European Waste Catalogue (EWC)
European Waste Catalogue (EWC)
Transposed into UK law as List of Wastes (England) Regulations 2005 and List of Wastes (Wales) Regulations 2005, the EWC classifies hazardous and non-hazardous wastes with six-digit codes. These codes must be used on Duty of Care documentation, such as transfer notes.
Construction waste codes are covered in Chapter 17 ‘Construction and Demolition' of the EWC.
Implications
Contractors disposing of wastes must be aware of the different classifications and codes. The classifications will influence where they recycle/ dispose of their waste, as well as the organisations they can use to transport their waste.
Overlaps
The EWC overlaps with the Duty of Care Act as it specifies waste codes that must be used on transfer notes. It also overlaps with The Hazardous Waste Regulations, which further establish criteria for the classification of hazardous and non-hazardous wastes.
Opportunities
None identified.
Guidance
The Environment Agency's interpretation of the document can be accessed through their website, along with a Duty of Care guidance note for operators, at:
Envirowise also provides some information and advice on the catalogue which can be accessed at: