We might be going over old ground here but we thought it is important to explain again how to correctly classify contaminated soils for disposal.
Firstly, you need to understand that Waste Acceptance Criteria (WAC) results can not be used to classify wastes (Non-Hazardous or Hazardous). They play a completely different role in that they inform as to the leachability behaviour of the waste. So be warned WAC is not a waste classification…!
So how do you classify waste soils…?
Step one – Find the appropriate waste category in the European Waste Catalogue (EWC). It’ll more than likely be 17 05 03*.
Step two – Determine the ‘worst case compounds’ (WCC) that may be present.
Step three – Calculate the concentration of these WCC’s.
Step four – Determine the Risk Phrases for the WCC’s and associated Hazardous Properties and thresholds attributed to them.
Step five – Determine if the Hazardous Threshold has been exceeded.
We’ve written a free downloadable e-book which goes into the above in more detail.
Once you’ve correctly classified the soil, and can justify the classification, you then need to consider the WAC test results, but only if you intend to dispose of your material to landfill.
Or you could contact us as we can classify your soils for you and also we might be able to treat your material on site or even accept it at our soil treatment centre. Feel free to call on us on 0131 538 8456, or e-mail on info@soilutions.co.uk.
FREE EBOOK2022
Waste soil classification and disposal options
Classifying waste soils for disposal without any prior knowledge can be difficult and uncomfortable at times, especially when it can be very costly if you incorrectly classify the material. This eBook will help you understand the whats, the whys and the hows of waste soil classification in the simplest terms.
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