Construction and demolition waste

The tables below list waste codes for common construction and demolition waste. You can find additional codes for other waste and advice on how to apply these codes - check the technical guidance on waste . Insulation and asbestos materials Waste status Waste code Insulation containing asbestos Hazardous 17-06-01* Other insulation containing hazardous substances Hazardous 17-06-03* Other insulation materials Non-hazardous 17-06-04 Other construction materials containing asbestos Hazardous 17-06-05* (*) An asterisk at the end of a code means the waste is hazardous. Concrete, bricks, tiles and ceramics This list excludes asbestos-containing materials - refer to the insulation and asbestos materials table for any waste with asbestos. Waste status Waste code Concrete Non-hazardous 17-01-01 Bricks Non-hazardous 17-01-02 Tiles and ceramics Non-hazardous 17-01-03 Concrete, bricks, tiles and ceramics (alone or in mixtures) containing hazardous substances Hazardous 17-01-06* Concrete, bricks, tiles and ceramics in mixtures, containing no hazardous substances Non-hazardous 17-01-07 (*) An asterisk at the end of a code means the waste is hazardous. Wood, glass and plastic This list excludes packaging wastes and domestic type recyclables - refer to the packaging waste and recyclables section for related codes. Waste status Waste code Wood - untreated Non-hazardous 17-02-01 Glass - uncontaminated Non-hazardous 17-02-02 Plastic - excludes packaging waste Non-hazardous 17-02-03 Treated wood, glass, plastic (alone or in mixtures) containing hazardous substances Hazardous 17-02-04* (*) An asterisk at the end of a code means the waste is hazardous. Bituminous mixtures, coal tar and tar Waste status Waste code Bituminous mixtures containing coal tar Hazardous 17-03-01* Other bituminous mixtures Non-hazardous 17-03-02 Coal tar and tarred products Hazardous 17-03-03* (*) An asterisk at the end of a code means the waste is hazardous. Metallic waste, including cable Most waste electrical and telecommunications (non-WEEE) cable contains hazardous substances. To classify it as non-hazardous, you’ll need to do an assessment. Check the technical guidance on waste for instructions. Waste status Waste code Copper, bronze and brass Non-hazardous 17-04-01 Aluminium Non-hazardous 17-04-02 Lead Non-hazardous 17-04-03 Iron and steel Non-hazardous 17-04-05 Tin Non-hazardous 17-04-06 Mixed metals Non-hazardous 17-04-07 Metals containing hazardous substances Hazardous 17-04-09* Cables containing oil, coal tar and other hazardous substances Hazardous 17-04-10* Waste electrical and telecommunications (non-WEEE) cable Hazardous 17-04-10* and 17-04-11 (*) An asterisk at the end of a code means the waste is hazardous. Soil, contaminated soil, stones and dredging spoil You must be able to prove that your waste does not contain any hazardous substances to classify soil as non-hazardous - you’ll always need to assess the soil before you hand it over to be collected. The presence of any fragments of asbestos-containing material in the soil results in a mixed hazardous waste - refer to the insulation and asbestos materials table for more guidance. Waste status Waste code Soil and stones containing hazardous substances Hazardous 17-05-03* Other soil and stones Non-hazardous 17-05-04 Dredging spoil containing hazardous substances Hazardous 17-05-05* Other dredging spoil Non-hazardous 17-05-06 (*) An asterisk at the end of a code means the waste is hazardous. Gypsum Waste status Waste code Gypsum materials containing hazardous substances Hazardous 17-08-01* Other gypsum materials Non-hazardous 17-08-02 (*) An asterisk at the end of a code means the waste is hazardous. Cement Waste status Waste code Un-used or un-set cement Hazardous 17-09-03* (*) An asterisk at the end of a code means the waste is hazardous. Paints and varnishes Paints and varnishes of a type normally used by householders can be classified under the codes indicated in brackets if separated out from other waste. Waste status Waste code Containing organic solvents or other hazardous substances Hazardous 08-01-11* (20-01-27*) Not containing organic solvents or other hazardous substances Non-hazardous 08-01-12 (20-01-28) Paint or varnish remover Hazardous 08-01-21* Paint cans Hazardous Refer to packaging waste and recyclables section (*) An asterisk at the end of a code means the waste is hazardous. Adhesives and sealants Adhesives and sealants of a type normally used by householders can be classified under the codes indicated in brackets if separated out from other waste. Waste status Waste code Containing organic solvents or other hazardous substances Hazardous 08-04-09* (20-01-27*) Not containing organic solvents or other hazardous substances Non-hazardous 08-04-10 (20-01-28) Adhesive or sealant containers Hazardous Refer to packaging waste and recyclables section (*) An asterisk at the end of a code means the waste is hazardous.

