Common construction and demolition waste includes materials and substances like bricks, ceramics, and concrete. The tables list most waste codes for construction waste disposed of in United Kingdom.
Review the technical guidance for additional classifications not found in these waste code tables. The asterisk (*) at the end of a code signifies that the waste is hazardous.
Business waste descriptions must include:
The List of Waste (LoW) or the EWC code (European Waste Catalogue).
Whether it is hazardous or non-hazardous.
The type of business or premises, and the type of process, that produced the waste.
The name of the substance (or substances).
A chemical and physical analysis.
Information on any special problems, knowledge, or other requirements relating to the waste.
The Environment Agency produce waste classification technical guidance on how to assess and classify waste. It can help if you cannot find a code for your waste or you need information on classification, hazardous materials, or waste sampling.
Asbestos and Insulation Materials
TYPE OF WASTE
STATUS
WASTE CODE
Insulation that contains asbestos
Hazardous
17-06-01*
Other insulation that contains hazardous substances
Hazardous
17-06-03*
Other insulation materials
Non-hazardous
17-06-04
Other construction materials that contain asbestos
Hazardous
17-06-05*
Bricks, Ceramics, Concrete, and Tiles
TYPE OF WASTE
STATUS
WASTE CODE
Concrete
Non-hazardous
17-01-01
Bricks
Non-hazardous
17-01-02
Ceramics and tiles
Non-hazardous
17-01-03
Bricks, ceramics, concrete, and tiles (alone or in mixtures) that contain hazardous substances
Hazardous
17-01-06*
Bricks, ceramics, concrete, and tiles in mixtures that DO NOT contain hazardous substances
Non-hazardous
17-01-07
Glass, Plastic, and Wood
TYPE OF WASTE
STATUS
WASTE CODE
Wood (untreated)
Non-hazardous
17-02-01
Glass (uncontaminated)
Non-hazardous
17-02-02
Plastic (excludes packaging waste)
Non-hazardous
17-02-03
Treated glass, plastic, or wood (alone or in mixtures) that contains hazardous substances
Hazardous
17-02-04*
Note: See the packaging section below for details on packaging wastes and domestic type recyclables.
Bituminous Mixtures, Coal Tar, and Tar
TYPE OF WASTE
STATUS
WASTE CODE
Bituminous mixtures that contain coal tar
Hazardous
17-03-01*
Other bituminous mixtures
Non-hazardous
17-03-02
Coal tar and tarred products
Hazardous
17-03-03*
Metallic Waste (includes cable)
TYPE OF WASTE
STATUS
WASTE CODE
Copper, bronze, and brass
Non-hazardous
17-04-01
Aluminium
Non-hazardous
17-04-02
Lead
Non-hazardous
17-04-03
Iron and steel
Non-hazardous
17-04-05
Tin
Non-hazardous
17-04-06
Mixed metals
Non-hazardous
17-04-07
Metals that contain hazardous substances
Hazardous
17-04-09*
Cables that contain oil, coal tar, and other hazardous substances
Hazardous
17-04-10*
Other cables
Non-hazardous
17-04-11
Soil, Contaminated Soil, Dredging Spoil, and Stones
TYPE OF WASTE
STATUS
WASTE CODE
Soil and stones that contain hazardous substances
Hazardous
17-05-03*
Other soil and stones
Non-hazardous
17-05-04
Dredging spoil that contains hazardous substances
Hazardous
17-05-05*
Other dredging spoil
Non-hazardous
17-05-06
Note: To classify soil as non-hazardous you need to be able to prove it does not contain any hazardous substances. You always need to assess the soil before handing it over for collection.
The presence of any fragments of asbestos-containing material in the soil will result in a mixed hazardous waste. See the table on insulation and asbestos materials for further guidance.
Gypsum
TYPE OF WASTE
STATUS
WASTE CODE
Gypsum materials that contain hazardous substances
Hazardous
17-08-01*
Other gypsum materials
Non-hazardous
17-08-02
Cement
TYPE OF WASTE
STATUS
WASTE CODE
Unused or unset cement
Hazardous
17-09-03*
Paints and Varnishes
TYPE OF WASTE
STATUS
WASTE CODE
Containing organic solvents or other hazardous substances
Hazardous
08-01-11* (20-01-27*)
Not containing organic solvents or other hazardous substances
Non-hazardous
08-01-12 (20-01-28)
Paint or varnish remover
Hazardous
08-01-21*
Paint cans
Hazardous
See packaging waste and recyclables table
Note: As a rule, you can classify paints and varnishes used by householders under the codes in brackets (if separated from other waste).
Adhesives and Sealants
TYPE OF WASTE
STATUS
WASTE CODE
Containing organic solvents or other hazardous substances
Hazardous
08-04-09* (20-01-27*)
Not containing organic solvents or other hazardous substances
Non-hazardous
08-04-10 (20-01-28)
Adhesive or sealant containers
Hazardous
See packaging waste and recyclables table
Note: As a rule, classify adhesives and sealants used by householders under the codes in brackets (if separated from other waste).
Packaging Waste and Recyclables
TYPE OF WASTE
STATUS
PAPER/CARDBOARD
PLASTIC
METAL
GLASS
TEXTILES
Clean packaging
Non-hazardous
15-01-01
15-01-02
15-01-04
15-01-07
15-01-09
Other clean material, unmixed (excludes packaging)
Non-hazardous
20-01-01
20-01-39
20-01-40
20-01-02
20-01-11
Mixed clean material (including packaging)
Non-hazardous
15-01-01 and 20-01-01
15-01-02 and 20-01-39
15-01-04 and 20-01-40
15-01-07 and 20-01-02
15-01-09 and 20-01-10
Empty packaging contaminated with residues of hazardous substances (e.g. paint cans, drums, and intermediate bulk containers (IBCs))
Hazardous
15-01-10*
15-01-10*
15-01-10*
15-01-10*
15-01-10*
Empty packaging contaminated with residues of non-hazardous substances
Non-hazardous
15-01-01
15-01-02
15-01-04
15-01-07
15-01-09
Note: All containers need to be empty to be classified as packaging waste.
List of Waste Codes for Construction and Demolition Waste in United Kingdom