Find UK waste codes
ewc_search · read-only
Search the UK List of Waste by material words, one or more codes, or a code prefix. Returns official entries, hazardous and mirror status, partner codes, source lineage and any assessment needed. Use the returned entries as candidates: origin, process and composition still determine the classification.
Inputs
querytext, requiredMaterial words, one or more EWC/LoW codes, or a code prefix; common spaced, hyphenated and unspaced formats are accepted. 1 to 80 characters.
limitwhole number, optionalMaximum matched waste groups and official entries to return; defaults to 5. 1 to 10. Default 5.
Example
Ask: “What is EWC code 17 09 04?”
{ "name": "ewc_search", "arguments": { "query": "17 09 04" } }The answer, shortened
{
"source": {
"name": "ComplyOnSite",
"url": "https://complyonsite.com/tools/ewc-code-finder?code=17-09-04"
},
"query": "17 09 04",
"kind": "code",
"entry": {
"code": "170904",
"display": "17 09 04",
"hazardous": false,
"type": "MN",
"description": "mixed construction and demolition wastes other than those mentioned in 17 09 01, 17 09 02 and 17 09 03",
"chapter": {
"code": "17",
"display": "17",
"title": "Construction and demolition wastes (including excavated soil from contaminated sites)"
},
"subChapter": {
"code": "1709",
"display": "17 09",
"title": "other construction and demolition wastes"
},
"mirrorPartners": [
"170901",
"170902",
"… 1 more"
],
"subChapterPartners": [],
"name": "Mixed construction and demolition waste",
"mirror": {
"rule": "Only if an assessment shows it isn’t hazardous.",
"other": "If it’s hazardous: 17 09 01*, 17 09 02* or 17 09 03*.",
"text": "Only if an assessment shows it isn’t hazardous. If it’s hazardous: 17 09 01*, 17 09 02* or 17 09 03*."
},
"url": "https://complyonsite.com/tools/ewc-code-finder?code=17-09-04"
},
"partners": [
{
"code": "170901",
"display": "17 09 01*",
"hazardous": true,
"type": "MH",
"description": "construction and demolition wastes containing mercury",
"chapter": {
"code": "17",
"display": "17",
"title": "Construction and demolition wastes (including excavated soil from contaminated sites)"
},
"subChapter": {
"code": "1709",
"display": "17 09",
"title": "other construction and demolition wastes"
},
"mirrorPartners": [
"170904"
],
"subChapterPartners": [],
"name": "Construction and demolition waste with mercury",
"mirror": {
"rule": "When it’s hazardous, or you can’t find out what’s in it.",
"other": "If it isn’t hazardous: 17 09 04.",
"text": "When it’s hazardous, or you can’t find out what’s in it. If it isn’t hazardous: 17 09 04."
},
"url": "https://complyonsite.com/tools/ewc-code-finder?code=17-09-01"
},
{
"code": "170902",
"display": "17 09 02*",
"hazardous": true,
"type": "MH",
"description": "construction and demolition wastes containing PCB (for example PCB-containing sealants, PCB-containing resin-based floorings, PCB-containing sealed glazing u…",
"chapter": {
"code": "17",
"display": "17",
"title": "Construction and demolition wastes (including excavated soil from contaminated sites)"
},
"subChapter": {
"code": "1709",
"display": "17 09",
"title": "other construction and demolition wastes"
},
"mirrorPartners": [
"170904"
],
"subChapterPartners": [],
"name": "Construction and demolition waste with PCBs",
"mirror": {
"rule": "When it’s hazardous, or you can’t find out what’s in it.",
"other": "If it isn’t hazardous: 17 09 04.",
"text": "When it’s hazardous, or you can’t find out what’s in it. If it isn’t hazardous: 17 09 04."
},
"url": "https://complyonsite.com/tools/ewc-code-finder?code=17-09-02"
},
"… 1 more"
],
"partnersNamed": true,
"wastes": [],
"wasteTotal": 0,
"entries": [],
"entryTotal": 0,
"codes": [],
"nearby": [],
"nearbyHeading": null,
"prefix": null,
"suggestion": null,
"sources": [
{
"title": "Commission Decision 2000/532/EC, Annex: List of wastes (as retained in UK law)",
"name": "the UK List of Waste",
"url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/eudn/2000/532/annex",
"edition": "revised version as at 31 December 2020",
"read": "27 September 2026"
},
{
"title": "Waste classification: guidance on the classification and assessment of waste (WM3), Appendix A",
"name": "the Environment Agency’s WM3 guidance",
"url": "https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/waste-classification-technical-guidance",
"edition": "1st edition v1.2.GB, updated 28 September 2021",
"read": "27 September 2026"
}
],
"limit": "Choose by origin, process and composition. A non-hazardous mirror entry needs assessment evidence."
}