How to classify and assess waste

As part of your waste duty of care it is a legal requirement that all waste must be described accurately before it is collected, disposed of or recovered.

How to classify your waste

You must use the guidance on the classification and assessment of waste (GOV.UK) to classify each of the waste types you produce and assign the most appropriate code.

Your paperwork must include the correct list of waste code and written description. This will allow you to:

  • identify the controls that apply to the movement of the waste
  • complete the necessary waste documents and records
  • ensure your waste is taken to a site that is authorised to accept it
  • prevent harm to people and the environment

Determining if your waste is hazardous

You will need to determine whether or not the waste is hazardous.

Waste is generally considered hazardous if it (or the material or substances it contains) are harmful to humans or the environment. Examples of hazardous waste include:

  • asbestos
  • chemicals, such as brake fluid or print toner
  • batteries
  • solvents
  • pesticides
  • oils (except edible ones), such as car oil
  • equipment containing ozone depleting substances, like fridges
  • hazardous waste containers

Some less obvious hazardous waste includes:

  • some waste electrical and electronic equipment
  • textiles treated with fire retardant chemicals
  • contaminated soils

Checks you can do to determine if the waste is hazardous

You can:

  • check the product safety data sheet
  • find out what it is made (some waste electronic and electrical equipment may be made with persistent organic pollutants (POPs)
  • consider if it's been treated with hazardous chemicals
  • check any symbols or markings on the product itself or any labels or instructions that may tell you the item is hazardous
  • get it analysed 
  • find out how any production processes might have affected it

If you're not sure whether the waste is hazardous

If you are not sure whether your waste is hazardous - after checking and reading the classification guidance - you must apply the precautionary principle and treat it as hazardous waste. 

Read more about what to do as a hazardous waste producer. 

If you have determined that your waste is not hazardous, read the waste duty of care.

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