Construction and demolition waste: how to classify
Source: gov.uk (2025-08-13)

Waste codes for common construction and demolition waste.

You must classify the waste your business produces before it is collected, disposed of or recovered (https://www.gov.uk/dispose-business-commercial-waste).

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
(*) An asterisk at the end of a code means the waste is hazardous.

Insulation and asbestos materials

Concrete, bricks, tiles and ceramics

This list excludes asbestos-containing materials. Check the insulation and asbestos materials table for any waste with asbestos.

Wood, glass and plastic

This list excludes packaging wastes and domestic type recyclables – check the packaging waste and recyclables classification guide (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/packaging-waste-and-recyclables-how-to-classify) for related codes.

Bituminous mixtures, coal tar and tar

Metallic waste, including cable

Most waste electrical and telecommunications (non-WEEE) cable contains hazardous substances. To classify it as non-hazardous, you’ll need to do an assessment. Check the packaging waste and recyclables classification guide (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/packaging-waste-and-recyclables-how-to-classify) for instructions.

Soil, contaminated soil, stones and dredging spoil

You must be able to prove that your waste does not contain any hazardous substances to classify soil as non-hazardous. You will always need to assess the soil before you transfer it to another person.

The presence of any fragments of asbestos-containing material in the soil means it is mixed hazardous waste. Check the insulation and asbestos materials table for more guidance.

Gypsum

Cement

Paints and varnishes

Paints and varnishes of a type normally used by householders can be classified under the codes indicated in brackets if separated out from other waste.

Paint cans are hazardous - check the packaging waste and recyclables classification guide (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/packaging-waste-and-recyclables-how-to-classify).

Adhesives and sealants

Adhesives and sealants of a type normally used by householders can be classified under the codes indicated in brackets if separated out from other waste.

Adhesive or sealant containers are hazardous - check the packaging waste and recyclables classification guide (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/packaging-waste-and-recyclables-how-to-classify).

How to classify other wastes

Check the guidance on how to classify other common waste types (https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/classify-different-types-of-waste).

Or check the technical guidance on waste (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/waste-classification-technical-guidance), 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 544RotherhamS60 1BY

Email xxx@xxx.xx (mailto:xxx@xxx.xx)

Telephone 03708 506 506

Telephone from outside the UK (Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm GMT) xx-xxxx-xxxx

Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm.