EWC code 18 01 01: sharps (except 18 01 03)
EWC code 18 01 01 covers sharps (except 18 01 03). It sits in chapter 18, human and animal health care wastes .
Non-hazardous waste code
This is a non-hazardous waste code, so it can be recorded on a standard waste transfer note.
Where this waste comes from
Typically arises from medical, clinical, hospital and veterinary.
Other codes in this group
Codes that share group 18 01 with 18 01 01.
- 18 01 02 Body parts and organs including blood bags and blood preserves (except 18 01 03)
- 18 01 03 wastes whose collection and disposal is subject to special requirements in order to prevent infection Hazardous
- 18 01 04 wastes whose collection and disposal is not subject to special requirements in order to prevent infection(for example dressings, plaster casts, linen, disposable clothing, diapers)
- 18 01 06 chemicals consisting of or containing hazardous substances Hazardous
- 18 01 07 chemicals other than those mentioned in 18 01 06
- 18 01 08 cytotoxic and cytostatic medicines Hazardous
- 18 01 09 medicines other than those mentioned in 18 01 08
- 18 01 10 amalgam waste from dental care Hazardous
How it is recorded
The waste transfer note records the waste by its EWC code, along with the quantity, the time and place of transfer and the details of both parties. The EWC code lookup tool confirms a code before it goes on a note, and the guide to EWC codes on waste transfer notes explains how the codes are chosen.
From October 2026, permitted receiving sites in England and Wales record every load on DEFRA's Digital Waste Tracking Service, with Scotland and Northern Ireland following in January 2027. The EWC code is part of that submission.
Recording this code on every load
LoadLog checks EWC codes as a load is recorded, then submits the record to DEFRA's Digital Waste Tracking Service. Compliance Lite is free until the end of 2026 for sign-ups before October.
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