This reference index contains all 842 six-digit entries in the WM3 GB waste-classification reference. An asterisk identifies a hazardous entry. Mirror entries need the relevant hazardous-property assessment before the correct member of the pair can be selected. Code selection is based on the activity and process that produced the waste, not simply on words that happen to match a description.
Waste classification is separate from dangerous-goods transport classification and from a receiving facility’s acceptance checks. WM3 GB applies in England, Scotland and Wales; Northern Ireland uses its own WM3 version and regulatory arrangements.
Code descriptions are reproduced from WM3, with Crown copyright material used under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Finding the correct List of Waste code
Search by waste description or six-digit code. Spaces and hyphens are accepted. Chapter and WM3 entry-type filters narrow the list, but code selection still depends on the activity and process that produced the waste.
- Waste origin: the business activity and process that produced the material.
- Composition: known substances, contaminants and representative analysis where available.
- Code information: the full six-digit entry and any hazardous asterisk shown in existing records.
- Waste movement: quantity, container type and the documentation required before collection.
Reference sources for the waste code library
These sources explain the WM3 classification framework, legal responsibilities for waste classification and general pollution-prevention duties. They are reference material only. The correct classification depends on the waste itself and the jurisdiction in which it is produced.
Waste code guides
Chapter 08
EWC / LoW 08 01 11*
Code 08 01 11* is the mirror hazardous entry for waste paint and varnish containing organic solvents or other hazardous substances. Composition remains central for mixed residues, washings and dried material.
Read the guide →Waste classification notes
- This is the hazardous side of a mirror entry. The actual composition and assessment determine which entry applies.
- The correct List of Waste code depends on the activity and process that produced the waste and, where required, the evidence supporting its classification.
Environment Agency: WM3
Get a quoteChapter 13
EWC / LoW 13 05 07*
Code 13 05 07* is the absolute hazardous entry for oily water from oil-water separators. The guide distinguishes oily water from the other waste fractions produced by separator servicing.
Read the guide →Waste classification notes
- WM3 identifies this as an absolute hazardous entry. Confirm the waste fits the description and source activity.
- The correct List of Waste code depends on the activity and process that produced the waste and, where required, the evidence supporting its classification.
Environment Agency: WM3
Get a quoteChapter 15
EWC / LoW 15 02 02*
Code 15 02 02* covers specified absorbents, filters, wiping cloths and protective clothing contaminated by hazardous substances. Classification depends on the contaminant and the waste-producing activity.
Read the guide →Waste classification notes
- This is the hazardous side of a mirror entry. The actual composition and assessment determine which entry applies.
- The correct List of Waste code depends on the activity and process that produced the waste and, where required, the evidence supporting its classification.
Environment Agency: WM3
Get a quoteChapter 16
EWC / LoW 16 05 06*
Code 16 05 06* is the mirror hazardous entry for laboratory chemicals consisting of or containing hazardous substances, including mixtures. The guide covers identity, composition and classification evidence.
Read the guide →Waste classification notes
- This is the hazardous side of a mirror entry. The actual composition and assessment determine which entry applies.
- The correct List of Waste code depends on the activity and process that produced the waste and, where required, the evidence supporting its classification.
Environment Agency: WM3
Get a quoteChapter 16
EWC / LoW 16 06 01*
Code 16 06 01* is the absolute hazardous entry for lead batteries. The guide covers battery identification, condition and separate wastes arising from damage or leakage.
Read the guide →Waste classification notes
- WM3 identifies this as an absolute hazardous entry. Confirm the waste fits the description and source activity.
- The correct List of Waste code depends on the activity and process that produced the waste and, where required, the evidence supporting its classification.
Environment Agency: WM3
Get a quoteChapter 17
EWC / LoW 17 05 03*
Code 17 05 03* is the mirror hazardous entry for soil and stones containing hazardous substances. The guide covers representative evidence, hazardous-property assessment and landfill acceptance.
