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 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 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 05 04 — freshwater drilling muds and wastes
EWC / LoW 01 05 04
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 02
02 01 01 — sludges from washing and cleaning
EWC / LoW 02 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 02
02 01 02 — animal-tissue waste
EWC / LoW 02 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 02
02 01 03 — plant-tissue waste
EWC / LoW 02 01 03
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 02
02 01 04 — waste plastics (except packaging)
EWC / LoW 02 01 04
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 02
02 01 06 — animal faeces, urine and manure (including spoiled straw), effluent, collected separately and treated off-site
EWC / LoW 02 01 06
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 02
02 01 07 — wastes from forestry
EWC / LoW 02 01 07
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 02
02 01 10 — waste metal
EWC / LoW 02 01 10
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 02
02 01 99 — wastes not otherwise specified
EWC / LoW 02 01 99
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 02
02 02 01 — sludges from washing and cleaning
EWC / LoW 02 02 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 02
02 02 02 — animal-tissue waste
EWC / LoW 02 02 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 02
02 02 03 — materials unsuitable for consumption or processing
EWC / LoW 02 02 03
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 02
02 02 04 — sludges from on-site effluent treatment
EWC / LoW 02 02 04
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 02
02 02 99 — wastes not otherwise specified
EWC / LoW 02 02 99
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 02
02 03 01 — sludges from washing, cleaning, peeling, centrifuging and separation
EWC / LoW 02 03 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 02
02 03 02 — wastes from preserving agents
EWC / LoW 02 03 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 02
02 03 03 — wastes from solvent extraction
EWC / LoW 02 03 03
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 02
02 03 04 — materials unsuitable for consumption or processing
EWC / LoW 02 03 04
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 02
02 03 05 — sludges from on-site effluent treatment
EWC / LoW 02 03 05
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 quote
