EWC chapter 15: packaging waste and absorbent materials codes explained
Last updated 2 September 2026
In short
EWC chapter 15 covers waste packaging, absorbents, filter materials, wiping cloths and protective clothing across 2 subcategories — 15 01 and 15 02 — containing 12 six-digit codes, of which 3 are hazardous. The most commonly used code for general business packaging waste is 15 01 06 (mixed packaging).
Chapter 15 of the European Waste Catalogue — adopted in UK law as the List of Wastes — covers packaging of every material type plus the absorbents, filter materials, wiping cloths and protective clothing generated in workshops, manufacturing and maintenance. Here is every code, which three are hazardous, and how to pick the right one for your waste transfer note.
What is EWC chapter 15?
The European Waste Catalogue is the master list of waste codes used across the UK. In England, Wales and Scotland it is adopted as the List of Wastes; Northern Ireland has equivalent retained legislation. Every waste movement requires the correct six-digit EWC code on the waste transfer note or hazardous consignment note. Packaging waste and related materials produced by almost any business falls within chapter 15.
Chapter 15 contains 12 EWC codes across 2 subcategories. Three of those codes are hazardous (asterisked). Waste carrying a hazardous code must travel on a hazardous waste consignment note — not a standard waste transfer note — and that note must be kept for at least 3 years.
What are the 2 subcategories of EWC chapter 15?
| Subcategory | Description | Codes | Hazardous codes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 01 | Packaging (including separately collected municipal packaging waste) | 10 | 2 |
| 15 02 | Absorbents, filter materials, wiping cloths and protective clothing | 2 | 1 |
What are all the EWC codes in chapter 15?
The full list of six-digit codes is set out below by subcategory. Hazardous codes are marked with an asterisk (*). Waste carrying a hazardous code must travel with a hazardous waste consignment note, not a standard waste transfer note.
15 01 — Packaging
| Code | Description | Hazardous? |
|---|---|---|
| 15 01 01 | Paper and cardboard packaging | No |
| 15 01 02 | Plastic packaging | No |
| 15 01 03 | Wooden packaging | No |
| 15 01 04 | Metallic packaging | No |
| 15 01 05 | Composite packaging | No |
| 15 01 06 | Mixed packaging | No |
| 15 01 07 | Glass packaging | No |
| 15 01 09 | Textile packaging | No |
| 15 01 10* | Packaging containing residues of or contaminated by dangerous substances | Yes |
| 15 01 11* | Metallic packaging containing a dangerous solid porous matrix (including empty pressure containers) | Yes |
15 02 — Absorbents, filter materials, wiping cloths and protective clothing
| Code | Description | Hazardous? |
|---|---|---|
| 15 02 02* | Absorbents, filter materials (including oil filters not otherwise specified), wiping cloths, protective clothing contaminated by dangerous substances | Yes |
| 15 02 03 | Absorbents, filter materials, wiping cloths and protective clothing other than those mentioned in 15 02 02 | No |
Code 15 02 03 covers clean or lightly soiled rags, filters and disposable PPE that are not contaminated by dangerous substances. Code 15 02 02* applies when those same materials are contaminated — for example oil-soaked rags from vehicle maintenance, used oil filters, solvent-contaminated PPE, or spent industrial filter media containing hazardous residues.
What EWC code should I use for mixed packaging waste?
If your packaging waste is separated by material at source, use the specific code: 15 01 01 for paper and cardboard; 15 01 02 for plastic; 15 01 04 for metal tins and cans; 15 01 07 for glass bottles and jars. Specific codes are preferred where segregation is practical because they support higher-value recycling. Use 15 01 06 only where the materials cannot be economically separated.
Which chapter 15 codes are hazardous?
| Code | Typical examples | Required documentation |
|---|---|---|
| 15 01 10* | Chemical drums, solvent tins, pesticide containers, paint tins with residues | Hazardous waste consignment note (retain 3 years) |
| 15 01 11* | Empty aerosol cans, empty gas cylinders and pressure containers with dangerous porous fillings | Hazardous waste consignment note (retain 3 years) |
| 15 02 02* | Oil-soaked rags, used oil filters, solvent-contaminated PPE, spent industrial filter media | Hazardous waste consignment note (retain 3 years) |
Waste carrying any of these three codes must be moved by a registered waste carrier, must travel with a hazardous waste consignment note (not a standard WTN), and must go to an appropriately permitted facility. The consignment note must be kept for at least 3 years.
Do I need a waste transfer note for packaging waste?
The duty of care under section 34 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 applies to all controlled waste, including packaging waste. Waste transfer notes must be retained for at least 2 years; hazardous waste consignment notes for at least 3 years. Both the waste producer and the waste carrier must keep copies. Failure to hold proper documentation can result in a fixed penalty or prosecution.
- Non-hazardous packaging (e.g. 15 01 06 mixed packaging) — standard waste transfer note; keep for 2 years.
- Hazardous packaging (e.g. 15 01 10* contaminated drums) — hazardous waste consignment note; keep for 3 years. Notify your Environmental Regulator if you produce more than 500 kg of hazardous waste in a 12-month period.
This guide is general information about EWC waste codes, not legal or technical advice. For formal waste classification, follow the Environment Agency's WM3 technical guidance and verify codes against the primary sources below. If you are unsure whether a waste is hazardous, treat it as hazardous until you have a classification.
Frequently asked questions
- What is EWC chapter 15?
- EWC chapter 15 is the waste classification chapter for waste packaging, absorbents, filter materials, wiping cloths and protective clothing not otherwise specified. It contains 2 subcategories (15 01 and 15 02) and 12 individual six-digit codes, of which 3 are hazardous (marked with an asterisk *).
- What EWC code should I use for mixed packaging waste?
- Use EWC code 15 01 06 for mixed packaging. This is the correct code when your waste is a combination of different packaging materials — for example cardboard, plastic film and shrink wrap collected together. If you can separate the packaging by material, use the specific code (15 01 01 for paper/cardboard, 15 01 02 for plastic, and so on).
- Which EWC chapter 15 codes are hazardous?
- There are three hazardous codes in chapter 15: 15 01 10* (packaging containing residues of or contaminated by dangerous substances), 15 01 11* (metallic packaging containing a dangerous solid porous matrix, including empty pressure containers), and 15 02 02* (absorbents, filter materials, wiping cloths and protective clothing contaminated by dangerous substances). Waste with any of these codes must travel on a hazardous waste consignment note, not a standard waste transfer note.
- What EWC code covers packaging that has held chemicals?
- Packaging that contained or was contaminated by dangerous substances — such as chemical drums, solvent cans, pesticide containers and similar — is classified as 15 01 10*. This is a hazardous code. The packaging must travel on a hazardous waste consignment note, and the consignment note must be kept for at least 3 years.
- Do I need a waste transfer note for packaging waste?
- Yes. Every transfer of packaging waste to another party requires a waste transfer note for non-hazardous waste (codes without an asterisk), or a hazardous waste consignment note for hazardous waste (codes with an asterisk *). Both must state the correct EWC code from chapter 15. Waste transfer notes must be kept for at least 2 years; hazardous consignment notes for at least 3 years.
Related guides
This guide is general information from ComplyWaste, not legal advice. Always check the primary sources for your situation.