Read the guide →Waste classification notes
- This is the hazardous side of a mirror entry. The actual composition and assessment determine which entry applies.
- The correct List of Waste code depends on the activity and process that produced the waste and, where required, the evidence supporting its classification.
Environment Agency: WM3
Get a quoteChapter 20
EWC / LoW 20 03 04
Code 20 03 04 is the absolute non-hazardous entry for septic tank sludge. The source system still needs to be confirmed, particularly where unusual inputs may have entered the tank.
Read the guide →Waste classification notes
- WM3 identifies this as an absolute non-hazardous entry. Confirm that the waste fits this entry rather than another description.
- The correct List of Waste code depends on the activity and process that produced the waste and, where required, the evidence supporting its classification.
Environment Agency: WM3
Get a quoteChapter 20
EWC / LoW 20 03 06
Code 20 03 06 is the absolute non-hazardous entry for waste from sewage cleaning. The source activity, rather than the collection equipment, determines whether the description fits.
Read the guide →Waste classification notes
- WM3 identifies this as an absolute non-hazardous entry. Confirm that the waste fits this entry rather than another description.
- The correct List of Waste code depends on the activity and process that produced the waste and, where required, the evidence supporting its classification.
Environment Agency: WM3
Get a quoteChapter 01
01 01 01 — wastes from mineral metalliferous excavation
EWC / LoW 01 01 01
This is a WM3 absolute non-hazardous entry. For waste that fits the official description and source activity, the non-hazardous status is fixed; waste from a different source or of a different type may require another code.
Environment Agency: WM3 ↗WM3 reference information. A matching description alone does not establish the correct classification for a particular waste.
Waste classification notes
- WM3 identifies this as an absolute non-hazardous entry. Confirm that the waste fits this entry rather than another description.
- The correct List of Waste code depends on the activity and process that produced the waste and, where required, the evidence supporting its classification.
Environment Agency: WM3
Get a quoteChapter 01
01 01 02 — wastes from mineral non-metalliferous excavation
EWC / LoW 01 01 02
This is a WM3 absolute non-hazardous entry. For waste that fits the official description and source activity, the non-hazardous status is fixed; waste from a different source or of a different type may require another code.
Environment Agency: WM3 ↗WM3 reference information. A matching description alone does not establish the correct classification for a particular waste.
Waste classification notes
- WM3 identifies this as an absolute non-hazardous entry. Confirm that the waste fits this entry rather than another description.
- The correct List of Waste code depends on the activity and process that produced the waste and, where required, the evidence supporting its classification.
Environment Agency: WM3
Get a quoteChapter 01
01 03 04* — acid-generating tailings from processing of sulphide ore
EWC / LoW 01 03 04*
This is a WM3 absolute hazardous entry. For waste that fits the official description and source activity, the hazardous status is fixed; waste from a different source or of a different type may require another code.
Environment Agency: WM3 ↗WM3 reference information. A matching description alone does not establish the correct classification for a particular waste.
Waste classification notes
- WM3 identifies this as an absolute hazardous entry. Confirm the waste fits the description and source activity.
- The correct List of Waste code depends on the activity and process that produced the waste and, where required, the evidence supporting its classification.
Environment Agency: WM3
Get a quoteChapter 01
01 03 05* — other tailings containing hazardous substances
EWC / LoW 01 03 05*
This is the hazardous side of a WM3 mirror entry. The source and official description must fit, and the relevant hazardous-property assessment is needed to decide between the mirror entries.
Environment Agency: WM3 ↗WM3 reference information. A matching description alone does not establish the correct classification for a particular waste.
Waste classification notes
- This is the hazardous side of a mirror entry. The actual composition and assessment determine which entry applies.
- The correct List of Waste code depends on the activity and process that produced the waste and, where required, the evidence supporting its classification.
