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

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  • Based on the UK List of Waste and GOV.UK guidance
  • Nothing is stored

Find an EWC code

Batteries: 7 codes.

Batteries

  • HazardousBatteries

    Lead acid, including vehicle batteries from homes

  • HazardousBatteries

    Nickel-cadmium

  • HazardousBatteries

    Containing mercury

  • Not hazardousBatteries

    Alkaline

  • Not hazardousBatteries

    Lithium, lithium ion and other batteries

  • HazardousHousehold-type, collected separately

    Household-type: mixed or unsorted, lead acid, Ni-Cd or mercury

  • Not hazardousHousehold-type, collected separately

    Household-type alkaline or lithium, sorted by someone competent

4 more codes in the full list mention “Batteries”

  • HazardousBatteries

    Separately collected electrolyte from batteries and accumulators

  • Not hazardousPhotographic

    Single-use cameras without batteries

  • HazardousPhotographic

    Single-use cameras containing batteries included in 16 06 01, 16 06 02 or 16 06 03

  • Not hazardousPhotographic

    Single-use cameras containing batteries

Which EWC code for each battery type?

BatteryHousehold-typeIndustrial or commercial
Vehicle lead acid16 06 01*16 06 01*
Other lead acid20 01 33*16 06 01*
Nickel-cadmium20 01 33*16 06 02*
Mercury20 01 33*16 06 03*
Alkaline20 01 3416 06 04
Lithium and lithium ion20 01 3416 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.

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