TS 11708

TS 11708 is a terminology standard for solid wastes, establishing a common vocabulary for the terms used in this field and for their classification. In waste management, clear terminology matters because it helps different organisations describe the same material consistently and compare classification results without ambiguity.

Purpose of the solid-waste terminology

The focus of this standard is the meaning and organisation of the core terms used in the solid-waste domain. In general technical practice, terminology standards collect definitions, reduce confusion, support consistent record-keeping, and make distinctions between waste types easier to apply. Solid waste generally refers to waste in a solid physical form that may be handled for disposal, recovery, storage, or treatment; the value of this standard lies in the naming and classification language it provides rather than in prescribing operational waste-management procedures.

Why classification consistency matters

Waste classification may be based on origin, hazardous character, composition, or the way the waste is managed. A terminology standard supports consistent use of the language behind those distinctions. This is useful across training, field operations, laboratory records, municipal and industrial inventories, where inconsistent wording can lead to different interpretations of the same material. TS 11708 is limited to the definitions of terms related to solid wastes and their classification; it should not be read as a full operational standard for waste-handling processes.

• Defines terms used in the solid-waste field.
• Provides a conceptual framework for classifying those terms.
• Supports consistent terminology in waste management.
• Helps align interpretations across organisations and sectors.