Guidance

U3: using waste in creative installations

U3 exemption allows groups such as schools, colleges and theatres to use waste, such as offcuts of wood, for creative installations.

Applies to England

There바카라 사이트™s a charge for most waste exemptions

This exemption is in band 3. Read waste exemption charges to find out what the charges and charging bands are.

Types of activity you can carry out

These include:

  • creating a sculpture from metal during an art class
  • building a theatrical set using recycled wood and bricks

Types of activity you cannot carry out

You cannot:

  • use this exemption to construct buildings or similar constructions

Types of waste you can use

The waste codes are those listed in the List of Wastes (LoW) Regulations. You need to make sure your waste fits within the waste code and the description in the table.

Waste code Type of waste
17 01 02 Bricks
17 01 03 Tiles and ceramics
17 02 01
20 01 38
Wood
17 02 03
20 01 39
Plastic
17 04 01 to 17 04 07
17 04 11
20 01 40
Metals, including their alloys
20 01 01 Paper and cardboard
20 01 11 Textiles

Amount of waste you can use

You can store or use up to 20 tonnes of waste at any one time.

Key conditions:

  • you can only use this exemption for entertainment, education or similar projects
  • the waste you use must be suitable for the project
  • you should not use any more waste than you need

Other things you need to know

When you no longer need the remaining waste, you should take it to an appropriately authorised facility to be reused, recovered or disposed of.

Register a U3 exemption

You need to register this exemption with the Environment Agency if you meet the requirements:

Updates to this page

Published 28 April 2014
Last updated 1 July 2025 show all updates
  1. Updated with a link to new information about charges and charging bands for waste exemptions.

  2. First published.

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