California waste code finder

# California waste codes Find the three-digit code for your waste and the records its shipment needs.

> California waste codes. Find all 80 California waste codes, check hazardous status and choose the shipment record for site, workshop and plant waste.
> Web page: https://complyonsite.com/tools/california-waste-codes

- Free, no account
- California Title 22 and DTSC guidance
- Nothing is stored

## How do you choose a California waste code?

Identify the waste, its source process and its contents. Check hazardous status before selecting a code.

An applicable restricted code takes priority over other categories. DTSC requires one California code per waste stream.

If several general entries fit, resolve the choice from the waste profile or with DTSC. Keep the waste profile and test results with the choice.

The state code, hazard classification and shipping description are separate details.

## What do RCRA and non-RCRA mean?

RCRA is the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. TTLC is the total threshold limit concentration; STLC is the soluble threshold limit concentration measured with California’s Waste Extraction Test (WET).

The federal Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) is a different test. Check exclusions and hazardous listings before testing federal and California characteristics.

A 40 CFR 261.4 federal exclusion does not always exclude a waste in California. Under 66261.4(b)(2), the waste must also have no California characteristic or Article 4.1 listing.

A federally excluded waste with a California characteristic is non-RCRA hazardous waste. Waste that fails only TTLC, STLC, aquatic toxicity, solid corrosivity or another California test is also non-RCRA.

Waste with a federal listing or characteristic is RCRA hazardous unless a federal exclusion applies. Record both its California and federal codes.

Waste with no remaining hazardous listing or characteristic needs no hazardous waste code or manifest. Use an accepting solid-waste or recycling route.

A California-only listed waste with no federal hazard may be non-RCRA under 66261.101. A federally empty container still regulated in California may also be non-RCRA.

Keep the evidence used to classify the waste.

Non-RCRA waste is still hazardous in California. “Both” means the California and federal codes for one waste, not a third hazard status. Under 66261.100(b), presume hazardous waste is RCRA unless the generator establishes non-RCRA status under 66261.101.

Passing a concentration test does not remove a hazardous listing.

## Which shipping record does the waste need?

For manifested waste, enter codes in Item 13: one California code, at least one applicable federal code and any required destination-state code. The paper form has six code boxes per line.

A one-time manifested shipment needs an owner- and site-specific ID number; a temporary ID lasts 90 days.

Prepare the [hazardous waste manifest](https://complyonsite.com/tools/hazardous-waste-manifest) details, then complete the shipment in [EPA e-Manifest](https://rcrainfo.epa.gov/rcrainfoprod/action/secured/login) or on a form from an EPA-registered printer.

For used oil, antifreeze, spent solvent or asbestos, ask a registered transporter whether the exact waste qualifies for consolidated manifesting. Keep its receipt when it does.

Other records: [used oil](https://complyonsite.com/tools/california-waste-codes?waste=used-oil), [treated wood](https://complyonsite.com/tools/california-waste-codes?waste=treated-wood), [paint](https://complyonsite.com/tools/california-waste-codes?waste=paint), [filters](https://complyonsite.com/tools/california-waste-codes?waste=used-oil-filter), [household delivery](https://complyonsite.com/tools/california-waste-codes?waste=household-hazardous-waste).

## Which exclusions change the waste route?

- **Empty containers — Pourable residue**: Under 66261.7, an ordinary container up to 119 gallons is empty only when it meets the residue and management rules. No pourable material may remain in any orientation.
- **Empty containers — Nonpourable and acute contents**: No nonpourable material may be removable by normal physical methods. A container that held acute or extremely hazardous waste needs triple rinsing or an approved equivalent.
- **Empty containers — Rinsate and absorbed material**: Classify and manage the rinsate separately. An absorptive container contaminated by absorbed hazardous material does not qualify.
- **Empty containers — Disposal and timing**: An empty container up to 5 gallons may go to an accepting solid-waste facility or recycler. Date a larger empty container and manage it within one year.
- **Empty containers — Records and bulk containers**: Keep its destination records for three years. Bulk containers above 119 gallons have separate conditions under 66261.7(p).
- **Empty containers — Household and pesticide containers**: Emptied household material or pesticide containers up to 5 gallons have the simpler 66261.7(k) exemption. The exemption does not establish that a contaminated container is non-hazardous.

