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 05
05 01 12* — oil containing acids
EWC / LoW 05 01 12*
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 quoteChapter 05
05 01 13 — boiler feedwater sludges
EWC / LoW 05 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 05
05 01 14 — wastes from cooling columns
EWC / LoW 05 01 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 05
05 01 15* — spent filter clays
EWC / LoW 05 01 15*
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 quoteChapter 05
05 01 16 — sulphur-containing wastes from petroleum desulphurisation
EWC / LoW 05 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 05
05 01 17 — Bitumen
EWC / LoW 05 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 05
05 01 99 — wastes not otherwise specified
EWC / LoW 05 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 05
05 06 01* — acid tars
EWC / LoW 05 06 01*
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 quoteChapter 05
05 06 03* — other tars
EWC / LoW 05 06 03*
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 quoteChapter 05
05 06 04 — waste from cooling columns
EWC / LoW 05 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 05
05 06 99 — wastes not otherwise specified
EWC / LoW 05 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 quoteChapter 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 quoteChapter 05
05 07 02 — wastes containing sulphur
EWC / LoW 05 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 quoteChapter 05
05 07 99 — wastes not otherwise specified
EWC / LoW 05 07 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 quoteChapter 06
06 01 01* — sulphuric acid and sulphurous acid
EWC / LoW 06 01 01*
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 quoteChapter 06
06 01 02* — hydrochloric acid
EWC / LoW 06 01 02*
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 quoteChapter 06
06 01 03* — hydrofluoric acid
EWC / LoW 06 01 03*
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 quoteChapter 06
06 01 04* — phosphoric and phosphorous acid
EWC / LoW 06 01 04*
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 quoteChapter 06
06 01 05* — nitric acid and nitrous acid
EWC / LoW 06 01 05*
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 quoteChapter 06
06 01 06* — other acids
EWC / LoW 06 01 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 quoteChapter 06
06 01 99 — wastes not otherwise specified
EWC / LoW 06 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 06
06 02 01* — calcium hydroxide
EWC / LoW 06 02 01*
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 quoteChapter 06
06 02 03* — ammonium hydroxide
EWC / LoW 06 02 03*
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 quoteChapter 06
06 02 04* — sodium and potassium hydroxide
EWC / LoW 06 02 04*
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
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