EWC chapter 14: waste organic solvents, refrigerants and propellants explained

Refrigerants recovered from scrapped air-conditioning units, chlorinated solvents drained after metal degreasing, paint thinners and white spirit from a bodyshop — all of these fall into EWC chapter 14. It is the smallest chapter in the UK List of Wastes (just five codes), but every single one is absolute hazardous waste, so getting the code right determines whether you need a consignment note rather than a standard waste transfer note.

What is EWC chapter 14?

The title includes the parenthetical “except 07 and 08”: organic solvents that arise as by-products of chemical manufacturing go in chapters 07 (organic chemical process wastes) and 08 (wastes from manufacture of coatings, adhesives and sealants). Chapter 14 is specifically for solvents used as solvents — in cleaning, degreasing, dry cleaning and electronics — plus refrigerants and propellants, regardless of how much solvent is involved.

How many codes are in EWC chapter 14?

Chapter 14 is one of very few EWC chapters where every code is an absolute hazardous entry — no chapter 14 waste can be classified as non-hazardous, regardless of concentration or quantity.

What is EWC code 14 06 01*?

Common refrigerants in scope include R-22 (HCFC), R-134a, R-410A and R-407C (HFCs), and the now-phased-out R-11 and R-12 (CFCs). When a refrigeration system reaches end of life or undergoes service, the refrigerant must be recovered by an F-gas certified technician and handed to a permitted refrigerant reclaimer or recycler — it cannot be vented or disposed of with general waste. The waste is classified 14 06 01* regardless of the specific refrigerant or its global-warming potential.

What is EWC code 14 06 02*?

Typical examples include dichloromethane (DCM, also called methylene chloride) used in paint stripping and pharmaceutical synthesis, trichloroethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (PCE / tetrachloroethylene) used in metal-part degreasing and dry cleaning, and carbon tetrachloride. Spent solvent mixtures that contain any halogenated component are classified here; if the same solvent arises from chemical manufacturing rather than its use as a cleaning agent, chapters 07 or 08 may apply instead.

What is EWC code 14 06 03*?

This is the broadest code in the chapter. Examples include acetone, isopropanol (IPA), ethyl acetate, methanol, ethanol, toluene, xylene, methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), white spirit, naphtha, turpentine, petroleum spirits and mixed paint thinners. Bodyshops, print works, pharmaceutical manufacturers, laboratories, coatings applicators and aerospace maintenance facilities are among the most common producers.

What are EWC codes 14 06 04* and 14 06 05*?

The split mirrors codes 02 and 03: if the sludge or solid is contaminated with a halogenated solvent, use 14 06 04*; if the contamination is from a non-halogenated solvent such as white spirit or acetone, use 14 06 05*. When both types are mixed, apply the more restrictive code (14 06 04*). Common examples are solvent-soaked rags from a degreasing line, still-bottoms from a solvent recovery unit, and contaminated filter cartridges from solvent-spray equipment.

What documentation is needed to move chapter 14 waste?

The procedure under the Hazardous Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2005:

• →The producer completes the hazardous waste consignment note before the waste leaves the premises, recording the correct 14 06 code, waste description, quantity and container type.
• →The carrier must be registered at the upper tier with the Environment Agency (England), NRW (Wales) or NIEA (Northern Ireland) and carry a signed copy during transport.
• →The consignee must hold an environmental permit or waste management licence authorising acceptance of the specific waste type and must confirm receipt.
• →All three parties retain their consignment note copies for at least 3 years — the hazardous waste retention period (one year longer than the 2-year requirement for standard WTNs).
• →The consignee submits quarterly returns to the Environment Agency confirming receipt, disposal or recovery method, and quantity for each consignment.

This guide is general information about EWC codes and waste classification, not legal advice. Verify your specific obligations against the primary sources below and, where in doubt, contact your environmental regulator.