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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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842 matching records

Chapter 19

19 06 04 — digestate from anaerobic treatment of municipal waste

EWC / LoW 19 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

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Chapter 19

19 06 05 — liquor from anaerobic treatment of animal and vegetable waste

EWC / LoW 19 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

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Chapter 19

19 06 06 — digestate from anaerobic treatment of animal and vegetable waste

EWC / LoW 19 06 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

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Chapter 19

19 06 99 — wastes not otherwise specified

EWC / LoW 19 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

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Chapter 19

19 07 02* — landfill leachate containing hazardous substances

EWC / LoW 19 07 02*

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 19

19 07 03 — landfill leachate other than those mentioned in 19 07 02

EWC / LoW 19 07 03

This is the non-hazardous side of a WM3 mirror entry. The source and official description must fit, with the relevant assessment supporting use of the non-hazardous entry.

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 non-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 19

19 08 01 — screenings

EWC / LoW 19 08 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 19

19 08 02 — waste from desanding

EWC / LoW 19 08 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 19

19 08 05 — sludges from treatment of urban waste water

EWC / LoW 19 08 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 19

19 08 06* — saturated or spent ion exchange resins

EWC / LoW 19 08 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 19

19 08 07* — solutions and sludges from regeneration of ion exchangers

EWC / LoW 19 08 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 19

19 08 08* — membrane system waste containing heavy metals

EWC / LoW 19 08 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 19

19 08 09 — grease and oil mixture from oil/water separation containing only edible oil and fats

EWC / LoW 19 08 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 quote

Chapter 19

19 08 10* — grease and oil mixture from oil/water separation other than those mentioned in 19 08 09

EWC / LoW 19 08 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 19

19 08 11* — sludges containing hazardous substances from biological treatment of industrial waste water

EWC / LoW 19 08 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 19

19 08 12 — sludges from biological treatment of industrial waste water other than those mentioned in 19 08 11

EWC / LoW 19 08 12

This is the non-hazardous side of a WM3 mirror entry. The source and official description must fit, with the relevant assessment supporting use of the non-hazardous entry.

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 non-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 19

19 08 13* — sludges containing hazardous substances from other treatment of industrial waste water

EWC / LoW 19 08 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 19

19 08 14 — sludges from other treatment of industrial waste water other than those mentioned in 19 08 13

EWC / LoW 19 08 14

This is the non-hazardous side of a WM3 mirror entry. The source and official description must fit, with the relevant assessment supporting use of the non-hazardous entry.

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 non-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 19

19 08 99 — wastes not otherwise specified

EWC / LoW 19 08 99

This is the non-hazardous side of a WM3 mirror entry. The source and official description must fit, with the relevant assessment supporting use of the non-hazardous entry.

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 non-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 19

19 09 01 — solid waste from primary filtration and screenings

EWC / LoW 19 09 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 19

19 09 02 — sludges from water clarification

EWC / LoW 19 09 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 19

19 09 03 — sludges from decarbonation

EWC / LoW 19 09 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 19

19 09 04 — spent activated carbon

EWC / LoW 19 09 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 19

19 09 05 — saturated or spent ion exchange resins

EWC / LoW 19 09 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

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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