terminology for Sustainability Relative to the Performance of Buildings
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2017
• Refers: ASTM E2987/E2987M-16 - Standard Terminology for Sustainable Manufacturing
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2016
• Refers: ASTM E2114-08 - Standard Terminology for Sustainability Relative to the Performance of Buildings
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2008
• Refers: ASTM E2114-06a - Standard Terminology for Sustainability Relative to the Performance of Buildings
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2006
• Refers: ASTM E2114-06 - Standard Terminology for Sustainability Relative to the Performance of Buildings
• Effective Date: 15-Feb-2006
• Refers: ASTM E2114-05a - Standard Terminology for Sustainability Relative to the Performance of Buildings
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2005
• Refers: ASTM E2114-05 - Standard Terminology for Sustainability Relative to the Performance of Buildings
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2005
• Refers: ASTM E2114-04 - Standard Terminology for Sustainability Relative to the Performance of Buildings
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2004
• Refers: ASTM E2114-00a - Standard Terminology for Sustainability Relative to the Performance of Buildings
• Effective Date: 10-Feb-2001
• Refers: ASTM E2114-01 - Standard Terminology for Sustainability Relative to the Performance of Buildings
• Effective Date: 10-Feb-2001

Overview

ASTM E2979-22, Standard Classification for Discarded Materials from Manufacturing Facilities and Associated Support Facilities, establishes a comprehensive classification system for discarded materials generated within manufacturing operations and related support areas. This internationally recognized standard provides a structured approach for categorizing discarded materials based on their origin, regulatory status, location, disposition, and treatment process.

By implementing ASTM E2979-22, organizations gain practical tools to effectively track, report, and manage various waste streams. This standard plays a significant role in supporting sustainability initiatives, waste reduction strategies, and marketing claims related to material reuse and recycling.

Key Topics

• Material Origin and Type: Distinguishes between process discarded materials (materials directly related to manufacturing processes) and non-process discarded materials (wastes generated from ancillary activities such as office work, maintenance, or construction).
• Classification Status: Categorizes materials as regulated, unregulated, hazardous, or special, as determined by relevant laws and agencies. For instance, special materials may include batteries, asbestos, or radioactive substances.
• Location of Disposition: Identifies where the discarded materials are handled, either on-site or off-site.
• Disposition and Final Arrangement: Defines the end fate of discarded materials – whether they are intended for reuse, recycling, or treatment.
• Treatment Methods: Outlines available treatments such as landfilling, incineration, anaerobic digestion, aerobic digestion, or other accepted processes.

Applications

ASTM E2979-22 is widely applicable to a variety of industrial and organizational settings where accurate classification and tracking of discarded materials are essential. Key applications include:

• Manufacturing Facilities: Enables clear documentation and standardized reporting of waste streams, supporting compliance and continuous improvement.
• Sustainability Tracking: Supports organizations in developing consistent tracking metrics for sustainability reporting and life-cycle assessments.
• Marketing and Environmental Claims: Provides the framework needed to substantiate marketing claims related to discarded materials management, recycling, or reuse.
• Internal Waste Auditing: Assists in identifying opportunities for waste reduction, material recovery, and operational efficiencies through systematic waste classification.
• Regulatory Alignment: While not a regulatory standard itself, its classifications align with requirements by referencing relevant federal and international regulations (such as criteria in 40 CFR Part 261 for hazardous waste identification).

Related Standards

Organizations using ASTM E2979-22 may also benefit from familiarity with these related standards and documents:

• ASTM E2114 – Terminology for Sustainability Relative to the Performance of Buildings: Provides key definitions relevant to sustainability in the built environment.
• ASTM E2987/E2987M – Terminology for Sustainable Manufacturing: Defines terms essential for understanding sustainable manufacturing practices.
• 40 CFR Part 261 – Identification and Listing of Hazardous Waste: Outlines the federal criteria for classifying and managing hazardous wastes in the United States.

Practical Value

Adoption of ASTM E2979-22 benefits manufacturers, sustainability officers, compliance managers, and environmental consultants by:

• Promoting standardized waste classification throughout the supply chain
• Facilitating consistent waste tracking for sustainability and compliance objectives
• Enhancing clarity in internal and external communications concerning material disposition
• Enabling organizations to benchmark and improve sustainability performance

