Search by material name to find out if your waste is classified as hazardous under the European Waste Catalogue. See the correct EWC code, hazardous properties (HP codes), and handling requirements.
Type the name of a waste material to check its hazardous classification and find the correct EWC code.
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Waste is hazardous if it has properties that make it harmful to human health or the environment. This includes being explosive, flammable, toxic, carcinogenic, corrosive, infectious, or ecotoxic (HP1–HP15).
Hazardous waste requires a consignment note (not just a WTN), pre-notification to the EA, and must be carried by a registered hazardous waste carrier. Records must be kept for 3 years minimum.
Misclassifying hazardous waste or failing to use consignment notes can result in unlimited fines, imprisonment, and clean-up costs. The duty of care applies to producers, carriers, and disposal sites.
Waste is classified as hazardous if it has one or more hazardous properties (HP1–HP15), such as being flammable, toxic, corrosive, or carcinogenic. In the European Waste Catalogue, hazardous waste codes are marked with an asterisk (*). Use our free checker above to search by material name and see whether it is classified as hazardous, non-hazardous, or whether it depends on contamination levels.
HP codes (HP1 through HP15) describe the specific hazardous properties of a waste. For example, HP3 means Flammable, HP7 means Carcinogenic, and HP8 means Corrosive. When waste is classified as hazardous, the relevant HP codes tell you exactly why it is hazardous and determine the handling, storage, and disposal requirements. You must record the HP codes on consignment notes when transferring hazardous waste.
Yes. In England and Wales, all hazardous waste movements require a consignment note (not just a waste transfer note). You must also pre-notify the Environment Agency before the first removal of hazardous waste from any premises. The consignment note must include the EWC code, HP codes, quantity, and details of the producer, carrier, and consignee. Penalties for failing to complete consignment notes can include unlimited fines.