Classification - steps 1 to 3

In order to appropriately store, monitor and manage most wastes, it is first necessary to classify it.

This section outlines how to tell whether your waste needs to be classified and if it does how to do this.

Step 1 - check if the waste needs to be classified

Most waste needs to be classified and this requirement should be the default assumption. However, the Waste Framework Directive excludes a variety of wastes from classification. Further information is provided in the classification exclusions section.

Step 2 - identify EWC code(s) 

All waste not excluded from classification should be classified using the List of Wastes (LoW). This classification provides a European Waste Catalogue (EWC) code which must be present on waste related paperwork (e.g. Waste Transfer Notes, Special Waste Consignment Notes, etc).

Check the SEPA Waste Thesaurus or WM3 (Appendix A).

Step 3 - identify whether further assessment is required

Each 6-digit EWC code has a description and an 'Entry Type' associated with it. Once you have identified the code(s) which apply, the entry type will tell you whether further assessment may be required.

There are four categories of code:

• 'absolute hazardous' (red text with an asterisk) - in this instance, the waste is definitely hazardous, no matter what the concentration and this code must be used for classification purposes. Waste of this type must be disposed of as chemical waste according to the appropriate classification.
• 'absolute non-hazardous' (black text) - usually, waste codes of this type indicate that the waste will not be hazardous - care should be taken here where the code is linked to other codes.
• 'mirror hazardous' (blue text with an asterisk) and 'mirror non-hazardous' (green text) - always require further assessment. Follow the steps outlined in the hazardous properties assessment pages.