Hazardous Waste Classification and Coding

Get classification right and stay compliant with the latest UK guidance

Correctly classifying hazardous waste is essential for protecting people, the environment, and ensuring full legal compliance. With strict regulatory requirements and evolving guidance, getting it wrong can create significant risks for organisations and individuals alike.

This comprehensive virtual training programme provides a clear, practical understanding of how to correctly classify hazardous waste in line with the latest UK regulatory framework. Based on guidance developed by all four UK environmental regulators, it ensures you are working to a consistent national standard, wherever you are based.

You’ll gain the confidence to apply WM3 guidance, use key data sources, and assign the correct codes and classifications in real-world scenarios.

Course Details

Format: Online

Duration: 13 hours

Entry requirements: None

 



About this course

Accurate hazardous waste classification is critical to safe, compliant, and responsible waste management. Build the knowledge and confidence to apply current guidance correctly and ensure your organisation meets its legal obligations.

Understand hazardous waste legislation and guidance

Develop a clear working knowledge of the legal and regulatory framework governing hazardous waste classification, including the latest WM3 guidance.

Apply WM3 in practice

Learn how to correctly apply WM3 methodology when coding and classifying hazardous waste in real operational contexts.

Use data sources effectively

Gain confidence in identifying and using the appropriate data sources needed to support accurate hazardous waste classification.

Understand POPs requirements

Explore how to assess and manage Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) within the classification process.

Use hazard classes and coding systems

Understand how and when to apply hazard classes, categories, and statement codes to ensure accurate classification.

Improve compliance and reduce risk

Strengthen your ability to ensure compliance with hazardous waste regulations and reduce the risk of misclassification.

Professional development

Receive a certificate of completion and contribute towards your Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

This course is designed for anyone who works with, manages, or is responsible for hazardous waste classification.

It is particularly relevant for:

  • Waste management professionals handling hazardous waste streams
  • Environmental compliance officers and practitioners
  • Local authority staff involved in waste regulation or enforcement
  • Site managers and operational teams working with hazardous materials
  • Consultants and advisors supporting waste classification and compliance
  • Anyone required to assign waste codes or ensure correct hazardous waste classification

No prior knowledge is required beyond a basic understanding of waste management processes.

Course Structure

This course is made up of a combination of self-guided learning and virtual instructor-led training.

This session covers:

  • Definition of hazardous waste
  • Undertaking a waste assessment

This session covers: 

  • Understanding and using EWC
  • Hazardous substances
  • Using the C&L inventory


This session covers:

  • Alternative data sources for hazardous substances


This session covers:

  • Worked examples of HP14 assessment and use of safety data sheets
  • Delegate classification and assessment exercises
  • CIWM connect forum


This session covers:

  • Introduction persistent-organic pollutants
  • Misclassification of waste
  • Course summary and Q&A


This session covers:

  • Additional recordings



Upcoming courses

View the timings for virtual sessions below.

  • Session 1 - 6th October - 09:30-12:00
  • Session 2 - 8th October - 09:30-12:00
  • Session 3 - 15th October - 09:30-12:00

  • Session 1 - 7th December - 13:30-16:00
  • Session 2 - 10th December - 09:30-12:00
  • Session 3 - 16th December - 09:30-12:00


Book your place

Active CIWM members are eligible for a 20% discount on this course. Your discount will be applied automatically at checkout when you are logged in and book using your CIWM member details.

Select your preferred date and time from the options below.

Date Duration Location Price
06/10/2026 n/a Online £692.71
13 CPD
Book Now
07/12/2026 n/a Online £692.71
13 CPD
Book Now

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