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:

Updates to this page

Published 28 April 2014

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