# Paint EWC code 08 01 11* or 08 01 12 for trade paint, 20 01 27* or 20 01 28 for household-type.

> Paint EWC code: 08 01 11* or 08 01 12 for trade paint, 20 01 27* or 20 01 28 for household-type, and 15 01 10* for empty tins with residue.
> Web page: https://complyonsite.com/tools/ewc-code-finder?waste=paint

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

## Is leftover paint hazardous waste?

| Paint | Trade | Household-type |
| --- | --- | --- |
| With organic solvents or other hazardous substances | 08 01 11* | 20 01 27* |
| Other paint and varnish | 08 01 12 | 20 01 28 |
| Paint or varnish remover | 08 01 21* | 08 01 21* |

Check the product’s safety data sheet. If you can’t find out what’s in it, use the hazardous code.

## When can trade paint use the household EWC codes?

When it’s a type of paint normally used by householders and it’s kept apart from other waste. Then it can go as 20 01 27* or 20 01 28 instead of 08 01 11* or 08 01 12. The same test on hazardous content applies either way.

## Are empty paint tins hazardous waste?

GOV.UK treats paint cans as hazardous, so empty tins are 15 01 10*, packaging with a hazardous residue. Use 15 01 04 for metal tins or 15 01 02 for plastic tubs only if an assessment or the safety data sheet shows the residue isn’t hazardous. A tin still holding paint, even set hard, isn’t empty and is coded as the paint.

### 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)
- [GOV.UK, Packaging waste and recyclables: how to classify](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/packaging-waste-and-recyclables-how-to-classify)
- [Environment Agency, WM3 waste classification guidance](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/waste-classification-technical-guidance)
- [GOV.UK, Classify different types of waste: your legal responsibilities](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/classify-different-types-of-waste-your-legal-responsibilities)