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WM3 waste descriptions and classification

List of Waste code library

A reference library for six-digit List of Waste codes, official WM3 descriptions and absolute or mirror entry types.

Waste code referenceTechnical sources

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842 reference records · 8 detailed guides

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

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235 matching records · Clear search

Chapter 11

11 01 06* — acids not otherwise specified

EWC / LoW 11 01 06*

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

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Chapter 11

11 01 07* — pickling bases

EWC / LoW 11 01 07*

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

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Chapter 11

11 01 08* — phosphatising sludges

EWC / LoW 11 01 08*

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 quote

Chapter 11

11 01 16* — saturated or spent ion exchange resins

EWC / LoW 11 01 16*

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 quote

Chapter 11

11 02 02* — sludges from zinc hydrometallurgy (including jarosite, goethite)

EWC / LoW 11 02 02*

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 quote

Chapter 11

11 03 01* — wastes containing cyanide

EWC / LoW 11 03 01*

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 quote

Chapter 11

11 03 02* — other waste

EWC / LoW 11 03 02*

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 quote

Chapter 11

11 05 03* — solid wastes from gas treatment

EWC / LoW 11 05 03*

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 quote

Chapter 11

11 05 04* — spent flux

EWC / LoW 11 05 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 quote

Chapter 12

12 01 06* — mineral-based machining oils containing halogens (except emulsions and solutions)

EWC / LoW 12 01 06*

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 quote

Chapter 12

12 01 07* — mineral-based machining oils free of halogens (except emulsions and solutions)

EWC / LoW 12 01 07*

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 quote

Chapter 12

12 01 08* — machining emulsions and solutions containing halogens

EWC / LoW 12 01 08*

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 quote

Chapter 12

12 01 09* — machining emulsions and solutions free of halogens

EWC / LoW 12 01 09*

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 quote

Chapter 12

12 01 10* — synthetic machining oils

EWC / LoW 12 01 10*

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 quote

Chapter 12

12 01 12* — spent waxes and fats

EWC / LoW 12 01 12*

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 quote

Chapter 12

12 01 19* — readily biodegradable machining oil

EWC / LoW 12 01 19*

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 quote

Chapter 12

12 03 01* — aqueous washing liquids

EWC / LoW 12 03 01*

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 quote

Chapter 12

12 03 02* — steam degreasing wastes

EWC / LoW 12 03 02*

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 quote

Chapter 13

13 01 01* — hydraulic oils, containing PCBs

EWC / LoW 13 01 01*

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 quote

Chapter 13

13 01 04* — chlorinated emulsions

EWC / LoW 13 01 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 quote

Chapter 13

13 01 05* — non-chlorinated emulsions

EWC / LoW 13 01 05*

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 quote

Chapter 13

13 01 09* — mineral-based chlorinated hydraulic oils

EWC / LoW 13 01 09*

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 quote

Chapter 13

13 01 10* — mineral based non-chlorinated hydraulic oils

EWC / LoW 13 01 10*

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 quote

Chapter 13

13 01 11* — synthetic hydraulic oils

EWC / LoW 13 01 11*

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 quote

Published by Environmental Services. Sources checked 12 September 2026. Editorial standards for this library.

If you identify a factual error in this library, please contact us so we can check it against the source.

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