# 20 01 40 EWC code Clean metal collected separately from homes and similar business waste, not packaging.

> 20 01 40 EWC code: clean, separately collected metal from homes and similar business waste, not packaging. When scrap metal takes a 15, 17 or 19 code.
> Web page: https://complyonsite.com/tools/ewc-code-finder?code=20-01-40

- Free, no account
- Based on the UK List of Waste, GOV.UK and SEPA guidance
- Nothing is stored

## What does 20 01 40 cover?

Metal collected separately from household waste, or from the same kind of waste from shops, offices and other businesses. GOV.UK gives it for clean, unmixed metal that isn’t packaging. It has no asterisk and no hazardous twin, so it moves on a waste transfer note.

## Is scrap metal from a building site 20 01 40?

No. Metal from building and demolition work is in chapter 17: 17 04 01 to 17 04 07 by type, or 17 04 09* if it’s contaminated with hazardous substances. Cable is 17 04 11, or 17 04 10* if it holds oil, coal tar or other hazardous substances. Empty cans and tins are packaging, 15 01 04. [Scrap metal codes by type](https://complyonsite.com/tools/ewc-code-finder?waste=metal)

## What code does metal get after shredding or sorting?

| Metal leaving | Iron and steel | Other metals |
| --- | --- | --- |
| A shredder | 19 10 01 | 19 10 02 |
| A sorting site | 19 12 02 | 19 12 03 |

SEPA’s guidance says treated waste takes a chapter 19 code once treatment changes it. Bulking up or storing it doesn’t, so the metal keeps the code it arrived with. [Chapter 19 codes](https://complyonsite.com/tools/ewc-code-finder?chapter=19)

### Sources

- [List of Waste (legislation.gov.uk)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/eudn/2000/532/annex)
- [Packaging waste and recyclables: how to classify (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/packaging-waste-and-recyclables-how-to-classify)
- [Construction and demolition waste: how to classify (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/construction-and-demolition-waste-how-to-classify)
- [Guidance on using the EWC to code waste (SEPA, November 2015)](https://www.sepa.org.uk/media/163421/ewc_guidance.pdf)

The codes apply across the UK. The GOV.UK guides are England’s; SEPA’s is Scotland’s.