What is waste soil classification?



Waste soil destined for disposal will require an initial chemical analysis carried out. The results of the laboratory testing will provide a list of compounds contained within the soil.

By establishing the compounds within the soil an assessment can be carried out following the WM3 guidance for waste classification. This step by step process will allow for the waste to be accurately classified as Hazardous or non-hazardous , an EWC Code will also then be assigned.

Why is this process important?

If you intend to dispose of waste soil , you must know what the waste is classified so you can prevent risk to the Environment as well as unlawfully disposing of the waste at a site which isn't legally allowed to accept it.

In addition to legal requirements you can also potentially save money on disposal costs. Disposing non-hazardous waste soil will significantly reduce your costs as opposed to disposing of hazardous waste soil.

Do i need to have soil waste classification testing?

If you intent to dispose of soil waste , you must firstly find out if the soil contains hazardous properties or not. Furthermore , you need to know whether the hazards identified exceed specific criteria to make the waste soil hazardous. To be able to do this , you need to have a chemical analysis carried out which will allow you to classify the waste correctly.

Most commonly , waste soil is produced as part of construction or development projects and taken off site by "muck shifting" or skip hire companies.

As a waste carrier , you must have the chemical analysis of the soil before you remove any waste soil off the site.

Further to the above , inert recycling facilities , skip hire companies and waste transfer/treatment sites may also require waste soil classification. Waste soil produced as part of their activities will require correct classification to ensure the correct disposal sites are used.