HP15: Waste capable of exhibiting a hazardous property not directly displayed by the original waste
Waste capable of exhibiting a hazardous property listed above not directly displayed by the original waste.
What this usually means in practice
HP15 captures wastes that may show a hazardous property later, even if the waste as presented does not obviously display it. It often applies where storage, treatment, leaching, mixing or ageing could unlock a hazard.
Definition
Exact definition wording taken from WM3 Appendix C / Annex III for this hazardous property.
waste capable of exhibiting a hazardous property listed above not directly displayed by the original waste
What to check when assessing this property
Use the official definition, composition data and waste-process knowledge together. These points are meant to help frame the assessment, not replace WM3.
- Check whether the waste could become explosive, reactive or otherwise hazardous after disposal or treatment.
- Review H205, EUH001, EUH019 and EUH044, plus any leachate-based assessment route recognised in guidance.
- Consider foreseeable changes over time, not just the snapshot condition at the point of collection.
Supporting points
Additional points shown where the official definition or WM3 guidance breaks the hazard into categories or clarifications.
- HP15 explicitly covers waste that would be assigned H205, EUH001, EUH019 or EUH044.
- Official guidance also allows HP15 to be assigned using other relevant criteria, such as an assessment of the leachate.
How to use this page
Hazardous properties explain why a waste may be hazardous. They sit alongside EWC classification and they do not replace formal WM3 assessment or site acceptance checks.
1. Start with the waste
Identify the likely EWC entry, the process that produced the waste and whether it is part of a mirror-entry assessment.
2. Check the hazard evidence
Use composition data, SDSs, testing, pH, flash point and process knowledge as relevant to the property in question.
3. Confirm the final outcome
Confirm the conclusion against WM3 and any permit-specific or site-specific acceptance requirements before relying on it.
Wording is based on Annex III of the consolidated Waste Framework Directive opens in a new tab and should be used alongside Waste classification technical guidance (WM3, 3rd edition, 2021) — GOV.UK opens in a new tab.