Packaging waste and recyclables: how to classify
Waste codes for common packaging and domestic recyclable wastes.
You must classify the waste your business produces before it is collected, disposed of or recovered.
You must do this to identify:
- if the waste is hazardous or not
- which controls apply to the movement of the waste - this is to prevent harm to people and the environment
Containers must be empty to be classified as packaging waste.
Common waste codes
| Waste status | Plastic | Metal | Paper and cardboard | Glass | Textiles | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clean packaging | Non-hazardous | 15 01 02 | 15 01 04 | 15 01 01 | 15 01 07 | 15 01 09 |
| Other clean material, unmixed - excluding packaging | Non-hazardous | 20 01 39 | 20 01 40 | 20 01 01 | 20 01 02 | 20 01 11 |
| Mixed clean material - including packaging | Non-hazardous | 15 01 02 and 20 01 39 | 15 01 04 and 20 01 40 | 15 01 01 and 20 01 01 | 15 01 07 and 20 01 02 | 15 01 09 and 20 01 10 |
| Empty packaging contaminated with residues of hazardous substances, for example paint cans, intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) and drums | Hazardous | 15 01 10* | 15 01 10* | 15 01 10* | 15 01 10* | 15 01 10* |
| Empty packaging contaminated with residues of non-hazardous substances | Non-hazardous | 15 01 02 | 15 01 04 | 15 01 01 | 15 01 07 | 15 01 09 |
(*) An asterisk at the end of a code means the waste is hazardous.
How to classify other wastes
Check the guidance on how to classify other common waste types.
Or check the technical guidance on waste, which lists all of the waste codes and how to apply them.
Get advice from a specialist waste contractor if you are not sure what code to use for your waste.
For more information, contact the Environment Agency.
General enquiries
National Customer Contact Centre
PO Box 544
Rotherham
S60 1BY
Email enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk
Telephone 03708 506 506
Telephone from outside the UK (Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm GMT) +44 (0) 114 282 5312
Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm.