Fluorescent tube EWC code 20 01 21* for almost every tube, from homes or businesses. Always hazardous.
- Free, no account
- Based on the UK List of Waste and GOV.UK guidance
- Nothing is stored
Find an EWC code
Fluorescent tubes and lamps: 5 codes.
Fluorescent tubes and lamps
Check lamps for hazardous substances and POPs before you choose a code.
HazardousElectrical equipment
Commercial: fluorescent and discharge lamps, hazardous or POPs LEDs
HazardousHousehold-type, collected separately
Household-type fluorescent tubes and other discharge lamps
HazardousHousehold-type, collected separately
Household-type LED lamps with POPs or hazardous substances
Not hazardousElectrical equipment
Commercial: other LEDs, and halogen or filament bulbs
Not hazardousHousehold-type, collected separately
Household-type: other LEDs, and halogen or filament bulbs
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 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.