Hazardous property (HP) codes

What are HP codes?

HP (hazardous property) codes run from HP 1 to HP 15. Each describes a specific danger a waste can pose. A single hazardous waste can carry more than one HP code. When you consign hazardous waste — on a consignment note or in the Digital Waste Tracking service — you record the hazardous EWC code (marked with an asterisk) and every HP code that applies, so everyone handling the waste knows the risk.

The 15 hazardous property codes

• HP 1ExplosiveWaste that can cause dangerous chemical reactions, producing gas that can damage surroundings (e.g., pyrotechnic or self-reactive waste).
• HP 2OxidizingWaste that can provide oxygen, causing or contributing to the combustion of other materials.
• HP 3FlammableWaste that is easily ignited, including liquids with a flashpoint below 60°C, flammable gases, or solid waste that ignites through friction.
• HP 4IrritantWaste that can cause skin irritation or damage to the eyes upon contact.
• HP 5Specific Target Organ Toxicity/Aspiration ToxicityWaste that can harm specific organs through repeated exposure or cause toxic effects when inhaled or absorbed.
• HP 6Acute ToxicityWaste that can cause severe health effects when ingested, inhaled, or through skin contact.
• HP 7CarcinogenicWaste that can cause cancer or increase the risk of cancer.
• HP 8CorrosiveWaste that can cause severe skin corrosion upon contact.
• HP 9InfectiousWaste containing microorganisms or toxins that can cause disease in humans or animals.
• HP 10Toxic for ReproductionWaste that can negatively affect reproductive health or harm offspring development.
• HP 11MutagenicWaste that can cause permanent changes in genetic material (mutations).
• HP 12Produces toxic gases in contact with water, air or acidWaste that releases toxic gases when in contact with water or acids.
• HP 13SensitisingWaste that contains substances that can cause allergic reactions, affecting the skin or respiratory system.
• HP 14EcotoxicWaste that poses risks to the environment, potentially affecting ecosystems.
• HP 15(capable of exhibiting a hazardous property HP 1 - HP 14, not directly displayed by the original waste)Waste that could show any of the hazardous properties HP 1 - HP 14, even if not originally present.
• HP POP(contains regulated persistent POPs at concentrations exceeding the legal limits)Waste that contains regulated persistent organic pollutants (POPs) at concentrations exceeding the legal limits set out in Annex IV of the POPs Regulation, and is therefore classified as hazardous.