# EWC code for batteries 16 06 01* for lead acid, 16 06 05 for lithium, 20 01 33* for mixed small batteries.

> EWC code for batteries: 16 06 01* for lead acid, 16 06 05 for lithium, 20 01 33* for a tub of mixed small batteries, and each other type.
> Web page: https://complyonsite.com/tools/ewc-code-finder?waste=batteries

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

## Which EWC code for each battery type?

| Battery | Household-type | Industrial or commercial |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Vehicle lead acid | 16 06 01* | 16 06 01* |
| Other lead acid | 20 01 33* | 16 06 01* |
| Nickel-cadmium | 20 01 33* | 16 06 02* |
| Mercury | 20 01 33* | 16 06 03* |
| Alkaline | 20 01 34 | 16 06 04 |
| Lithium and lithium ion | 20 01 34 | 16 06 05 |

The household-type codes are for batteries collected separately.

A lead acid battery with a case that isn’t polypropylene, or that you can’t identify, may contain POPs. Unless it has been checked, treat it as containing POPs and write “containing POPs” in its description on the consignment note.

## Is a tub of mixed batteries hazardous?

Yes. A mix of household-type batteries collected separately is 20 01 33*. 20 01 34 is only for batteries that someone competent has sorted and identified as a non-hazardous type, such as alkaline or lithium. If nobody has sorted them, use 20 01 33*.

## Can a battery go in the skip?

No. A battery is a separate waste with its own code, and lead acid, nickel-cadmium and mercury batteries are hazardous, so they mustn’t be mixed with other waste. If one ends up in a skip, take it out where you can. The regulators’ own example is a lead acid battery in a skip of demolition wood: 16 06 01* for the battery, and 17 02 01 for the wood only if the battery hasn’t contaminated it.

### Sources

- [List of Waste, as retained in UK law (legislation.gov.uk)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/eudn/2000/532/annex)
- [Environment Agency, WM3 waste classification guidance](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/waste-classification-technical-guidance)
- [GOV.UK, Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE): how to classify](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/waste-electrical-and-electronic-equipment-weee-how-to-classify)
- [GOV.UK, Classify different types of waste: your legal responsibilities](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/classify-different-types-of-waste-your-legal-responsibilities)
- [GOV.UK, Manage waste lead acid batteries containing POPs](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/manage-waste-lead-acid-batteries-containing-pops)