Which waste code applies when selling scrap metal?

It depends on where the waste comes from, not only on which metal it is. Scrap from dismantling structures and installations falls under subgroup 17 04 (e.g. 17 04 01 copper, bronze, brass; 17 04 02 aluminium; 17 04 05 iron and steel). Turnings and waste from machining fall under subgroup 12 01. The code is chosen by the waste producer at the record-keeping stage.

What is the difference between code 17 04 and 12 01?

Subgroup 17 04 covers metal scrap arising from construction, renovation and demolition — material from stripping out installations, structures or joinery. Subgroup 12 01 covers waste from shaping and surface treatment of metals, that is turnings, filings and dust produced on machines. The same metal can therefore carry a different code depending on the process it came from.

Who is responsible for choosing the waste code — the supplier or the buyer?

Classification of the waste and its code are the responsibility of the producer, that is the company where the waste arose. As the receiving party we verify that the code matches the material actually delivered and flag discrepancies, but we do not take over the duty of classification. Where there is doubt, it is worth settling the code before the first delivery.

Waste codes when selling scrap metal: 17 04, 12 01 and the rest

Which waste code goes on the transfer note when selling scrap metal? We cover subgroups 17 04 and 12 01, packaging codes and how to handle mixed material. A practical guide for companies keeping records in the Polish BDO system.

A waste code is the six digits that have to go on the waste transfer note — and the most common friction point at a first delivery from a new business supplier. The code is chosen not only by what the waste is made of, but above all by where it came from: the same copper carries one code after an installation is stripped out and another as swarf from a lathe.

The legal basis is the Regulation of the Minister of Climate of 2 January 2020 on the waste catalogue (Journal of Laws 2020, item 10). Below is a practical overview of the entries that appear most often in the scrap trade.

How a code is built

The six digits read in three steps. The first two are the group — the source of the waste (group 17, for instance, is construction, renovation and demolition). The next two are the subgroup, the last two the type of waste. An asterisk marks hazardous waste, subject to separate requirements.

The consequence of this structure is crucial: the code follows the process, not the metal. Searching for a code by material name is therefore misleading.

17 04 — metal scrap from dismantling

The subgroup "Metal waste and scrap and metal alloys" within group 17. This is the most common set of codes for scrap from stripping out installations, structures, pipework and joinery:

17 04 01 — Copper, bronze, brass
17 04 02 — Aluminium
17 04 03 — Lead
17 04 04 — Zinc
17 04 05 — Iron and steel
17 04 06 — Tin
17 04 07 — Mixed metals
17 04 11 — Cables other than those mentioned in 17 04 10

Two codes in this subgroup concern hazardous waste: 17 04 09* (metal waste contaminated with hazardous substances) and 17 04 10* (cables containing oil, coal tar and other hazardous substances). Material under these entries is not declared as ordinary scrap.

12 01 — waste from machining metals

A subgroup within group 12, which covers shaping and physical and mechanical surface treatment of metals. This is the stream typical of metalworking plants:

12 01 01 — Ferrous metal filings and turnings
12 01 02 — Ferrous metal dust and particles
12 01 03 — Non-ferrous metal filings and turnings
12 01 04 — Non-ferrous metal dust and particles

Aluminium turnings from machining may fall within subgroup 12 01, but the exact entry depends on the process, form, contamination and any hazardous properties. The code should not be determined from the metal name alone. Read more in sorting scrap before selling.

Packaging and other entries

Two codes outside both subgroups come up regularly:

15 01 04 — Metallic packaging, where the waste actually comes from packaging; residues of hazardous substances may require checking 15 01 10*
15 01 01 — Paper and cardboard packaging, not every paper waste stream

Mixed material: when 17 04 07

Code 17 04 07 ("Mixed metals") covers only mixtures arising from construction, renovation and demolition — like the whole of group 17. Mixed material from machining, packaging or any other process is classified from its own source, not under this code.

Within group 17, the mixed-metals code applies only when it reflects the actual source and properties of the waste. Separating streams may affect commercial grading and valuation, but a code must not be chosen solely for a desired commercial result.

If a stream can genuinely be separated at source, each fraction is classified by its source and properties. This can also make commercial grading easier.

Who is responsible for the code

The code is entered by the entity responsible for keeping the records. This is usually the producer, but for construction, repair, dismantling, cleaning or maintenance services it may depend on the service and contract. As recipient we check the declared code against the material and flag discrepancies, but do not take over responsibility for classification.

The document flow itself is described in the article on BDO and the waste transfer note.

This article is informational and does not replace legal analysis or a consultation with the person responsible for waste records in your company.

Are you settling codes ahead of a first delivery? Tell us what material arises at your site and from which process — we will help match the entry and price the material.