🔢 Waste code finder (EWC codes)
Search all 842 codes in the List of Waste, often called EWC codes, and see what each one means in plain English.
Most-used codes
- 17 09 04 Mixed construction and demolition wastes other than those mentioned in 17 09 01, 17 09 02 and 17 09 03 Not hazardous
- 17 01 07 Mixtures of concrete, bricks, tiles and ceramics other than those mentioned in 17 01 06 Not hazardous
- 17 05 04 Soil and stones other than those mentioned in 17 05 03 Not hazardous
- 20 03 01 Mixed municipal waste Not hazardous
- 20 03 07 Bulky waste Not hazardous
- 20 02 01 Biodegradable waste Not hazardous
- 15 01 01 Paper and cardboard packaging Not hazardous
- 15 01 06 Mixed packaging Not hazardous
- 17 08 02 Gypsum-based construction materials other than those mentioned in 17 08 01 Not hazardous
- 17 06 05* Construction materials containing asbestos Hazardous
- 16 01 03 End-of-life tyres Not hazardous
- 13 02 05* Mineral-based non-chlorinated engine, gear and lubricating oils Hazardous
- 20 01 36 Discarded electrical and electronic equipment other than those mentioned in 20 01 21, 20 01 23 and 20 01 35 Not hazardous
- 20 01 23* Discarded equipment containing chlorofluorocarbons Hazardous
- 17 02 01 Wood Not hazardous
- 19 12 12 Other wastes (including mixtures of materials) from mechanical treatment of wastes other than those mentioned in 19 12 11 Not hazardous
What are waste codes?
Every type of waste has a six-digit code from the List of Waste. People often call them EWC codes, after the old European Waste Catalogue. The same list is used across the UK.
When a business passes waste on, it must describe it on a waste transfer note or consignment note, and the code is part of that description. The code also shows whether the waste is hazardous, and which sites are allowed to take it.
How to read a code
- First two digits: the chapter, usually the industry or process the waste came from (for example 17 is construction and demolition, 20 is household and similar waste).
- Middle two digits: the section within that chapter.
- Last two digits: the exact waste. A code ending in 99 means “not otherwise specified” and is a last resort.
- An asterisk (*) means the entry is hazardous.
Absolute and mirror entries
Of the 842 codes, 408 are hazardous. Some are absolute: waste that matches is always hazardous, or never hazardous. Others come in mirror pairs, one hazardous and one not. For a mirror pair you have to assess the waste (know what is in it, or sample and test it) before you can use the non-hazardous code.
Browse by chapter
- 01 Wastes resulting from exploration, mining, quarrying, and physical and chemical treatment of minerals
- 02 Wastes from agriculture, horticulture, aquaculture, forestry, hunting and fishing, food preparation and processing
- 03 Wastes from wood processing and the production of panels and furniture, pulp, paper and cardboard
- 04 Wastes from the leather, fur and textile industries
- 05 Wastes from petroleum refining, natural gas purification and pyrolytic treatment of coal
- 06 Wastes from inorganic chemical processes
- 07 Wastes from organic chemical processes
- 08 Wastes from the manufacture, formulation, supply and use (MFSU) of coatings (paints, varnishes and vitreous enamels), adhesives, sealants and printing inks
- 09 Wastes from the photographic industry
- 10 Wastes from thermal processes
- 11 Wastes from chemical surface treatment and coating of metals and other materials; non-ferrous hydro-metallurgy
- 12 Wastes from shaping and physical and mechanical surface treatment of metals and plastics
- 13 Oil wastes and wastes of liquid fuels (except edible oils, and those in chapters 05, 12 and 19)
- 14 Waste organic solvents, refrigerants and propellants (except 07 and 08)
- 15 Waste packaging; absorbents, wiping cloths, filter materials and protective clothing not otherwise specified
- 16 Wastes not otherwise specified in the list
- 17 Construction and demolition wastes (including excavated soil from contaminated sites)
- 18 Wastes from human or animal health care and/or related research (except kitchen and restaurant wastes not arising from immediate health care)
- 19 Wastes from waste management facilities, off-site waste water treatment plants and the preparation of water intended for human consumption and water for industrial use
- 20 Municipal wastes (household waste and similar commercial, industrial and institutional wastes) including separately collected fractions
The descriptions on these pages are taken from the List of Waste. They are not a classification of your waste: you are responsible for the code you use, so check the official guidance below.
Official sources
- The List of Waste (Commission Decision 2000/532/EC, as it applies in the UK), legislation.gov.uk ↗
- GOV.UK: Classify different types of waste, your legal responsibilities ↗
- GOV.UK: Waste classification technical guidance (WM3) ↗
- Natural Resources Wales: How to classify and assess waste ↗
- SEPA: Waste classification technical guidance (PDF) ↗
- DAERA: Waste classification technical guidance ↗