- **Universal waste — Category and hazardous status**: Universal waste remains hazardous and uses this route only when an item is covered by its category rules. A non-hazardous item with no listing needs no hazardous waste code.
- **Universal waste — Mercury listings and disposal**: A mercury listing can apply even when the item has no hazardous characteristic. Under 66273.8, households and qualifying very small quantity universal waste generators cannot dispose of the waste.
- **Universal waste — Authorized recipients and monthly limit**: They must send it to an authorized recipient and may perform only the allowed treatment. A very small quantity universal waste generator may produce no more than 100 kg of RCRA hazardous waste per month.
- **Universal waste — RCRA total and acute waste**: That total includes RCRA universal waste. It may also produce no more than 1 kg of acute waste per month.
- **Universal waste — Federal conditions and storage**: It must comply with 40 CFR 262.14. An ordinary handler may store universal waste for no more than one year.
- **Universal waste — Longer storage and large handlers**: Longer storage needs proof that it is required only for proper recovery, treatment or disposal. Accumulating 5,000 kg at any time makes the site a large quantity handler.
- **Universal waste — Trash and automotive batteries**: Do not put universal waste in ordinary trash. Automotive batteries have a separate recycling route.
- **Universal waste — Battery quantity rules**: Automotive lead-acid battery limits are on the [battery recycling page](https://complyonsite.com/tools/california-waste-codes?waste=lead-acid-battery).

- **Recycling — Industrial ingredients and substitutes**: Sending a waste for recycling does not remove hazardous waste rules. HSC 25143.2 can exclude documented use as an industrial ingredient or safe substitute without reclamation.
- **Recycling — Return to process and onsite reuse**: It can also exclude return to the original process as raw feedstock without reclamation. Qualifying onsite reuse of non-RCRA material may also be excluded.
- **Recycling — Management and excluded uses**: The material must meet the applicable 25143.9 management rules and every statutory condition. Fuel use, land application, speculative accumulation or contamination can prevent the exclusion.
- **Recycling — Generator rules and reporting**: A same-site RCRA recycling permit exemption does not remove generator rules. More than 100 kg in one month under a claimed recycling exclusion or exemption requires the applicable CERS report.
- **Recycling — Process and market evidence**: Keep proof of the actual process and market before leaving hazardous waste codes off the shipment.

[Halogenated solvent thresholds](https://complyonsite.com/tools/california-waste-codes?waste=spent-solvent).

- **Scrap metal**: [172](https://complyonsite.com/tools/california-waste-codes?code=172)
- **Pharmaceutical medical waste**: [311](https://complyonsite.com/tools/california-waste-codes?code=311)
- **Other medical waste**: [322](https://complyonsite.com/tools/california-waste-codes?code=322)
- **Sewage sludge**: [321](https://complyonsite.com/tools/california-waste-codes?code=321)
- **Ash exclusions**: [571](https://complyonsite.com/tools/california-waste-codes?code=571)
- **Drilling mud**: [521](https://complyonsite.com/tools/california-waste-codes?code=521)
- **Spent sulfuric acid**: [791](https://complyonsite.com/tools/california-waste-codes?code=791)
- **Refinery fuel recycling**: [343](https://complyonsite.com/tools/california-waste-codes?code=343)

- **Used refrigerant**: Used CFC refrigerant from totally enclosed heat-transfer equipment is excluded under 66261.4(b)(4) only when reclaimed for further use. Non-RCRA CFC or HCFC compounds reused or recycled from qualifying heat-transfer, fire-extinguishing or foam products may qualify under HSC 25143.2(d)(7). Its management and statutory conditions must all hold. Remove refrigerant before scrap-metal processing. Other refrigerants and discarded material need their own determination.

- **Fluorescent lamps, High-intensity discharge lamps, Sodium vapor lamps, Mercury-added lamps**: A lamp with no mercury and no hazardous characteristic is outside universal waste. A mercury-added M003 lamp remains covered. A lamp sent to a Class I landfill uses full hazardous waste requirements and a manifest. Confirm its California code by composition.

- **Cathode ray tubes**: CRTs sent to a permitted hazardous waste disposal facility use full hazardous waste rules.

- **Cathode ray tubes, CRT glass**: Qualifying CRT panel glass sent to an approved landfill under 66273.7, 66273.75 and 66273.81 stays under universal-waste controls before disposal and is non-hazardous for that disposal. Mixed CRT glass and funnel glass do not qualify.

- **CRT glass**: CRT glass sent to a permitted hazardous waste disposal facility uses full hazardous waste rules.

- **Small sealed lead-acid batteries**: Small sealed alarm and emergency-light batteries use this category. Identify a UPS battery by type and size rather than assuming automotive battery rules.