Packaging waste and recyclables

The tables below list waste codes for common packaging and domestic type recyclable wastes. You can find additional codes for other waste and advice on how to apply these codes in the technical guidance on waste . Containers must be empty to be classified as packaging waste. Waste status Plastic Metal Paper and cardboard Glass Textiles Clean packaging Non-hazardous 15-01-02 15-01-04 15-01-01 15-01-07 15-01-09 Other clean material, unmixed - excluding packaging Non-hazardous 20-01-39 20-01-40 20-01-01 20-01-02 20-01-11 Mixed clean material - including packaging Non-hazardous 15-01-02 and 20-01-39 15-01-04 and 20-01-40 15-01-01 and 20-01-01 15-01-07 and 20-01-02 15-01-09 and 20-01-10 Empty packaging contaminated with residues of hazardous substances, for example paint cans, intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) and drums Hazardous 15-01-10* 15-01-10* 15-01-10* 15-01-10* 15-01-10* Empty packaging contaminated with residues of non-hazardous substances Non-hazardous 15-01-02 15-01-04 15-01-01 15-01-07 15-01-09 (*) An asterisk at the end of a code means the waste is hazardous.

Electronic and electrical equipment

These tables list common waste codes for batteries, lightbulbs and electrical devices. You need to include all relevant classification codes if you place waste electrical and electronic equipment ( WEEE ) that would be assigned different codes in the same container. Hazardous substances or persistent organic pollutants ( POPs ) in waste electricals WEEE often has components that contain hazardous substances or persistent organic pollutants ( POPs ). These could include: printed circuit boards plastic casings, cables and other components insulation foam cooling agents flame retardants activated glass and screen phosphors cathode ray tubes capacitors Ni-Cd batteries If the levels of hazardous substances or POPs are over a certain amount the item will be classified as hazardous or POPs waste. If your WEEE is POPs waste you cannot reuse or recycle it. There are special rules about: where you can export WEEE that contains POPs - check the guidance on classifying electrical device waste dealing with hazardous waste disposing of POPs waste If you’ve assessed your waste and are still not sure if an item is hazardous or POPs waste, you should treat it as hazardous and POPs waste as a precaution. Read technical guidance on how to assess waste and identifying POPs waste . Televisions, computer monitors and other display devices Components such as screens, circuit boards, batteries or any plastic parts may contain hazardous chemicals or POPs . Waste status Household Industrial or commercial Cathode ray tube (CRT), flatscreen (plasma or LCD) containing POPs Hazardous and POPs 20-01-35* 16-02-13* (*) An asterisk at the end of a code means the waste is hazardous. Fridges, freezers, chillers and air-conditioning units Components such as circuit boards, motors and any plastic parts may contain hazardous chemicals or POPs . Coolants and foam may also be hazardous. Usually there is not enough POPs for the item to be classified as POPs waste. Waste status Household Industrial or commercial Containing ozone-depleting substances as foam blowing agents or coolants Hazardous, non- POPs 20-01-23* 16-02-11* Other Hazardous, non- POPs 20-01-35* 16-02-13* (*) An asterisk at the end of a code means the waste is hazardous. Large domestic appliances ( LDA ): white goods (washing machines, tumble dryers, dishwashers and cookers) Components such as circuit boards, motors or any plastic parts may contain POPs . Usually there is not enough for the item