7.3.1—Waste classification
- Syllabus
- First assessment 2026
- Objective
- 7.3.1
- Level
- HL
Classify Waste on Two Axes
Waste can be classified on two independent axes: where it comes from (source) and what kind of material or hazard it is (type).
| Axis | Required categories | What it tells us |
|---|---|---|
| Source | domestic, industrial, agricultural | activity and responsible producer |
| Type | e-waste, food waste, biohazardous material | composition, hazard and suitable handling |
A discarded computer from a household is domestic by source and e-waste by type; the two labels answer different questions.
Source does not determine type: domestic waste can include food, e-waste or biohazardous material.