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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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842 matching records

Chapter 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

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Chapter 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

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Chapter 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 quote

Chapter 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

Chapter 02

02 03 99 — wastes not otherwise specified

EWC / LoW 02 03 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 quote

Chapter 02

02 04 01 — soil from cleaning and washing beet

EWC / LoW 02 04 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 quote

Chapter 02

02 04 02 — off-specification calcium carbonate

EWC / LoW 02 04 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 quote

Chapter 02

02 04 03 — sludges from on-site effluent treatment

EWC / LoW 02 04 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 quote

Chapter 02

02 04 99 — wastes not otherwise specified

EWC / LoW 02 04 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 quote

Chapter 02

02 05 01 — materials unsuitable for consumption or processing

EWC / LoW 02 05 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 quote

Chapter 02

02 05 02 — sludges from on-site effluent treatment

EWC / LoW 02 05 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 quote

Chapter 02

02 05 99 — wastes not otherwise specified

EWC / LoW 02 05 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 quote

Chapter 02

02 06 01 — materials unsuitable for consumption or processing

EWC / LoW 02 06 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 quote

Chapter 02

02 06 02 — wastes from preserving agents

EWC / LoW 02 06 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 quote

Chapter 02

02 06 03 — sludges from on-site effluent treatment

EWC / LoW 02 06 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 quote

Chapter 02

02 06 99 — wastes not otherwise specified

EWC / LoW 02 06 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 quote

Chapter 02

02 07 01 — wastes from washing, cleaning and mechanical reduction of raw materials

EWC / LoW 02 07 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 quote

Chapter 02

02 07 02 — wastes from spirits distillation

EWC / LoW 02 07 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 quote

Chapter 02

02 07 03 — wastes from chemical treatment

EWC / LoW 02 07 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 quote

Chapter 02

02 07 04 — materials unsuitable for consumption or processing

EWC / LoW 02 07 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

Chapter 02

02 07 05 — sludges from on-site effluent treatment

EWC / LoW 02 07 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

Chapter 02

02 07 99 — wastes not otherwise specified

EWC / LoW 02 07 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 quote

Chapter 03

03 01 01 — waste bark and cork

EWC / LoW 03 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 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

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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