- **Mercury switches, Mercury gauges, Mercury thermometers**: Class I landfill disposal uses full hazardous waste requirements and a manifest. Removed mercury and treatment residues need separate classification.

- **Mercury thermostats**: Mercury thermostats are expressly excepted from the Class I disposal exclusion in 66273.4(b)(5). The household or VSQUWG handler exemption still requires no disposal.

- **Solar panels**: A PV module sent to permitted hazardous waste disposal uses full hazardous waste requirements under 66273.7.1. Use a manifest and confirm the code by composition.

- **Electronic devices, Computer monitors, Televisions, Laptop computers, Cell phones**: An electronic device sent to a Class I landfill uses full hazardous waste requirements under 66273.3. A device with no hazardous characteristic is outside this category, and removed components need separate classification.

- **Fire extinguishers and compressed gas cylinders**: A cylinder returned for reuse or refilling is not discarded waste. An exempt empty compressed-gas cylinder must have pressure approaching atmospheric; a closed valve with residual pressure is not empty. An empty discarded cylinder may go to an accepting recycler. A household cylinder may go to an accepting household hazardous waste program. Identify any remaining gas, liquid or powder before disposal. The empty-cylinder rule does not make extinguisher powder non-hazardous or assign it a code; do not vent or treat hazardous contents without authorization.

- **Routine portable toilet waste**: HSC 25163(b) exempts a health-registered pumper from hazardous-transporter registration when carrying only septic, cesspool or chemical-toilet waste with no hazardous waste from outside a human or animal body. Chemical additives or unrelated hazardous waste need separate classification. The transporter exemption does not prove the waste non-hazardous.

## When can you deliver small business loads yourself?

Under HSC 25163(c), a qualifying business may carry its own waste to a permitted hazardous waste facility. It must generate no more than 100 kg of hazardous waste per month.

It must also hold no more than 1,000 kg onsite. Each trip is limited to 5 gallons or 50 lb.

A mixed liquid and solid load is limited to 50 lb combined. Use closed, secured containers, do not mix wastes, and confirm that the facility will accept them.

This route removes the transporter-registration and manifest-possession requirements, but the waste remains hazardous. A business cannot use this route for acute or extremely hazardous waste.

A non-business load of acute or extremely hazardous waste is limited to 2.2 lb.

California does not exempt every very small business from hazardous waste rules.

[Household trips and eligible business deliveries to household collection facilities](https://complyonsite.com/tools/california-waste-codes?waste=household-hazardous-waste).

## All 80 California waste codes

By category, as Title 22, Appendix XII groups them. Each code links to its page.

**Inorganics 15 codes**

Inorganics: what each code covers

- 121 Alkaline liquid with listed metals
- 122 Alkaline liquid without listed metals
- 123 Other alkaline liquid
- 131 Reactive-anion water-based liquid
- 132 Metal-bearing water-based liquid
- 133 High-organic water-based liquid
- 134 Low-organic water-based liquid
- 135 Other water-based hazardous liquid
- 141 Unused inorganic material
- 151 Friable or powdered asbestos
- 161 Used oil-refinery cracking catalyst
- 162 Other used catalyst
- 171 Sludge containing listed metals
- 172 Metal dust and machining waste
- 181 Other inorganic hazardous solid

**Organics 26 codes**

Organics: what each code covers

- 211 Chlorinated or other halogenated solvent
- 212 Oxygenated solvent
- 213 Petroleum or hydrocarbon solvent
- 214 Other solvent mixture
- 221 Waste oil and mixed oil
- 222 Oil-water separator sludge
- 223 Other oily hazardous waste
- 231 Pesticide rinse water
- 232 Pesticide and pesticide-production waste
- 241 Tank-bottom waste
- 251 Still bottoms with halogenated organics
- 252 Other still-bottom waste
- 261 PCB-containing material
- 271 Unreacted resin and monomers
- 272 Polymeric resin waste
- 281 Discarded adhesive
- 291 Discarded latex material
- 311 Discarded pharmaceuticals
- 321 Hazardous sewage sludge
- 322 Other hazardous biological waste
- 331 Unused organic material
- 341 Halogenated non-solvent organic liquid
- 342 Organic liquid with listed metals
- 343 Other organic liquid mixture
- 351 Organic solid with halogens
- 352 Other organic hazardous solid

