Guidance
U3 waste exemption: construction of entertainment or educational installations
The U3 exemption allows groups such as schools, colleges and theatres to use waste, such as offcuts of wood, for creative installations.
Applies to England
Types of activity you can carry out
These include:
- creating a sculpture from metal during an art class
- building a theatrical set using recycled wood and bricks
Types of activity you cannot carry out
You cannot:
- use this exemption to construct buildings or similar constructions
Types of waste you can use
The waste codes are those listed in the List of Wastes (LoW) Regulations. You need to make sure your waste fits within the waste code and the description in the table.
| Waste code | Type of waste |
|---|---|
| 170102 | Bricks |
| 170103 | Tiles and ceramics |
| 170201, 200138 | Wood |
| 170203 and 200139 | Plastic |
| 170401 to 170407, 170411, 200140 | Metals, including their alloys |
| 200101 | Paper and cardboard |
| 200111 | Textiles |
Amount of waste you can use
You can store or use up to 20 tonnes of waste at any one time.
Key conditions:
- you can only use this exemption for entertainment, education or similar projects
- the waste you use must be suitable for the project
- you should not use any more waste than you need
Other things you need to know
When you no longer need the remaining waste, you should take it to an appropriately authorised facility to be reused, recovered or disposed of.
Register a U3 exemption
You need to register this exemption with the Environment Agency if you meet the requirements: