Asbestos waste EWC codes: 17 06 01*, 17 06 05* and the hazardous classification explained
Last updated 6 November 2026
In short
Asbestos waste is classified under EWC code 17 06 01* (insulation materials containing asbestos, such as pipe lagging) or 17 06 05* (all other construction materials containing asbestos, including asbestos cement sheets and floor tiles). Both are absolute hazardous codes — there is no non-hazardous mirror entry for asbestos anywhere in the UK List of Wastes. Every movement requires a hazardous waste consignment note and an upper-tier registered carrier.
Asbestos waste is always hazardous — there are no non-hazardous EWC codes for asbestos anywhere in the UK List of Wastes. This guide covers the two EWC codes used in construction and demolition (17 06 01* and 17 06 05*), how to choose between them, and the consignment-note paperwork that every asbestos movement requires.
What EWC code is used for asbestos waste?
The two codes sit within sub-chapter 17 06 of the List of Wastes, which covers insulation materials and asbestos-containing construction materials. A third code, 06 07 01*, applies only to asbestos waste from chlor-alkali electrolysis plants and is an industrial process code rarely relevant outside specialist chemical facilities.
| EWC code | Description | Classification |
|---|---|---|
| 17 06 01* | Insulation materials containing asbestos — pipe lagging, sprayed coatings, thermal and acoustic insulation removed largely intact | Absolute hazardous — no non-hazardous mirror |
| 17 06 05* | Construction materials containing asbestos — asbestos cement sheets, floor tiles, artex coatings, asbestos-contaminated soil or rubble, mixed C&D waste containing ACMs | Absolute hazardous — no non-hazardous mirror |
| 06 07 01* | Wastes containing asbestos from electrolysis — chlor-alkali industry only; rarely relevant outside specialist chemical plants | Absolute hazardous — no non-hazardous mirror |
Is all asbestos waste classified as hazardous?
Unlike many other waste types in the List of Wastes, asbestos does not have mirror entries (a hazardous code paired with a matching non-hazardous code for the same material). The asterisked codes for asbestos are absolute hazardous, meaning the classification applies regardless of condition, quantity or the type of asbestos-containing material (ACM) involved — bonded or friable, in bulk or trace amounts.
All EWC codes for asbestos waste are absolute hazardous (*). There is no non-hazardous mirror entry for asbestos in the UK List of Wastes — no testing or assessment can reclassify it as non-hazardous.
What is the difference between EWC 17 06 01* and 17 06 05*?
In practice, 17 06 05* applies to the majority of asbestos waste arising from construction and demolition work:
- Asbestos cement (AC) sheets, roofing or cladding panels
- Asbestos floor tiles and thermoplastic floor tiles containing asbestos
- Artex or textured coatings containing asbestos, removed from walls or ceilings
- Asbestos-contaminated soil, aggregate or rubble arising from demolition
- Mixed construction and demolition waste containing asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) where the insulation cannot be separately identified and bagged
Use 17 06 01* specifically for insulation materials — pipe lagging, sprayed asbestos (sometimes called "limpet asbestos" or sprayed coatings), and thermal or acoustic insulation that have been removed intact and double-bagged separately from other site waste.
What paperwork is required for asbestos waste?
Because all asbestos waste is hazardous, the standard waste transfer note (WTN) used for non-hazardous controlled waste does not apply. Instead, the movement is documented on a hazardous waste consignment note under the Hazardous Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2005 (or the equivalent in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland):
| Party | Obligation |
|---|---|
| Waste producer | Completes the producer section with the EWC code, waste description (including that the waste contains asbestos), quantity and packaging. Must retain a copy for at least 3 years. |
| Waste carrier | Signs to confirm collection and transport. Must hold upper-tier waste carrier registration. Must retain a copy for at least 3 years. |
| Consignee (receiving site) | Signs to confirm receipt at a licensed disposal or treatment site. Returns a copy to the producer. Must retain records per permit conditions, typically at least 3 years. |
The duty of care under section 34 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 applies throughout. The waste producer is responsible for ensuring the carrier is properly registered and that the description of the waste — including that it is an asbestos-containing material — is accurate and complete.
What type of waste carrier registration is needed for asbestos waste?
When a waste producer hands over asbestos waste, they must check that the carrier holds a current upper-tier registration — this is a duty of care obligation. Handing waste to a carrier whose registration has lapsed or who is not registered at the right tier is a breach of duty of care regardless of whether the carrier misrepresented their status.
Note that the company carrying out the removal of licensed asbestos may also need an HSE asbestos licence for licensable asbestos removal work. This is a separate requirement under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, administered by the Health and Safety Executive, and is distinct from waste carrier registration.
How long do you keep asbestos waste consignment notes?
For licensed waste sites, permit conditions may require longer retention. Many organisations choose to retain asbestos records for 5 years or longer given the long-tail liability associated with asbestos exposure. The 3-year minimum is set out in Part 7 of the Hazardous Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2005 (SI 2005/894); equivalent provisions apply in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
This guide is general information about EWC classification and waste documentation for asbestos waste, not legal or health and safety advice. Asbestos removal and disposal is tightly regulated — confirm your specific obligations with the Environment Agency, your environmental regulator, and the HSE asbestos guidance.
Frequently asked questions
- What EWC code is used for asbestos waste?
- Asbestos waste from construction or demolition uses EWC code 17 06 01* (insulation materials containing asbestos, such as pipe lagging) or 17 06 05* (construction materials containing asbestos, such as asbestos cement sheets and floor tiles). Both are absolute hazardous codes with no non-hazardous mirror entry. Industrial asbestos waste from chlor-alkali electrolysis plants uses 06 07 01*.
- Is all asbestos waste classified as hazardous?
- Yes. Every EWC code that describes asbestos waste carries a hazardous asterisk (*) and there is no non-hazardous mirror entry for asbestos anywhere in the UK List of Wastes. Asbestos waste is always classified as hazardous regardless of its condition, quantity or the type of asbestos-containing material.
- What is the difference between EWC 17 06 01* and 17 06 05*?
- EWC 17 06 01* covers insulation materials containing asbestos — pipe lagging, sprayed coatings and thermal or acoustic insulation removed largely intact. EWC 17 06 05* covers all other construction materials containing asbestos, including asbestos cement sheets, floor tiles, artex coatings and asbestos-contaminated soil. When in doubt, 17 06 05* is the correct default for most construction and demolition asbestos waste.
- Do you need a special licence to carry asbestos waste?
- Yes. Asbestos waste is hazardous, so the carrier must hold upper-tier waste carrier registration (registered with the Environment Agency in England, NRW in Wales, SEPA in Scotland or NIEA in Northern Ireland). Lower-tier registration does not cover hazardous waste. The company carrying out licensed asbestos removal also needs a separate HSE asbestos licence under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.
- How long do you keep asbestos waste consignment notes?
- Waste producers and carriers must keep hazardous waste consignment notes — including those for asbestos waste — for at least 3 years. Licensed waste sites that receive asbestos waste must keep records for at least 3 years, and potentially longer under their permit conditions.
Related guides
This guide is general information from ComplyWaste, not legal advice. Always check the primary sources for your situation.