**Sludges 9 codes**

Sludges: what each code covers

- 411 Alum or gypsum sludge
- 421 Lime sludge
- 431 Phosphate sludge
- 441 Sulfur sludge
- 451 Sludge from degreasing
- 461 Paint sludge
- 471 Paper-processing sludge or pulp
- 481 Tetraethyl-lead sludge
- 491 Other hazardous sludge

**Miscellaneous 15 codes**

Miscellaneous: what each code covers

- 511 Large pesticide container
- 512 Large non-pesticide container
- 513 Small hazardous-waste container
- 521 Mud from drilling
- 531 Chemical toilet waste
- 541 Photographic processing chemicals
- 551 Discarded laboratory chemicals
- 561 Discarded detergent or soap
- 571 Fly, bottom or retort ash
- 581 Waste from a gas scrubber
- 591 Dust collected by a baghouse
- 611 Hazardous contaminated soil
- 612 Collected household hazardous waste
- 613 Vehicle-shredder residue
- 614 Manifested treated wood waste

**California restricted wastes 15 codes**

California restricted wastes: what each code covers

- 711 Restricted cyanide liquid
- 721 Restricted arsenic liquid
- 722 Restricted cadmium liquid
- 723 Restricted hexavalent-chromium liquid
- 724 Restricted lead liquid
- 725 Restricted mercury liquid
- 726 Restricted nickel liquid
- 727 Restricted selenium liquid
- 728 Restricted thallium liquid
- 731 Restricted PCB liquid
- 741 Restricted halogenated-organic liquid
- 751 Restricted halogenated-organic solids or sludge
- 791 Strongly acidic liquid
- 792 Strongly acidic metal-bearing liquid
- 801 Waste that may contain dioxins

### Code lists

- [California aqueous waste codes](https://complyonsite.com/tools/california-waste-codes?list=aqueous-solutions)
- [California construction waste codes](https://complyonsite.com/tools/california-waste-codes?list=construction-waste)
- [California empty containers codes](https://complyonsite.com/tools/california-waste-codes?list=containers)
- [California inorganic waste codes](https://complyonsite.com/tools/california-waste-codes?list=inorganics)
- [California metal-bearing waste codes](https://complyonsite.com/tools/california-waste-codes?list=metal-bearing)
- [California miscellaneous waste codes](https://complyonsite.com/tools/california-waste-codes?list=miscellaneous)
- [California oil waste codes](https://complyonsite.com/tools/california-waste-codes?list=oils)
- [California organic waste codes](https://complyonsite.com/tools/california-waste-codes?list=organics)
- [California paint, resin and adhesive waste codes](https://complyonsite.com/tools/california-waste-codes?list=paint-resin-adhesives)
- [California restricted waste codes](https://complyonsite.com/tools/california-waste-codes?list=restricted)
- [California sludge codes](https://complyonsite.com/tools/california-waste-codes?list=sludges)
- [California solvent waste codes](https://complyonsite.com/tools/california-waste-codes?list=solvents)

### Wastes

- [Aerosol cans: empty or non-empty](https://complyonsite.com/tools/california-waste-codes?waste=aerosol-can)
- [Asbestos-containing waste](https://complyonsite.com/tools/california-waste-codes?waste=asbestos)
- [Automotive lead-acid batteries](https://complyonsite.com/tools/california-waste-codes?waste=lead-acid-battery)
- [Contaminated soil](https://complyonsite.com/tools/california-waste-codes?waste=contaminated-soil)
- [Empty aerosol cans](https://complyonsite.com/tools/california-waste-codes?waste=empty-aerosol-can)
- [Gasoline and diesel fuel filters](https://complyonsite.com/tools/california-waste-codes?waste=fuel-filter)
- [Household hazardous waste](https://complyonsite.com/tools/california-waste-codes?waste=household-hazardous-waste)
- [Lead paint debris](https://complyonsite.com/tools/california-waste-codes?waste=lead-paint-debris)
- [Non-empty aerosol cans](https://complyonsite.com/tools/california-waste-codes?waste=non-empty-aerosol-can)
- [Paint waste](https://complyonsite.com/tools/california-waste-codes?waste=paint)
- [PCBs and PCB-containing material](https://complyonsite.com/tools/california-waste-codes?waste=pcbs)
- [Spent solvent](https://complyonsite.com/tools/california-waste-codes?waste=spent-solvent)
- [Toluene waste](https://complyonsite.com/tools/california-waste-codes?waste=toluene)
- [Treated wood waste](https://complyonsite.com/tools/california-waste-codes?waste=treated-wood)
- [Used oil](https://complyonsite.com/tools/california-waste-codes?waste=used-oil)
- [Used oil filters](https://complyonsite.com/tools/california-waste-codes?waste=used-oil-filter)
- [Waste antifreeze](https://complyonsite.com/tools/california-waste-codes?waste=antifreeze)

