# Cable EWC code 17 04 10* unless an assessment shows it’s 17 04 11. Most cable is hazardous.

> Cable EWC code: 17 04 10* or 17 04 11 for building and telecoms cable, 16 02 15* and 16 02 16 for cable from electricals, and why most is hazardous.
> Web page: https://complyonsite.com/tools/ewc-code-finder?waste=cable

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

## Is waste cable 17 04 10* or 17 04 11?

GOV.UK says most electrical and telecoms cable that isn’t from electrical equipment contains hazardous substances, so it needs an assessment before it can go as 17 04 11. Its table marks this cable hazardous and gives it 17 04 10* and 17 04 11 together. Cable containing oil, coal tar or other hazardous substances is 17 04 10*, and if you can’t find out what’s in it, use 17 04 10*.

## EWC code for cable from electrical equipment or vehicles

| Cable | Code |
| --- | --- |
| From building and demolition work | 17 04 10* or 17 04 11 |
| Taken out of electrical equipment (WEEE) | 16 02 15* and 16 02 16 |
| From scrapped vehicles | 16 01 21* and 16 01 22 |
| Plastic granulated from WEEE cable, metal removed | 19 12 04 |

Cable still inside a piece of equipment goes with the equipment: see [WEEE codes](https://complyonsite.com/tools/ewc-code-finder?waste=weee). Other metal from site has its own codes: see [scrap metal](https://complyonsite.com/tools/ewc-code-finder?waste=metal).

## Is old cable POPs waste?

Cable from electrical equipment usually is. The Environment Agency expects cables and wiring from WEEE, inside and out, to hold POPs, brominated flame retardants and other chemicals above their limits, so it’s hazardous and POPs waste. When the copper is taken out, the granulated plastic left stays POPs waste, 19 12 04, and its POPs must be destroyed. Granulated plastic still holding copper or other metal is a mixed waste: 19 12 11* or 19 12 12.

### Sources

- [List of Waste, as retained in UK law (legislation.gov.uk)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/eudn/2000/532/annex)
- [GOV.UK, Construction and demolition waste: how to classify](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/construction-and-demolition-waste-how-to-classify)
- [Environment Agency, WM3 waste classification guidance](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/waste-classification-technical-guidance)
- [GOV.UK, Vehicle and oily wastes: how to classify](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/vehicle-and-oily-wastes-how-to-classify)
- [GOV.UK, Classify some waste electrical devices, components and treatment wastes](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/classify-some-waste-electrical-devices-components-and-wastes-from-their-treatment)