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 12
12 01 13 — welding wastes
EWC / LoW 12 01 13
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 15
15 01 01 — paper and cardboard packaging
EWC / LoW 15 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 15
15 01 02 — plastic packaging
EWC / LoW 15 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 15
15 01 03 — wooden packaging
EWC / LoW 15 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 15
15 01 04 — metallic packaging
EWC / LoW 15 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 15
15 01 05 — composite packaging
EWC / LoW 15 01 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 quoteChapter 15
15 01 06 — mixed packaging
EWC / LoW 15 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 15
15 01 07 — glass packaging
EWC / LoW 15 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 15
15 01 09 — textile packaging
EWC / LoW 15 01 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 16
16 01 03 — end-of-life tyres
EWC / LoW 16 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 16
16 01 06 — end-of-life vehicles, containing neither liquids nor other hazardous components
EWC / LoW 16 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 16
16 01 16 — tanks for liquefied gas
EWC / LoW 16 01 16
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 16
16 01 17 — ferrous metal
EWC / LoW 16 01 17
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 16
16 01 18 — non-ferrous metal
EWC / LoW 16 01 18
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 16
16 01 19 — plastic
EWC / LoW 16 01 19
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 16
16 01 20 — glass
EWC / LoW 16 01 20
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 16
16 01 99 — wastes not otherwise specified
EWC / LoW 16 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 16
16 02 14 — discarded equipment other than those mentioned in 16 02 09 to 16 02 13
EWC / LoW 16 02 14
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 16
16 02 16 — components removed from discarded equipment other than those mentioned in 16 02 15
EWC / LoW 16 02 16
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 16
16 06 04 — alkaline batteries (except 16 06 03)
EWC / LoW 16 06 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 16
16 06 05 — other batteries and accumulators
EWC / LoW 16 06 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 quoteChapter 18
18 01 01 — sharps (except 18 01 03)
EWC / LoW 18 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 18
18 01 02 — Body parts and organs including blood bags and blood preserves (except 18 01 03)
EWC / LoW 18 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 18
18 01 04 — wastes whose collection and disposal is not subject to special requirements in order to prevent infection(for example dressings, plaster casts, linen, disposable clothing, diapers)
EWC / LoW 18 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 quote