to be classified as POPs waste. Heat pump tumble dryers contain coolants which are hazardous. You must classify and manage these differently to vented and condenser tumble dryers. Waste status Household Industrial or commercial Large domestic appliances: white goods Non-hazardous, non- POPs 20-01-36 16-02-14 Heat pump tumble dryers Hazardous, non- POPs 20-01-35* 16-02-13* Vented and condenser tumble dryers Non-hazardous, non- POPs 20-01-36 16-02-14 (*) An asterisk at the end of a code means the waste is hazardous. Small mixed WEEE These are small household-type electrical items collected from homes or businesses. Components such as screens, circuit boards, batteries or any plastic parts may contain hazardous chemicals or POPs . Waste status Household Industrial or commercial Small mixed WEEE containing POPs Hazardous and POPs 20-01-35* and 20 01 36 n/a (*) An asterisk at the end of a code means the waste is hazardous. Other household-type electricals from homes or businesses These are waste electrical items collected from households or businesses that are not already listed and are separated from small mixed WEEE . Components such as screens, circuit boards, batteries or any plastic parts may contain hazardous chemicals or POPs . Waste status Household Industrial or commercial Cat 1: Large household appliances (other than LDA white goods) containing POPs Hazardous and POPs 20-01-35* and 20 01 36 n/a Cat 2: Small household appliances containing POPs Hazardous and POPs 20-01-35* and 20 01 36 n/a Cat 3: IT and telecommunication equipment containing POPs Hazardous and POPs 20-01-35* and 20 01 36 n/a Cat 4: Consumer equipment containing POPs Hazardous and POPs 20-01-35* and 20 01 36 n/a Cat 5: Lighting equipment containing POPs Hazardous and POPs 20-01-35* and 20 01 36 n/a Cat 6: Electronic and electrical tools containing POPs Hazardous and POPs 20-01-35* and 20 01 36 n/a Cat 7: Toys, leisure and sporting equipment containing POPs Hazardous and POPs 20-01-35* and 20 01 36 n/a (*) An asterisk at the end of a code means the waste is hazardous. Lightbulbs and lamps Components such as circuit boards, plastic parts or casings may contain POPs and hazardous chemicals, such as flame retardants. You must check the levels of hazardous substances and POPs in the bulbs before you can classify the waste. To assess WEEE for hazardous substances or POPs , check the guidance on classifying electrical device waste . Waste status Household Industrial or commercial Linear fluorescent tubes Hazardous, non- POPs 20-01-21* 16-02-13* Compact fluorescent lamps and other non-linear gas discharge lamps Hazardous and POPs 20-01-35* 16-02-13* LED containing POPs and hazardous substances Hazardous and POPs 20-01-35* 16-02-13* LED not containing POPs and all halogen and incandescent lamps not containing hazardous substances Non-hazardous, non- POPs 20-01-36 16-02-14 (*) An asterisk at the end of a code means the waste is hazardous. Batteries Waste status Household Industrial or commercial Lead acid (vehicle) Hazardous 16-06-01* 16-06-01* Lead acid (other) Hazardous 20-01-33* 16-06-01* Nickel-Cadmium Hazardous 20-01-33* 16-06-02* Mercury containing Hazardous 20-01-33* 16-06-03* Alkaline Non-hazardous 20-01-34 16-06-04 Other - Lithium or Lithium ion Non-hazardous 20-01-34 16-06-05 Mixed household-type batteries - separately collected Hazardous 20-01-33* Not allowed (*) An asterisk at the end of a code means the waste is hazardous. Other WEEE , parts and components If your waste is not listed, check the guidance on classifying electrical device waste . You can find more classes in the section on treating WEEE .

