# Hazardous waste EWC codes Every code with an asterisk, and what changes when one applies to your waste. > Hazardous waste EWC codes: all 408 asterisked codes in the UK List of Waste, which ones depend on an assessment, and the consignment note they need. > Web page: https://complyonsite.com/tools/ewc-code-finder?list=hazardous - Free, no account - Based on the UK List of Waste, WM3 and GOV.UK guidance - Nothing is stored ## Which EWC codes are hazardous? Every code with an asterisk: 408 of them. Waste under any of those codes is hazardous waste. 235 apply whatever is in the waste, such as 20 01 21* for fluorescent tubes. The other 173 are the hazardous half of a pair, such as 17 05 03* for soil. They apply unless an assessment shows the waste isn’t hazardous, and whenever what’s in it can’t be found out. ## Who fills in a hazardous waste consignment note? In England, hazardous waste moves on a consignment note, not a waste transfer note. It’s filled in before the waste leaves and stays with it until it arrives. - **A and B**: The producer or holder, before it’s collected - **C**: The carrier - **D**: The consignor, who hands it over - **E**: The site that receives it Part B also asks for the waste’s hazardous properties (HP codes). They come from classifying the waste, not from its code. Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own rules: see [NRW](https://naturalresources.wales/guidance-and-advice/environmental-topics/waste-management/how-to-complete-a-hazardous-waste-consignment-note/?lang=en), [SEPA](https://complyonsite.com/tools/ewc-code-finder?nation=scotland) and [DAERA](https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/articles/hazardous-waste). ## How many consignment note copies, and for how long? - You’ll normally need 3 copies. Once parts A to D are filled in, the consignor keeps one, gives one to the producer if that’s someone else, and hands the rest back to the carrier. - Keep your copies for 3 years at the site that produced or stored the waste. ## Does hazardous waste from someone’s home need a consignment note? Not to move it from an occupied home to a first collection point. That includes hazardous waste a plumber, electrician or other tradesperson produces while working there. Asbestos is the exception: a contractor who removes asbestos from a home must consign it and fill in the note as the producer. ## All 408 hazardous EWC codes Every code with an asterisk, chapter by chapter. Tap a code to see what it pairs with. **01 Wastes resulting from exploration, mining, quarrying, and physical and chemical treatment of minerals 7 codes** **02 Wastes from agriculture, horticulture, aquaculture, forestry, hunting and fishing, food preparation and processing 1 codes** **03 Wastes from wood processing and the production of panels and furniture, pulp, paper and cardboard 6 codes** **04 Wastes from the leather, fur and textile industries 4 codes** **05 Wastes from petroleum refining, natural gas purification and pyrolytic treatment of coal 14 codes** **06 Wastes from inorganic chemical processes 29 codes** **07 Wastes from organic chemical processes 60 codes** **08 Wastes from the manufacture, formulation, supply and use (MFSU) of coatings (paints, varnishes and vitreous enamels), adhesives, sealants and printing inks 17 codes** **09 Wastes from the photographic industry 8 codes** **10 Wastes from thermal processes 69 codes** **11 Wastes from chemical surface treatment and coating of metals and other materials; non-ferrous hydro-metallurgy 17 codes** **12 Wastes from shaping and physical and mechanical surface treatment of metals and plastics 13 codes** **13 Oil wastes and wastes of liquid fuels (except edible oils, and those in chapters 05, 12 and 19) 34 codes** **14 Waste organic solvents, refrigerants and propellants (except 07 and 08) 5 codes** **15 Waste packaging; absorbents, wiping cloths, filter materials and protective clothing not otherwise specified 3 codes** **16 Wastes not otherwise specified in the list 44 codes** **17 Construction and demolition wastes (including excavated soil from contaminated sites) 16 codes** **18 Wastes from human or animal health care and/or related research (except kitchen and restaurant wastes not arising from immediate health care) 7 codes** **19 Wastes from waste management facilities, off-site waste water treatment plants and the preparation of water intended for human consumption and water for industrial use 40 codes** **20 Municipal wastes (household waste and similar commercial, industrial and institutional wastes) including separately collected fractions 14 codes** ### Sources - [List of Waste (legislation.gov.uk)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/eudn/2000/532/annex) - [WM3 waste classification guidance (Environment Agency, NRW, SEPA)](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6152d0b78fa8f5610b9c222b/Waste_classification_technical_guidance_WM3.pdf) - [Hazardous waste consignment note guidance (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/hazardous-waste-consignment-note-supplementary-guidance) - [Hazardous waste consignment notes (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/dispose-hazardous-waste/consignment-notes) - [Hazardous waste: producers and holders (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/dispose-hazardous-waste/producers-and-holders) - [Hazardous waste consignment notes in Wales (NRW)](https://naturalresources.wales/guidance-and-advice/environmental-topics/waste-management/how-to-complete-a-hazardous-waste-consignment-note/?lang=en) - [Special waste (SEPA)](https://beta.sepa.scot/regulation/authorisations-and-compliance/special-waste/) - [Hazardous waste in Northern Ireland (DAERA)](https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/articles/hazardous-waste) The consignment note rules here are England’s. Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland follow NRW, SEPA and DAERA.