Codes¶
Waste management regulations rely on a structured framework to ensure the safe handling and disposal of various waste streams, and it requires waste producers to be able to accurately identify waste and its disposal routes using this framework. The Waste Thesaurus can be used to search for EWC codes, RD codes, and HP codes, by using the main search bar in conjunction with the dropdown. This can be done by keyword, e.g. waste type or disposal route.
Searching for a Code¶
To search for a code, enter a keyword into the "Waste Description" text box. Example keywords can be found below. Then select the type of code that you need and click the "Search" button.
EWC Codes¶
Search for the correct EWC code by entering a keyword related to the description of the waste. For example, if you type "mattress" into the text box then select "European Waste Catalogue (EWC)" from the dropdown list and click the "Search" button then two EWC Code listings will display: 20 01 11 for textiles and 20 03 07 for bulky waste.
These listings can be clicked to show more details about the specific EWC entry. The page with further details opens in a new browser tab and includes the code and short description of the entry, then an image with the drilled down information, then below the picture the page includes the code, short description, entry type, and a short paragraph about what an EWC code is. The colour of the code's image depends on its entry type. A red EWC code image means the EWC code relates to Absolute Hazardous waste, a blue image means the EWC code relates to Mirror Hazardous waste, a green image means that the EWC code relates to Mirror Non-Hazardous waste, and a black image relates to Absolute Non-Hazardous waste.
Below the image are details for the Chapter and Sub-Chapter and a list of examples of wastes that are classified with that EWC Code. For example, the 20 03 07 bulky waste code include "Metal Furniture", "Plastic Table", and "Domestic Appliance". Clicking on one of these wastes will display all EWC codes relevant to that waste.
RD Codes¶
Search for the correct RD code by entering a keyword related to the disposal or recovery route. For example, if you type "composting" into the text box then select "Recovery and Disposal Codes (R/D)" from the dropdown list and click the "Search" button then one RD code listing will display: R3. The code listing includes the code and a description, in this case "Recycling/reclamation of organic substances which are not used as solvents (including composting and other biological transformation processes)".
These listings can be clicked to show details about the specific RD code. The page with further details opens in a new browser tab and includes the code and description.
HP Codes¶
Search for the correct HP code by entering a keyword related to the hazardous property of the waste. For example, if you type "irritant" into the text box then select "Hazard Property Codes (HP)" from the dropdown list and click the "Search button" then one HP code listing will display: HP4 for the "Irritant" entry type. The listing will also include a detailed description.
These listings can be clicked to show details about the specific HP code. The page with further details opens in a new browser tab and includes the code, description, and entry type.