# Fluorescent tube EWC code 20 01 21* for almost every tube, from homes or businesses. Always hazardous.

> Fluorescent tube EWC code: 20 01 21* for tubes and discharge lamps from offices and sites, 16 02 13* for industrial lamps, and the codes for LED bulbs.
> Web page: https://complyonsite.com/tools/ewc-code-finder?waste=fluorescent-tubes

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

## Are fluorescent tubes 20 01 21* or 16 02 13*?

Usually 20 01 21*. Lamps of a kind a household could have take chapter 20 even from a business, and WM3 says the vast majority of fluorescent tubes from any source are like household ones. 16 02 13* is for industrial or commercial lamps a home wouldn’t have. Either way they’re hazardous, with no non-hazardous code, and move on a consignment note.

## Which EWC code for LED, halogen and other bulbs?

| Lamp | Household-type | Industrial or commercial |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Linear fluorescent tubes | 20 01 21* | 16 02 13* |
| Compact fluorescent and other discharge lamps | 20 01 21* | 16 02 13* |
| LEDs with POPs or hazardous substances | 20 01 35* | 16 02 13* |
| Other LEDs, halogen and filament bulbs | 20 01 36 | 16 02 14 |

GOV.UK says to check lamps for hazardous substances and POPs before choosing between the last two rows. If you’ve checked and still aren’t sure, treat them as hazardous and POPs waste. See [WEEE codes](https://complyonsite.com/tools/ewc-code-finder?waste=weee) for other electricals.

## Can fluorescent tubes go in a skip or general waste?

No. Businesses mustn’t put hazardous waste in with other waste, and that includes a tradesperson changing tubes in someone’s home. Keep them apart and have them collected as hazardous waste. GOV.UK also lists compact fluorescent and other non-linear discharge lamps as POPs waste, which must be kept apart so the POPs can be destroyed.

### 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, Hazardous waste: segregation and mixing](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/hazardous-waste-segregation-and-mixing)
- [GOV.UK, Identify and classify waste containing POPs](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/identify-and-classify-waste-containing-persistent-organic-pollutants-pops)