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16 05 09 Discarded chemicals other than those mentioned in 16 05 06, 16 05 07 or 16 05 08

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: “discarded chemicals other than those mentioned in 16 05 06, 16 05 07 or 16 05 08”

Where it sits: chapter 16 (wastes not otherwise specified in the list), section 16 05 (gases in pressure containers and discarded chemicals).

In plain English

Discarded chemicals that are not hazardous.

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 entries

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 16 05

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.