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EWC Code Directory

The European Waste Catalogue (EWC) is the standard taxonomy for identifying waste types in the UK. Browse by chapter below to classify your waste accurately.

01

Wastes resulting from exploration, mining, quarrying, and physical and chemical treatment of minerals

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02

Wastes from agriculture, horticulture, aquaculture, forestry, hunting and fishing, food preparation and processing

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03

Wastes from wood processing and the production of panels and furniture, pulp, paper and cardboard

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04

Wastes from the leather, fur and textile industries

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05

Wastes from petroleum refining, natural gas purification and pyrolytic treatment of coal

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06

Wastes from inorganic chemical processes

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07

Wastes from organic chemical processes

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08

Wastes from the manufacture, formulation, supply and use (mfsu) of coatings (paints, varnishes and vitreous enamels), adhesives, sealants and printing inks

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09

Wastes from the photographic industry

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10

Wastes from thermal processes

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11

Wastes from chemical surface treatment and coating of metals and other materials; non-ferrous hydro-metallurgy

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12

Wastes from shaping and physical and mechanical surface treatment of metals and plastics

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13

Oil wastes and wastes of liquid fuels (except edible oils, and those in chapters 05, 12 and 19)

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14

Waste organic solvents, refrigerants and propellants (except 07 and 08)

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15

Waste packaging, absorbents, wiping cloths, filter materials and protective clothing not otherwise specified

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16

Wastes not otherwise specified in the list

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17

Construction and demolition wastes (including excavated soil from contaminated sites)

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18

Wastes from human or animal health care and/or related research (except kitchen and restaurant wastes not arising from immediate health care)

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19

Wastes from waste management facilities, off-site waste water treatment plants and the preparation of water intended for human consumption and water for industrial use

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20

Municipal wastes (household waste and similar commercial, industrial and institutional wastes) including separately collected fractions

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