EWC Code List

The European Waste Catalogue (EWC) is a classification system that categorizes waste based on its origin and production process. These EWC codes must be used when filling out duty of care waste transfer notes and hazardous waste consignment note documentation in compliance with current legislative requirements.

01 - Exploration, mining, quarrying and physical and chemical treatment of minerals
02 - Agriculture, horticulture. aquaculture, forestry, hunting and fishing, food preparation and processing
03 - Wood processing and the production of panels and furniture, pulp, paper and cardboard
04 - Leather, fur and textile industries
05 - Petroleum refining, natural gas purification and pyrolytic treatment of coal
06 - Inorganic chemical processes
07 - Organic chemical processes
08 - Manufacture, formulation, supply and use (MFSU) of coatings (paints, varnishes and vitreous enamels), adhesives, sealants and printing inks
09 - Photographic industry
10 - Thermal processes
11 - Chemical surface treatment and coating of metals and other materials; non-ferrous hydro-metallurgy
12 - Shaping and physical and mechanical surface treatment of metals and plastics
13 - Oil wastes and wastes of liquid fuels (except edible oils, and those in chapters 05, 12 and 19)
14 - Organic solvents, refrigerants and propellants (except 07 and 08)
15 - Packaging, absorbents, wiping cloths, filter materials and protective clothing not otherwise specified
16 - Wastes not otherwise specified in the list
17 - Construction and demolition wastes (including excavated soil from contaminated sites)
18 - Human or animal health care and / or related research (except kitchen and restaurant wastes not arising from immediate health care)
19 - Waste from waste management facilities, off-site waste water treatment plants and the preparation of water intended for human consumption and water for industrial use
20 - Municipal wastes (household waste and similar commercial, industrial and institutional wastes) including separately collected fractions

Source of the EWC Codes comes from the Environment Agency document “Technical Guidance WM3”

Waste classification technical guidance - GOV.UK