---
title: "GET /reference-data/ewc-codes"
method: GET
path: "/reference-data/ewc-codes"
---

# GET /reference-data/ewc-codes

`GET /reference-data/ewc-codes`

Endpoint used to get a list of EWC codes. On success <b>200</b>, it returns a code list including a boolean value for the waste type, i.e. Hazardous equals true/false. It returns a <b>401</b> on failure.<br><br>        
Example Request
```json
curl --request GET \ --url https://waste-tracking.api.defra.gov.uk/reference-data/ewc-codes \
  --header "authorization": Bearer eyJraWQiOiJQYnJiZXZvYUF5d1NQcG5KUWlsQXVCT1Q4aVdyNUFcL3RaQkZHaTk5TU5CTT0iLCJhbGciOiJSUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiIybHRldX...
```

## Response `200`

A truncated list of EWC codes obtained using the GET ewc-codes method<br><br>
```json
[       
{
  "code": "010101",
  "isHazardous": false,
  "entryTypeDesc": "Absolute non-hazardous",
  "chapter": "Wastes resulting from exploration, mining, quarrying, and physical and chemical treatment of minerals",
  "subChapter": "Wastes from mineral excavation",
  "description": "Wastes from mineral metalliferous excavation"
},
{
  "code": "010102",
  "isHazardous": false,
  "entryTypeDesc": "Absolute non-hazardous",
  "chapter": "Wastes resulting from exploration, mining, quarrying, and physical and chemical treatment of minerals",
  "subChapter": "Wastes from mineral excavation",
  "description": "Wastes from mineral non-metalliferous excavation"
}, ... cont

```
The response fields: "isHazardous", "entryTypeDescription", "chapter" and "subChapter" correspond directly to the hierarchical structure of the waste classification system for EWC codes.<br><br>
<p><b>isHazardous</b><br>
This boolean field indicates whether the waste code is classified as hazardous waste (true) or non-hazardous waste (false). This classification is crucial for regulatory compliance and handling procedures.<br><br>
<b>entryTypeDesc</b><br>
This describes the type of entry for the waste code. It indicates whether the entry is:<br>
- Absolute hazardous (always hazardous, marked with *)<br>
- Absolute non-hazardous (never hazardous)<br>
- Dual code entry (hazardous or non-hazardous depending on composition).This classification is important for determining if additional assessment is needed.<br><br>
<p><b>chapter</b><br>
Refers to the first two digits of the six-digit List of Waste (LoW) code. It defines the main category of waste, usually based on the industry or process generating the waste.<br><br>
Example:<br><br>
01 – Wastes from mining and physical/chemical treatment of minerals<br>
10 – Wastes from thermal processes<br><br>
</p>
<p><b>subChapter</b><br>
Corresponds to the third and fourth digits of the LoW code. It narrows down the category to a more specific process or material within the chapter.<br><br>
Example:<br><br>
10 02 – Wastes from the iron and steel industry<br><br>

- object[]
  - `code` string — The EWC code.<br>
  - `isHazardous` boolean — True if the EWC code is for hazardous waste, otherwise False. The full list of valid EWC codes is returned by the GET ewc-codes method.
  - `entryTypeDesc` string — The EWC code entry type description.
  - `chapter` string — The EWC code chapter.
  - `subChapter` string — The EWC code sub-chapter.
  - `description` string — The EWC code description.

---

[API](https://skmtc.net/defra/apis/digital-waste-tracking-receipt-api.md) · [All operations](https://skmtc.net/defra/apis/digital-waste-tracking-receipt-api/llms.txt) · [OpenAPI document](https://skmtc-service-staging.skmtc.workers.dev/v1/apis/defra/digital-waste-tracking-receipt-api/versions/752d63fbbe3b/schema)