Compliance and Management

Waste Classification

Ensuring Compliance and Sustainable Management

During development projects, surplus soils often need to be disposed of off-site. JGP offers comprehensive waste classification services to determine the correct disposal route for these soils. This process, including Waste Classification and Waste Acceptance Criteria (WAC) testing, involves detailed chemical analysis to determine whether the material is classified as hazardous, non-hazardous, or inert waste.

Under the Landfill Regulations (2005) and the Waste Framework Directive (WFD) (2008/98/EC), it is essential to classify and manage waste properly to ensure compliance with environmental regulations. The responsibility for correct classification falls on the waste producer, typically the site owner, under the Environmental Protection (Duty of Care) Regulations. JGP provides practical, expert guidance through this two-stage process to ensure regulatory compliance and safe disposal.

Waste Classification

The first step in the process is waste classification, which follows the Environment Agency’s technical guidance ‘Waste Classification (WM3, 1st edition 2015)’. Representative samples of the soil are taken and analysed in a laboratory for a wide range of potential contaminants, such as heavy metals, organic and inorganic substances. The number of samples required depends on the volume of material and its variability.

Following this analysis, the material is categorised as either hazardous or non-hazardous, and a corresponding European Waste Catalogue (EWC) code is assigned. For example, non-hazardous soils may be given the EWC code 17-05-04. If the waste is to be sent to a landfill, Stage 2 WAC testing may be required.

Waste Acceptance Criteria (WAC) Testing

WAC testing further classifies the material into one of four landfill categories:

Inert and Non-Hazardous landfills only accept Non-Hazardous waste.

Waste classified as Hazardous in Stage 1 can only be deposited to either the Stable Non-Reactive Hazardous or Hazardous landfill.

For Non-Hazardous material, WAC testing will determine if the material can be classed as inert and disposed of at an Inert landfill site. WAC testing is not currently required for Non-Hazardous waste being disposed of to a Non-Hazardous landfill.

If the material is Hazardous, a Hazardous WAC testing suite will determine if the material can be disposed of in a Stable Non-Reactive Landfill cell.

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For reliable support with waste classification and WAC testing, JGP is here to assist. Our team provides clear, practical advice on classifying and managing surplus soils and other materials to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.

Whether you’re navigating landfill regulations or need guidance on hazardous and non-hazardous waste disposal, get in touch to discuss your project’s needs.

Waste Classification

Ensuring Compliance and Sustainable Management

Waste Classification

Waste Acceptance Criteria (WAC) Testing

Contact Us

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