Environment Agency: WM3
Get a quoteChapter 01
01 03 06 — tailings other than those mentioned in 01 03 04 and 01 03 05
EWC / LoW 01 03 06
This is the non-hazardous side of a WM3 mirror entry. The source and official description must fit, with the relevant assessment supporting use of the non-hazardous entry.
Environment Agency: WM3 ↗WM3 reference information. A matching description alone does not establish the correct classification for a particular waste.
Waste classification notes
- This is the non-hazardous side of a mirror entry. The actual composition and assessment determine which entry applies.
- The correct List of Waste code depends on the activity and process that produced the waste and, where required, the evidence supporting its classification.
Environment Agency: WM3
Get a quoteChapter 01
01 03 07* — other wastes containing hazardous substances from physical and chemical processing of metalliferous minerals
EWC / LoW 01 03 07*
This is the hazardous side of a WM3 mirror entry. The source and official description must fit, and the relevant hazardous-property assessment is needed to decide between the mirror entries.
Environment Agency: WM3 ↗WM3 reference information. A matching description alone does not establish the correct classification for a particular waste.
Waste classification notes
- This is the hazardous side of a mirror entry. The actual composition and assessment determine which entry applies.
- The correct List of Waste code depends on the activity and process that produced the waste and, where required, the evidence supporting its classification.
Environment Agency: WM3
Get a quoteChapter 01
01 03 08 — dusty and powdery wastes other than those mentioned in 01 03 07
EWC / LoW 01 03 08
This is the non-hazardous side of a WM3 mirror entry. The source and official description must fit, with the relevant assessment supporting use of the non-hazardous entry.
Environment Agency: WM3 ↗WM3 reference information. A matching description alone does not establish the correct classification for a particular waste.
Waste classification notes
- This is the non-hazardous side of a mirror entry. The actual composition and assessment determine which entry applies.
- The correct List of Waste code depends on the activity and process that produced the waste and, where required, the evidence supporting its classification.
Environment Agency: WM3
Get a quoteChapter 01
01 03 09 — red mud from alumina production other than the wastes mentioned in 01 03 10
EWC / LoW 01 03 09
This is the non-hazardous side of a WM3 mirror entry. The source and official description must fit, with the relevant assessment supporting use of the non-hazardous entry.
Environment Agency: WM3 ↗WM3 reference information. A matching description alone does not establish the correct classification for a particular waste.
Waste classification notes
- This is the non-hazardous side of a mirror entry. The actual composition and assessment determine which entry applies.
- The correct List of Waste code depends on the activity and process that produced the waste and, where required, the evidence supporting its classification.
Environment Agency: WM3
Get a quoteChapter 01
01 03 10* — red mud from alumina production containing hazardous substances other than the wastes mentioned in 01 03 07
EWC / LoW 01 03 10*
This is the hazardous side of a WM3 mirror entry. The source and official description must fit, and the relevant hazardous-property assessment is needed to decide between the mirror entries.
Environment Agency: WM3 ↗WM3 reference information. A matching description alone does not establish the correct classification for a particular waste.
Waste classification notes
- This is the hazardous side of a mirror entry. The actual composition and assessment determine which entry applies.
- The correct List of Waste code depends on the activity and process that produced the waste and, where required, the evidence supporting its classification.
Environment Agency: WM3
Get a quoteChapter 01
01 03 99 — wastes not otherwise specified
EWC / LoW 01 03 99
This is the non-hazardous side of a WM3 mirror entry. The source and official description must fit, with the relevant assessment supporting use of the non-hazardous entry.
Environment Agency: WM3 ↗WM3 reference information. A matching description alone does not establish the correct classification for a particular waste.
Waste classification notes
- This is the non-hazardous side of a mirror entry. The actual composition and assessment determine which entry applies.
- The correct List of Waste code depends on the activity and process that produced the waste and, where required, the evidence supporting its classification.
