Waste Classification & WAC

WM3 Compliant waste sampling, testing and assessment

Waste generated from construction and utility works (working under a Major permit), such as soils & asphalt, are required to be classified prior to removal.

This almost always means laboratory analysis for a relevant suite of contaminants for the waste, such as asbestos, metals and hydrocarbons and coal tar.

This measures the total concentration of contaminants and allows us to tell you if the waste is either non-hazardous or hazardous.

This is different to WAC testing, which you may or may not need as explained below.

Do we need WAC testing?

The term “inert” describes how a waste behaves rather than its classification. It means the waste will not react, change (i.e., biodegrade), or pose a contamination risk.

To determine if your waste is inert, you require Waste Acceptance Criteria (WAC) analysis. This analysis predominantly measures leachable contamination and determines whether your waste can go to landfill.

Here are a few key points:

If your waste isn’t likely to go to landfill, for example it can be re-used, recycled or will go for off-site treatment, you won’t need WAC analysis.

Waste soils CANNOT be classified using WAC analysis. This is clearly stated in the waste classification guidance (WM3).

You MUST classify your waste, and for that you need analysis that measures the total concentration of the contaminants, not the leachable contamination.

The assessment you conduct must be relevant for the waste. Considerations such as waste volume and variability, sampling frequencies, sampling techniques and the specified analysis are all considerations to ensure you are compliant.

When using SoilEx for your testing, we will always sense check what is needed and provide clear and professional advice to ensure that your assessment is fit for purpose, and you aren’t wasting time and money.