Paint EWC code 08 01 11* or 08 01 12 for trade paint, 20 01 27* or 20 01 28 for household-type.
- Free, no account
- Based on the UK List of Waste and GOV.UK guidance
- Nothing is stored
Find an EWC code
Paint and varnish: 4 codes.
Paint and varnish
Only use a not-hazardous code if an assessment shows the waste isn’t hazardous. If you can’t tell, use the hazardous one.
HazardousPaint and varnish
Trade or commercial paint
Not hazardousPaint and varnish
Trade or commercial paint
HazardousHousehold-type, collected separately
Household-type paint, kept separate from other waste
Not hazardousHousehold-type, collected separately
Household-type paint, kept separate from other waste
10 more codes in the full list mention “Paint and varnish”
HazardousPaint and varnish
Sludges from paint or varnish containing organic solvents or other hazardous substances
If it isn’t hazardous: .
Not hazardousPaint and varnish
Sludges from paint or varnish
If it’s hazardous: .
HazardousPaint and varnish
Aqueous sludges containing paint or varnish containing organic solvents or other hazardous substances
If it isn’t hazardous: .
Not hazardousPaint and varnish
Aqueous sludges containing paint or varnish
If it’s hazardous: .
HazardousPaint and varnish
Waste from paint or varnish removal containing organic solvents or other hazardous substances
If it isn’t hazardous: .
Not hazardousPaint and varnish
Waste from paint or varnish removal
If it’s hazardous: .
HazardousPaint and varnish
Aqueous suspensions containing paint or varnish containing organic solvents or other hazardous substances
If it isn’t hazardous: .
Not hazardousPaint and varnish
Aqueous suspensions containing paint or varnish
If it’s hazardous: .
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.