Soil testings / Waste Classification

Environmental Services

Waste Classification and Soil Testing

Waste Classification for disposal can be performed on solid waste (soils), liquid waste, and organic waste materials. The classification can be crucial to the reuse or disposal of a material and provide economic benefits to the outcome of any construction project. Classifying waste is a very important exercise for any waste producer willing to comply with their legal duty of care and to avoid potential fines. Licensed landfill sites will not accept material that does not have an adjoining waste classification.

The investigation of soils for re-use onsite or offsite disposal is heavily regulated by the NSW EPA. By having those materials independently tested, you can demonstrate to transporters, receiving sites and landfills and local councils that the classification and disposal have been conducted in accordance with the NSW EPA Waste Classification Guidelines, 2014.

Correct classification is the foundation for ensuring that the collection, transportation, storage and treatment of waste is carried out in a manner that provides protection for the environment and human health and in compliance with legal requirements.

Samples can be collected and pre-classified either in-situ for immediate disposal or when excavated material has been temporarily stockpiled. Sampling in-situ and pre-classification of soils can be useful for forward planning of quantities and costs, and help eliminate construction delays and double handling

EnviroX is able to provide soil testing to classify soil material (waste) into one of 6 categories depending on contaminants and at what concentrations they are found in within the waste matrix.

The following six classes of waste are defined in clause 49 of Schedule 1 of the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 (POEO Act):

  • Special waste
  • Liquid waste
  • Hazardous waste
  • Restricted solid waste
  • General solid waste (putrescible)
  • General solid waste (non-putrescible).

Refer to the following link for details on the different types of classifications

http://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/resources/wasteregulation/140796-classify-waste.pdf

EnviroX’s consultants have years of experience with Waste and Soil Classifications. Our consultants are able to ensure the most efficient and cost-effective solution is passed on to our clients.

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