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08 03 19* Disperse oil

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

Hazardous Absolute hazardous entry

Official description: “disperse oil”

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 03 (wastes from MFSU of printing inks).

What the hazard status means

Waste that matches this description is always hazardous waste, whatever the amount of hazardous substances in it. You do not need to test it to decide whether it is hazardous, but you still need to know its hazardous properties to fill in the paperwork.

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 03

08 03 07 Aqueous sludges containing ink Not hazardous
08 03 08 Aqueous liquid waste containing ink Not hazardous
08 03 12* Waste ink containing hazardous substances Hazardous
08 03 13 Waste ink other than those mentioned in 08 03 12 Not hazardous
08 03 14* Ink sludges containing hazardous substances Hazardous
08 03 15 Ink sludges other than those mentioned in 08 03 14 Not hazardous
08 03 16* Waste etching solutions Hazardous
08 03 17* Waste printing toner containing hazardous substances Hazardous
08 03 18 Waste printing toner other than those mentioned in 08 03 17 Not hazardous
08 03 99 Wastes not otherwise specified Not hazardous

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.

08 03 19* Disperse oil

What the hazard status means

Using this code

Other codes in section 08 03

Official sources