# Dry mixed recycling EWC code Usually 15 01 06 for co-mingled cans, bottles, plastic and card, not 20 03 01.

> Dry mixed recycling EWC code: 15 01 06 for co-mingled cans, bottles, plastic and card, why it isn’t 20 03 01, and when paper must go separately.
> Web page: https://complyonsite.com/tools/ewc-code-finder?waste=dmr

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- Based on the UK List of Waste and GOV.UK guidance
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## Is dry mixed recycling 15 01 06 or 20 03 01?

| What’s in the bin | Code |
| --- | --- |
| Mixed packaging: cans, bottles, plastic and card | 15 01 06 |
| Paper and card that isn’t packaging | 20 01 01 |
| General waste left after recycling | 20 03 01 |

The list has no code of its own for mixed recycling, and GOV.UK doesn’t give one. A DMR bin is mostly empty packaging, so 15 01 06 is the usual code. 20 03 01 is the general waste that’s left. If the bin also takes office paper, GOV.UK gives paper mixed with paper packaging both 15 01 01 and 20 01 01. Confirm with your waste contractor which codes they want on the note.

## Can paper and card go in the same bin as cans and bottles?

In England, only if your waste collector allows it. Paper and card must be collected separately from plastic, metal and glass, unless the collector has made a written co-collection assessment showing that separate collection isn’t technically or economically practicable, or has no significant environmental benefit. Ask your collector which bins you’re set up for, and what goes in each.

## Why does a recycling bin get rejected?

Contamination: the wrong things in it, such as food, general waste or anything hazardous. If you spot significant contamination in a recycling bin before it’s collected, GOV.UK says to put it out as general waste instead, and to talk to your collector about it. Anything hazardous, such as batteries or paint, must come out first and go with your hazardous waste, never in general waste. Keeping food and general waste in their own bins is the fix.

### Sources

- [List of Waste, as retained in UK law (legislation.gov.uk)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/eudn/2000/532/annex)
- [GOV.UK, Packaging waste and recyclables: how to classify](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/packaging-waste-and-recyclables-how-to-classify)
- [GOV.UK, Simpler recycling: workplace recycling in England](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/simpler-recycling-workplace-recycling-in-england)

The codes apply across the UK. The workplace recycling rules here are England’s; Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own.