Classify different types of waste
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.