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EWC Codes

The Dsposal Waste Thesaurus is a reference database that lists types of wastes grouped together according a relevant EWC Code. The purpose of this refuse thesaurus is for users to find the right EWC Code or codes by which waste may be most fitly and aptly described.

What is an EWC code?

An EWC Code is a six-digit code used to identify waste as listed in the European Waste Catalogue. It is formatted as three pairs of numbers, for example 12 34 56. It identifies and classifies waste into categories according to how these wastes have been produced. It adequately describes the waste being transported, handled or treated.

It can also be referred as a LoW Code (List of Waste Code).

The use of EWC codes is a legal requirement of the Duty of Care (DoC) legislation across the UK. They are required to be used when completing duty of care waste transfer notes and hazardous waste consignment note documentation under current legislation guidelines. The primary purpose is to prevent harm to people and the environment.

The EWC code provides a standardised description of different wastes which enables waste to be recorded and monitored effectively. Classifying the waste will help you to decide on the most appropriate treatment process. In addition, the code will also:

  • identify the controls that apply to the movement of the waste
  • identify suitably authorised waste management options
  • provide guidance on whether waste is classified as hazardous waste or non-hazardous waste

How are EWC codes structured?

The six-digit EWC Code is divided into three pairs of numbers and, where applicable, an asterisk (*).

The first pair of numbers is the Chapter, the second pair of numbers is the Sub-Chapter, and the third pair of numbers is the Individual Entry. There might also be an asterisk to signify if a material is hazardous.

Chapters

The EWC (European Waste Catalogue) is divided into 20 chapters, numbered 01 to 20.

Some chapters are based on the type of industrial process or business activity that produced the waste. For example:

Other chapters are based on the type of waste. For example:

The titles of these chapters are important. The waste must fall within the scope of the title to be considered within it.

Some titles, like that for chapter 13, also exclude certain wastes from that entire chapter.

Sub-Chapters

Most chapters contain several sub-chapters.

These divide the chapter into sub-groups based on either industrial process and business activity, or type of waste.

Each sub-chapter is given another two-digit number (creating a four-digit number with the chapter number).

For example:

The sub-chapter title, like the chapter title, is also important.

Individual Entries

Within each sub-chapter are the classification codes for individual wastes.

These are given an additional two-digit number, to create a six-digit number with the chapter and sub-chapter numbers. For example:

The description accompanying the code explains the scope of the code. It may do this in a variety of ways including references to the type of waste, the activity or process that produced it, its composition, or properties.

The Asterisk (*)

The asterisk (*) indicates that the waste is hazardous.

Example EWC Code 20 02 02

The chapter and sub-chapter headings are as equally important as the description alongside the six-digit code. If the waste has not arisen from the activity covered by the Chapter, then you should NOT use that code, even where the individual waste description seems most apt.

This is highlighted with the waste codes descriptions for 17 05 03* and 17 05 04 which also contain “soil and stones”. However, looking at the different chapters helps to determine the correct code. Chapter 20 is focussed on municipal (civic, public, community waste) whereas chapter 17 is aimed at construction and demolition wastes.

Who chooses the EWC Code?

When it comes to choosing an EWC Code, it must be assigned before it is send for recycling and disposal. Classification of waste helps with:

  • deciding how to handle it
  • completing the paperwork that must be given to waste contractors so they can manage your waste - this is part of the ‘duty of care’

Waste Producers can work with the waste contractors to determine the correct EWC Code but it is the waste producer’s responsibility to classify the waste and confirm the correct code has been used.