Vehicle and oily wastes

The tables below list waste codes for common wastes produced by vehicle maintenance and dismantling activities. You can find additional codes for other waste and advice on how to apply these codes in the technical guidance on waste . Vehicle fluids and other oils You must not mix any of the following fluids: mineral oils cooking oils halogenated oils brake fluids anti-freeze washer fluids oily waters Vehicle and other oils Waste status Contains PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) Mineral-based and chlorinated Mineral-based and non-chlorinated Synthetic Readily biodegradable Other oils Hydraulic oils Hazardous 13-01-01* 13-01-09* 13-01-10* 13-01-11* 13-01-12* 13-01-13* Engine, gear and lubricating oils Hazardous Not applicable 13-02-04* 13-02-05* 13-02-06* 13-02-07* 13-02-08* Insulating and transmission oils Hazardous 13-03-01* 13-03-06* 13-03-07* 13-03-08* 13-03-09* 13-03-10* (*) An asterisk at the end of a code means the waste is hazardous. Interceptor wastes Waste status Waste code Interceptor sludges Hazardous 13-05-03* Oily water from interceptor Hazardous 13-05-07* Solid waste from interceptor Hazardous 13-05-01* (*) An asterisk at the end of a code means the waste is hazardous. Fuels, brake and anti-freeze fluids Waste status Waste code Fuel oil and diesel Hazardous 13-07-01* Petrol Hazardous 13-07-02* Other fuels, including mixed fuels from mis-fuelling Hazardous 13-07-03* Brake fluids Hazardous 16-01-13* Antifreeze containing hazardous substances Hazardous 16-01-14* Antifreeze not containing hazardous substances Non-hazardous 16-01-15 (*) An asterisk at the end of a code means the waste is hazardous. Vehicles and their components The waste code for end-of-life (no longer usable) tyres is 16-01-03. Vehicles Waste status Waste code End-of-life vehicles - un-depolluted Hazardous 16-01-04* End-of-life vehicles - depolluted Non-hazardous 16-01-06 (*) An asterisk at the end of a code means the waste is hazardous. Components, including oil filters Waste status Waste code Oil filters Hazardous 16-01-07* Components containing mercury Hazardous 16-01-08* Components containing PCBs Hazardous 16-01-09* (*) An asterisk at the end of a code means the waste is hazardous. Air bags The waste code for explosive components (for example air bags) is 16-01-10*. (*) An asterisk at the end of a code means the waste is hazardous. Brake pads Waste status Waste code Brake pads containing asbestos Hazardous 16-01-11* Other brake pads Non-hazardous 16-01-12 (*) An asterisk at the end of a code means the waste is hazardous. Car batteries The waste code for lead acid car batteries is 16-06-01*. (*) An asterisk at the end of a code means the waste is hazardous. Catalytic converters The waste code for catalytic converters is 16 01 21*, or 16 01 22 for those that do not contain refractory ceramic fibres ( RCF ). (*) An asterisk at the end of a code means the waste is hazardous. End-of-life vehicle wastes Waste status Waste code Ferrous metal Non-hazardous 16-01-17 Non-ferrous metal Non-hazardous 16-01-18 Cable Hazardous 16-01-21* and 16-01-22 Plastic Non-hazardous 16-01-19 Vehicle glass Non-hazardous 16-01-20 Contaminated materials Waste status Waste code Clothing, absorbents or wiping cloths contaminated with hazardous substances Hazardous 15-02-02* Clothing, absorbents or wiping clothes contaminated with non-hazardous substances Non-hazardous 15-02-03 (*) An asterisk at the end of a code means the waste is hazardous.

