HP7: Carcinogenic
Waste which induces cancer or increases its incidence.
What this usually means in practice
HP7 is used where the waste contains carcinogenic substances at levels that can cause cancer or increase cancer incidence. In practice it often depends on identifying specific carcinogens in oils, tars, contaminated soils, dusts or chemical residues.
Definition
Exact definition wording taken from WM3 Appendix C / Annex III for this hazardous property.
waste which induces cancer or increases its incidence
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.
- Look for H350 and H351 classifications in SDSs, supplier information and process knowledge.
- Do not treat chronic hazard as minor simply because there is no immediate effect at the point of handling.
- Consider contamination history, especially where the visible waste is only a carrier for hazardous residues.
Supporting points
Additional points shown where the official definition or WM3 guidance breaks the hazard into categories or clarifications.
- H350 Carc. 1A or 1B triggers HP7 at 0.1% or more; H351 Carc. 2 triggers HP7 at 1.0% or more.
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.