Common electronic and electrical equipment waste includes products like batteries, light bulbs, fridges, and TVs. The tables list most waste codes for electronic equipment 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.
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.
| TYPE OF WASTE | STATUS | HOUSEHOLD | INDUSTRIAL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lead acid (vehicle) | Hazardous | 16-06-01* | 16-06-01* |
| Lead acid (other types) | Hazardous | 20-01-33* | 16-06-01* |
| Nickel-Cadmium | Hazardous | 20-01-33* | 16-06-02* |
| Mercury containing | Hazardous | 20-01-33* | 16-06-03* |
| Alkaline | Non-hazardous | 20-01-34 | 16-06-04 |
| Others (Lithium or Lithium ion) | Non-hazardous | 20-01-34 | 16-06-05 |
| Mixed batteries (unsorted) | Hazardous | 20-01-33* | Not Permitted |
| TYPE OF WASTE | STATUS | HOUSEHOLD | INDUSTRIAL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fluorescent tubes and low energy (excludes LED) | Hazardous | 20-01-21* | 16-02-13* |
| LED, halogen, and incandescent | Non-hazardous | 20-01-36 | 16-02-14 |
| TYPE OF WASTE | STATUS | HOUSEHOLD | INDUSTRIAL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cathode ray tube (CRT), flatscreen (plasma or LCD) | Hazardous | 20-01-35* | 16-02-13* |
| Laptop computers, tablets, and mobile phones with screens | Hazardous | 20-01-35* | Not Applicable |
Note: Hazardous components may include activated glass, phosphors, CRT, fluorescent backlight, printed circuit boards (containing nickel), capacitors, Ni-Cd batteries for portable devices.
| TYPE OF WASTE | STATUS | HOUSEHOLD | INDUSTRIAL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Containing ozone-depleting substances as foam blowing agents or coolants | Hazardous | 20-01-23* | 16-02-11* |
| Other types | Hazardous | 20-01-35* | 16-02-13* |
Note: Hazardous components may include foam (flammable hydrocarbons/ozone depleting substances), motors and pumps containing oil, cooling agents, printed circuit boards containing nickel.
| TYPE OF WASTE | STATUS | HOUSEHOLD | INDUSTRIAL |
|---|---|---|---|
| White goods (e.g. dishwashers, tumble driers, and washing machines) with hazardous components | Hazardous | 20-01-35* | 16-02-13* |
| White goods with no hazardous components | Non-hazardous | 20-01-36 | 16-02-14 |
Note: Hazardous components may include capacitors, motors and pumps containing oil, printed circuit boards containing nickel.
| TYPE OF WASTE | STATUS | HOUSEHOLD | INDUSTRIAL |
|---|---|---|---|
| With hazardous components | Hazardous | 20-01-35* | 16-02-13* |
| Without any hazardous components | Non-hazardous | 20-01-36 | 16-02-14 |
Note: Hazardous components may include printed circuit boards, motors, pumps, some batteries, lamps and bulbs, display screens, capacitors, ink or toner cartridges, asbestos, mercury switches.
Common examples of electrical devices which may contain hazardous components include power tools, cameras (excluding single use), lawn mowers, chain saws, hedge trimmers, photocopiers, projectors, computer towers, microwaves, printers.
Code small household-type WEEE items collected from civic amenity sites with 2 codes:
Note: You will need to include additional classification codes if the collected waste includes other WEEE items or other wastes.
List of Waste Codes for Electronic and Electrical Equipment in United Kingdom