Healthcare and related wastes

The tables below list waste codes for common healthcare and related wastes. You can find additional codes for other waste and advice on how to apply these codes in the technical guidance on waste . Additional guidance Check the guide to the safe management of healthcare waste for additional information about classifying clinical and healthcare waste. Offensive waste ‘Offensive waste’ is non-clinical waste that’s non-infectious and does not contain pharmaceutical or chemical substances, but may be unpleasant to anyone who comes into contact with it. Examples Waste status Human healthcare Animal healthcare Healthcare offensive waste Outer dressings and protective clothing like masks, gowns and gloves that are contaminated with body fluids, and sterilised laboratory waste Non-hazardous 18-01-04 18-02-03 Municipal offensive waste Hygiene waste and sanitary protection like nappies and incontinence pads Non-hazardous 20-01-99 20-01-99 You must segregate healthcare offensive waste from both clinical and mixed municipal wastes. If you’ve produced more than 7kg of municipal offensive waste, or have more than one bag in a collection period, you must segregate it from any mixed municipal waste. If you’ve produced less, you can dispose of your municipal offensive waste in your mixed municipal waste (‘black bag’). Use classification code 20-03-01. Plaster and similar wastes Most plaster waste is non-infectious. It should be kept separately from any plaster waste that’s infectious, which must be placed in the bagged infectious clinical waste stream. Waste status Human healthcare Animal healthcare Plaster and similar wastes, for example from dentistry and fracture clinics Non-hazardous 18-01-04 18-02-03 Waste medicines A medicine is considered to be cytotoxic or cytostatic for waste classification purposes if it’s any of the following: acutely toxic carcinogenic mutagenic toxic for reproduction Waste status Human healthcare Animal healthcare Cytotoxic and cytostatic medicines Hazardous 18-01-08* 18-02-07* Other medicines Non-hazardous 18-01-09 18-02-08 (*) An asterisk at the end of a code means the waste is hazardous. Household medicines returned to a community pharmacy should be coded as follows: cytotoxic and cytostatic medicines: 20-01-31* other medicines: 20-01-32 Sharps and related waste Waste status Human healthcare Animal healthcare Cytotoxic and cytostatic contaminated Hazardous 18-01-08* and 18-01-03* 18-02-07* and 18-02-02* Other medicinally contaminated Hazardous 18-01-03* and 18-01-09 18-02-02* and 18-02-08 Non-medicinally contaminated Hazardous 18-01-03* 18-02-02* (*) An asterisk at the end of a code means the waste is hazardous. Anatomical waste Waste status Human healthcare Animal healthcare Not chemically preserved - infectious Hazardous 18-01-03* 18-02-02* Not chemically preserved - non-infectious Non-hazardous 18-01-02 18-02-03 Chemically preserved - infectious or non-infectious Hazardous 18-01-06* and 18-01-02*/03 18-02-05* and 18-02-02*/03 (*) An asterisk at the end of a code means the waste is hazardous. Bagged clinical waste You must only put waste items that are both infectious and chemically contaminated (for example some samples and diagnostic kits) in the yellow bag waste stream. Waste status Human healthcare Animal healthcare Infectious clinical waste (no chemicals or pharmaceuticals) - orange bag Hazardous 18-01-03* 18-02-02* Infectious clinical waste - yellow bag Hazardous 18-01-03* and 18-01-06* 18-02-02* and 18-02-05* (*) An asterisk at the end of a code means the waste is hazardous. Laboratory chemicals and photochemicals You must classify photochemicals and film, including X-ray related products, with codes from chapter 9 of the waste code section in the technical guidance on waste . Waste status Human healthcare Animal healthcare Other chemicals - hazardous Hazardous 18-01-06* 18-02-05* Other chemicals - non-hazardous Non-hazardous 18-01-07 18-02-06 (*) An asterisk at the end of a code means the waste is hazardous.

Classify different types of waste

Overview

You must identify and classify your waste before you send it for recycling or disposal. This makes sure you or anyone handling your waste deals with it properly.

There are special rules for dealing with hazardous waste or dealing with POPs waste (waste with a high level of persistent organic pollutants ‘POPs’).

Filling in waste transfer or consignment notes

You must describe your waste in the paperwork you give your waste contractor. This must include:

the waste classification code, also referred to as LoW (List of Waste) or EWC (European Waste Catalogue) code - classification codes for common types of waste are in the relevant parts of this guidance
whether it’s hazardous or POPs waste
the type of premises or business where the waste was produced
the name of the substance or substances
the process that produced the waste
a chemical and physical analysis of the waste and its components
any special problems, requirements or knowledge related to the waste

If you cannot find a code for your waste

Check the technical guidance on waste, it includes more information about waste classification and assessing waste.

You must not use landfill waste acceptance criteria (WAC) results for waste classification purposes.

How to find out if your waste is hazardous or POPs waste

In most cases you can check the waste code or codes associated with your waste to see if they are hazardous and POPs waste. You must make sure your waste contractor can dispose of this waste properly.

Some waste items have more than one classification, depending on the possible mix of substances in them.

In these cases you must work out exactly what is in your waste, and how much of it is hazardous or POPs.

Check the manufacturers’ product safety data sheets for this information or check the technical guidance on waste to find out how to do an assessment.

Many products include orange and black danger symbols or red and white hazard pictograms to indicate they’re hazardous.

Some products (for example cosmetics and medicines) are not normally labelled with hazard symbols - check the product’s safety data sheet.

Check the technical guidance on waste and guidance on dealing with POPs waste) for more information on checking for hazardous substances and POPs.

Mixing waste

It’s illegal to mix hazardous or POPs waste with either non-hazardous or another hazardous waste.

Check how to mix and store hazardous waste.

You will usually need more than one code if you store more than one type of non-hazardous waste in your container.

If you need more help

Get advice from a specialist waste contractor if you’re not sure whether it’s hazardous or not.

For more information, contact the Environment Agency.

Environment Agency
Email: enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk
Telephone: 03708 506 506
Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm
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Classify different types of waste

Overview

Filling in waste transfer or consignment notes

If you cannot find a code for your waste

How to find out if your waste is hazardous or POPs waste

Mixing waste

If you need more help

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