Environment Agency: WM3
Get a quoteChapter 01
01 04 07* — wastes containing hazardous substances from physical and chemical processing of non-metalliferous minerals
EWC / LoW 01 04 07*
This is the hazardous side of a WM3 mirror entry. The source and official description must fit, and the relevant hazardous-property assessment is needed to decide between the mirror entries.
Environment Agency: WM3 ↗WM3 reference information. A matching description alone does not establish the correct classification for a particular waste.
Waste classification notes
- This is the hazardous side of a mirror entry. The actual composition and assessment determine which entry applies.
- The correct List of Waste code depends on the activity and process that produced the waste and, where required, the evidence supporting its classification.
Environment Agency: WM3
Get a quoteChapter 01
01 04 08 — waste gravel and crushed rocks other than those mentioned in 01 04 07
EWC / LoW 01 04 08
This is the non-hazardous side of a WM3 mirror entry. The source and official description must fit, with the relevant assessment supporting use of the non-hazardous entry.
Environment Agency: WM3 ↗WM3 reference information. A matching description alone does not establish the correct classification for a particular waste.
Waste classification notes
- This is the non-hazardous side of a mirror entry. The actual composition and assessment determine which entry applies.
- The correct List of Waste code depends on the activity and process that produced the waste and, where required, the evidence supporting its classification.
Environment Agency: WM3
Get a quoteChapter 01
01 04 09 — waste sand and clays
EWC / LoW 01 04 09
This is a WM3 absolute non-hazardous entry. For waste that fits the official description and source activity, the non-hazardous status is fixed; waste from a different source or of a different type may require another code.
Environment Agency: WM3 ↗WM3 reference information. A matching description alone does not establish the correct classification for a particular waste.
Waste classification notes
- WM3 identifies this as an absolute non-hazardous entry. Confirm that the waste fits this entry rather than another description.
- The correct List of Waste code depends on the activity and process that produced the waste and, where required, the evidence supporting its classification.
Environment Agency: WM3
Get a quoteChapter 01
01 04 10 — dusty and powdery wastes other than those mentioned in 01 04 07
EWC / LoW 01 04 10
This is the non-hazardous side of a WM3 mirror entry. The source and official description must fit, with the relevant assessment supporting use of the non-hazardous entry.
Environment Agency: WM3 ↗WM3 reference information. A matching description alone does not establish the correct classification for a particular waste.
Waste classification notes
- This is the non-hazardous side of a mirror entry. The actual composition and assessment determine which entry applies.
- The correct List of Waste code depends on the activity and process that produced the waste and, where required, the evidence supporting its classification.
Environment Agency: WM3
Get a quoteChapter 01
01 04 11 — wastes from potash and rock salt processing other than those mentioned in 01 04 07
EWC / LoW 01 04 11
This is the non-hazardous side of a WM3 mirror entry. The source and official description must fit, with the relevant assessment supporting use of the non-hazardous entry.
Environment Agency: WM3 ↗WM3 reference information. A matching description alone does not establish the correct classification for a particular waste.
Waste classification notes
- This is the non-hazardous side of a mirror entry. The actual composition and assessment determine which entry applies.
- The correct List of Waste code depends on the activity and process that produced the waste and, where required, the evidence supporting its classification.
Environment Agency: WM3
Get a quoteChapter 01
01 04 12 — tailings and other wastes from washing and cleaning of minerals other than those mentioned in 01 04 07 and 01 04 11
EWC / LoW 01 04 12
This is the non-hazardous side of a WM3 mirror entry. The source and official description must fit, with the relevant assessment supporting use of the non-hazardous entry.
Environment Agency: WM3 ↗WM3 reference information. A matching description alone does not establish the correct classification for a particular waste.
Waste classification notes
- This is the non-hazardous side of a mirror entry. The actual composition and assessment determine which entry applies.
- The correct List of Waste code depends on the activity and process that produced the waste and, where required, the evidence supporting its classification.
Environment Agency: WM3
Get a quote
