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08 01 16 Aqueous sludges containing paint or varnish other than those mentioned in 08 01 15

EWC / List of Waste code · Last checked 21 October 2026 · Applies across the UK (England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland)

Not hazardous Mirror entry (non-hazardous side)

Official description: “aqueous sludges containing paint or varnish other than those mentioned in 08 01 15”

Where it sits: chapter 08 (wastes from the manufacture, formulation, supply and use (mfsu) of coatings (paints, varnishes and vitreous enamels), adhesives, sealants and printing inks), section 08 01 (wastes from MFSU and removal of paint and varnish).

What the hazard status means

This is one half of a “mirror” pair. You can only use this non-hazardous code once you have assessed the waste and shown it does not contain hazardous substances above the thresholds and has no hazardous properties. If you are not sure, it must be treated as hazardous.

Its mirror entry

08 01 15* Aqueous sludges containing paint or varnish containing organic solvents or other hazardous substances Hazardous

Using this code

Write the code on the paperwork when waste is passed on: a waste transfer note for non-hazardous waste, or a consignment note for hazardous waste (called special waste in Scotland).
Choose the code from where the waste came from first (the chapter), then what it is. If a load is mixed, you may need more than one code.
The waste must go to a site whose permit allows that code. A registered carrier can tell you which codes they accept: check a waste carrier.
Businesses have a duty of care to describe their waste correctly.

Other codes in section 08 01

This page explains the code in plain English. It is not a classification of your waste. The official List of Waste and the classification guidance decide which code applies, and you are responsible for the code you use.