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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.

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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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173 matching records · Clear search

Chapter 08

08 01 11*: Waste paint and varnish containing hazardous substances

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

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Chapter 15

15 02 02*: Contaminated absorbents and wiping materials

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

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Chapter 16

16 05 06*: Laboratory chemicals and mixtures

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

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Chapter 17

17 05 03*: Soil and stones containing hazardous substances

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

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Chapter 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

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Chapter 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 quote

Chapter 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 quote

Chapter 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 quote

Chapter 01

01 05 06* — drilling muds and other drilling wastes containing hazardous substances

EWC / LoW 01 05 06*

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 quote

Chapter 02

02 01 08* — agrochemical waste containing hazardous substances

EWC / LoW 02 01 08*

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 quote

Chapter 03

03 01 04* — sawdust, shavings, cuttings, wood, particle board and veneer containing hazardous substances

EWC / LoW 03 01 04*

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 quote

Chapter 03

03 02 05* — other wood preservatives containing hazardous substances

EWC / LoW 03 02 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 quote

Chapter 04

04 01 03* — degreasing wastes containing solvents without a liquid phase

EWC / LoW 04 01 03*

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 quote

Chapter 04

04 02 14* — wastes from finishing containing organic solvents

EWC / LoW 04 02 14*

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 quote

Chapter 04

04 02 16* — dyestuffs and pigments containing hazardous substances

EWC / LoW 04 02 16*

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 quote

Chapter 04

04 02 19* — sludges from on-site effluent treatment containing hazardous substances

EWC / LoW 04 02 19*

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 quote

Chapter 05

05 01 09* — sludges from on-site effluent treatment containing hazardous substances

EWC / LoW 05 01 09*

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 quote

Chapter 05

05 07 01* — wastes containing mercury

EWC / LoW 05 07 01*

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 quote

Chapter 06

06 03 11* — solid salts and solutions containing cyanides

EWC / LoW 06 03 11*

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 quote

Chapter 06

06 03 13* — solid salts and solutions containing heavy metals

EWC / LoW 06 03 13*

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 quote

Chapter 06

06 03 15* — metallic oxides containing heavy metals

EWC / LoW 06 03 15*

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 quote

Chapter 06

06 04 03* — wastes containing arsenic

EWC / LoW 06 04 03*

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 quote

Chapter 06

06 04 04* — wastes containing mercury

EWC / LoW 06 04 04*

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 quote

Chapter 06

06 04 05* — wastes containing other heavy metals

EWC / LoW 06 04 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 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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