HP8: Corrosive
Waste which on application can cause skin corrosion.
What this usually means in practice
HP8 is the skin-corrosion category and sits above ordinary irritation. It is relevant where the waste can destroy skin tissue, often because of strong acids, strong alkalis or heavily contaminated cleaning and treatment residues.
Definition
Exact definition wording taken from WM3 Appendix C / Annex III for this hazardous property.
waste which on application can cause skin corrosion
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 summed H314 concentrations first, then review pH and reserve alkalinity or acidity where composition is incomplete.
- Remember that strongly acidic or alkaline wastes may still need HP8 even when full composition data is unavailable.
- Consider free liquids, slurries and concentrated wash liquors carefully because contact severity matters.
Supporting points
Additional points shown where the official definition or WM3 guidance breaks the hazard into categories or clarifications.
- H314 Skin Corr. 1A, 1B or 1C triggers HP8 when the sum of those substances reaches 5% or more.
- If some components are unknown, WM3 says waste with a pH of 2 or less, or 11.5 or more, should be treated as HP8 unless acid or alkali reserve testing and in vitro testing show otherwise.
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.