By implementing this classification system, manufacturing entities can better manage discarded materials, improve resource efficiency, and advance waste minimization and sustainability objectives in alignment with global best practices.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation:E2979 −22
Standard Classification for
Discarded Materials from Manufacturing Facilities and
Associated Support Facilities
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E2979; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in this
1.1 This standard classifies discarded materials from manu-
classification, refer to Terminologies E2114 and E2987/
facturing facilities and associated on-site support facilities.
E2987M.
1.2 This classification system is based on classification,
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
location, disposition, and treatment.
3.2.1 aerobic digestion, n—process in which micro-
1.3 This classification does not purport to address or super-
organisms break down organic materials(s) in the presence of
sede proper waste disposal required by laws and regulations.
oxygen.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
3.2.2 anaerobic digestion, n—process in which micro-
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
organisms break down organic material(s) in the absence of
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
oxygen.
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
3.2.3 hazardous material, n—material that, because of its
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
quantity, concentration, or characteristics, is capable of: (1)
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
causing, or significantly contributing to, an increase in mortal-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ity or to an increase in serious irreversible, or incapacitating,
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
illness or injury, or (2) posing a present or potential hazard to
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
human health or to the environment when improperly treated,
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
stored, transported, or disposed of, or otherwise managed.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
3.2.3.1 Discussion—The U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency (US EPA) has developed a list of materials that are
2. Referenced Documents
considered hazardous material and has developed criteria and
2.1 ASTM Standards:
test methods to determine if the material has hazardous
E2114 Terminology for Sustainability Relative to the Perfor-
characteristics. These listings and testing criteria can be found
mance of Buildings
in 40 CFR 261.
E2987/E2987M Terminology for Sustainable Manufacturing
3.2.4 landfill, n—disposal site for the deposit of materials
2.2 Federal Standard:
onto or into land under controlled or regulated conditions.
40 CFR Part 261 Identification and Listing of Hazardous
3.2.5 non-process discarded material, n—material gener-
Waste
ated and disposed of at a manufacturing facility that is
unrelated to a manufacturing process.
3.2.5.1 Discussion—Examples include, non-process materi-
This classification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E60 on
als from office activities, construction or demolition projects,
Sustainability and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E60.13 on Sustain-
able Manufacturing.
or ground maintenance.
Current edition approved May 1, 2022. Published May 2022. Originally
approved in 2018. Last previous edition approved in 2018 as E2979–18. DOI:
3.2.6 process discarded material, n—material generated and
10.1520/E2979-22.
disposed of at a manufacturing facility that is related to a
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
manufacturing process.
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
3.2.6.1 Discussion—Disposal of nonconforming process
the ASTM website.
3 materials that cannot be reworked or raw material packaging
Available from U.S. Government Publishing Office (GPO), 732 N. Capitol St.,
NW, Washington, DC 20401, http://www.govinfo.gov. are examples of process discarded material.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E2979−22
3.2.7 regulated material, n—discarded material that is offi- 5.3 Step 2: Classification—Discarded materials shall be
cially classified by relevant local, nati
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: E2979 − 18 E2979 − 22
Standard Classification for
Discarded Materials from Manufacturing Facilities and
Associated Support Facilities
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E2979; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This standard classifies discarded materials from manufacturing facilities and associated on-site support facilities.
1.2 This classification system is based on classification, location, disposition, and treatment.
1.3 This classification does not purport to address or supersede proper waste disposal required by laws and regulations.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of
regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
E2114 Terminology for Sustainability Relative to the Performance of Buildings
E2987/E2987M Terminology for Sustainable Manufacturing
2.2 Federal Standard:
40 CFR Part 261 Identification and Listing of Hazardous Waste
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in this classification, refer to Terminologies E2114 and E2987/E2987M.
3.2 Definitions:Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 aerobic digestion, n—process in which micro-organisms break down organic materials(s) in the presence of oxygen.
3.2.2 anaerobic digestion, n—process in which micro-organisms break down organic material(s) in the absence of oxygen.
3.2.3 hazardous material, n—material that, because of its quantity, concentration, or characteristics, is capable of: (1) causing, or
This classification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E60 on Sustainability and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E60.13 on Sustainable
Manufacturing.
Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2018May 1, 2022. Published February 2018May 2022. Originally approved in 2018. Last previous edition approved in 2018 as E2979–18.
DOI: 10.1520/E2979-18.10.1520/E2979-22.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Available from U.S. Government Publishing Office (GPO), 732 N. Capitol St., NW, Washington, DC 20401, http://www.govinfo.gov.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E2979 − 22
significantly contributing to, an increase in mortality or to an increase in serious irreversible, or incapacitating, illness or injury,
or (2) posing a present or potential hazard to human health or to the environment when improperly treated, stored, transported, or
disposed of, or otherwise managed.
3.2.3.1 Discussion—
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) has developed a list of materials that are considered hazardous material and
has developed criteria and test methods to determine if the material has hazardous characteristics. These listings and testing criteria
can be found in 40 CFR 261.
3.2.4 landfill, n—disposal site for the deposit of materials onto or into land under controlled or regulated conditions.
3.2.5 non-process discarded material, n—material generated and disposed of at a manufacturing facility that is unrelated to a
manufacturing process.
3.2.5.1 Discussion—
Examples include, non-process materials from office activities, construction or demolition projects, or ground maintenance.
3.2.6 process discarded material, n—material generated and disposed of at a manufacturing facility that is related to a
manufacturing process.
3.2.6.1 Discussion—
Disposal of nonconforming process materials that cannot be reworked or raw material packaging are examples of process discarded
material.
3.2.7 regulated material, n—discarded material that is officially classified by relevant local, national, or international agencies or
...