### Sources

- [22 CCR Division 4.5 Chapter 11 Appendix XII, California Hazardous Waste Codes](https://govt.westlaw.com/calregs/Document/I8527194E5B6111EC9451000D3A7C4BC3)
- [Title 22 section 66261.3 - Definition of Hazardous Waste](https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/california/22-CCR-66261.3)
- [Title 22 section 66261.4 - Exclusions](https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/california/22-CCR-66261.4)
- [Title 22 section 66261.100 - RCRA Hazardous Waste](https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/california/22-CCR-66261.100)
- [22 CCR section 66261.101, Non-RCRA Hazardous Waste](https://govt.westlaw.com/calregs/Document/I8481B0D45B6111EC9451000D3A7C4BC3)
- [Managing Household Hazardous Wastes](https://dtsc.ca.gov/universalwaste/managing-household-hazardous-wastes/)
- [Health and Safety Code section 25163 self-transport conditions](https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=HSC&sectionNum=25163.)
- [Hazardous waste transportation — Health and Safety Code 25163](https://california.public.law/codes/health_and_safety_code_section_25163)
- [Hazardous Waste ID Number FAQs](https://dtsc.ca.gov/hazardous-waste-id-number-faqs/)
- [Recycling exclusions — Health and Safety Code 25143.2](https://california.public.law/codes/health_and_safety_code_section_25143.2)
- [Counting Hazardous Waste](https://dtsc.ca.gov/counting-hazardous-waste/)
- [State Waste Exclusions training](https://dtsc.ca.gov/state-waste-exclusions/)
- [Defining Hazardous Waste, updated October 2025](https://dtsc.ca.gov/defining-hazardous-waste/)
- [DTSC FAQ: Box 13 Waste Codes](https://dtsc.ca.gov/faq-category/box-13/)
- [Hazardous Waste Manifest Instructions](https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2020-04/documents/manifest_instructions_web.pdf)
- [How to Submit a Hazardous Waste Manifest](https://www.epa.gov/e-manifest/how-submit-hazardous-waste-manifest)
- [Consolidated Manifesting Generator Requirements](https://dtsc.ca.gov/consolidated-manifesting-generator-requirements/)
- [Managing Empty Containers](https://dtsc.ca.gov/managing-empty-containers/)
- [Title 22 section 66261.7 - Contaminated Containers](https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/california/22-CCR-66261.7)
- [Universal Waste and How to Handle It](https://dtsc.ca.gov/universal-waste-fact-sheet/)
- [Title 22 section 66273.2 - Applicability-Batteries](https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/california/22-CCR-66273.2)
- [Title 22 section 66273.3 - Applicability-Electronic Devices](https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/california/22-CCR-66273.3)
- [Title 22 section 66273.4 - Applicability-Mercury-Containing Equipment](https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/california/22-CCR-66273.4)
- [Title 22 section 66273.5 - Applicability-Lamps](https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/california/22-CCR-66273.5)
- [Title 22 section 66273.6 - Applicability-Cathode Ray Tubes (CRTs)](https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/california/22-CCR-66273.6)
- [Title 22 section 66273.7 - Applicability - Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) Glass](https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/california/22-CCR-66273.7)
- [Title 22 section 66273.7.1 - Applicability - PV Modules](https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/california/22-CCR-66273.7.1)
- [Title 22 section 66273.8 - Exemptions](https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/california/22-CCR-66273.8)
- [Title 22 section 66273.9 - Definitions](https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/california/22-CCR-66273.9)
- [40 CFR § 261.4 - Exclusions.](https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/40/261.4)
- [Title 22 section 66261.2 - Definition of Waste](https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/california/22-CCR-66261.2)
- [Hazardous Waste Management Information for Scrap Metal Recyclers](https://dtsc.ca.gov/hazardous-waste-management-for-scrap-metal-recyclers-2/)
- [Management of Compressed Gas Cylinders, April 2025](https://dtsc.ca.gov/management-of-compressed-gas-cylinders/)
- [Health and Safety Code article 13, used oil](https://cdtfa.ca.gov/lawguides/vol4/hwf/hwf-ch6-5-all.html#25250-1)