Hazard Property Codes

The Environment Agency published Guidance on the classification and assessment of waste a 185-page document dictating waste assessment. Rubo can help your business comply with these requirements. There are 15 hazard property codes, which are listed and defined below.

The waste classification provided by Rubo means your company can meet all the legal requirements. If you need help with your hazardous waste, get in touch today.

What are the waste hazard property codes?

The purpose of the hazardous property assessment is to assign any relevant Hazard Property Codes (HP Code) to the waste, as this is a legal requirement for the shipment of waste, and assists the disposal site in safely handling the waste. A list and definitions for the HP Codes are given below.

HP 1 – Explosive Waste

Wastes which is capable of chemical reaction of producing gas at such a temperature and pressure and at such a speed as to cause damage to the surroundings. Pyrotechnic waste, explosive organic peroxide waste and explosive self-reactive waste is included.

HP 2 – Oxidising Waste

Wastes which may, generally by providing oxygen, cause or contribute to the combustion of other materials.

HP 3 – Flammable Waste

Wastes which are:

  • flammable liquid waste: liquid waste having a flashpoint below 60°C or waste gas oil, diesel and light heating oils having a flashpoint > 55°C and ≤ 75°C; 

  • flammable pyrophoric liquid and solid waste: solid or liquid waste which, even in small quantities, is liable to ignite within five minutes after coming into contact with air; 

  • flammable solid waste: solid waste which is readily combustible or may cause or contribute to fire through friction; 

  • flammable gaseous waste: gaseous waste which is flammable in air at 20°C and a standard pressure of 101.3 kPa; 
    water  reactive  waste:  waste  which,  in  contact  with  water,  emits  flammable  gases  in dangerous quantities; 

  • other flammable waste: flammable aerosols, flammable self-heating waste, flammable organic peroxides and flammable self-reactive waste.

HP 4 – Irritant Waste

Waste that on the application can cause skin irritation or damage to the eye.

HP 5 – Specific Target Organ Toxicity (STOT) Waste

Waste that can cause specific target organ toxicity either from a single or repeated exposure, or which cause acute toxic effects following aspiration.

HP 6 – Acute Toxicity Waste

Waste that can cause acute toxic effects following oral or dermal administration, or inhalation exposure.

HP 7 – Carcinogenic Waste

Waste that induces cancer or increases its incidence.

HP 8 – Corrosive Waste

Waste that on the application can cause skin corrosion.

HP 9 – Infectious Waste

Waste containing viable micro-organisms or their toxins which are known or reliably believed to cause disease in man or other living organisms.’

HP 10 – Toxic for Reproduction Waste

Waste that has adverse effects on sexual function and fertility in adult males and females, as well as developmental toxicity in the offspring.

HP 11 – Mutagenic Waste

Wastes that may cause a mutation, which is a permanent change in the amount or structure of the genetic material in a cell.

HP 12 – Release of an Acute Toxic Gas Waste

Wastes that releases acute toxic gases (Acute Tox. 1, 2 or 3) in contact with water or acid.

HP 13 – Sensitising Waste

Wastes containing one or more substances known to cause sensitising effects to the skin or the respiratory organs.

HP 14 – Ecotoxic Waste

Waste which presents or may present immediate or delayed risks for one or more sectors of the environment.

HP 15 - Waste capable of exhibiting a hazardous property listed above not directly displayed by the original waste

Waste capable of exhibiting a hazardous property listed above not directly displayed by the original waste