Providing waste acceptance criteria testing (WAC) through our laboratory testing services
Providing WAC testing services throughout the UK
At Site Testing Services Nationwide Ltd, with years of experience in the civil engineering and construction industry, we are experts in the field. We have provided comprehensive chemical, geotechnical, and site investigation services to the relevant industries for over 20 years. During this period, we have become one of the leading companies in the realm of site testing services.
When it comes to WAC testing requirements, Site Testing Services Nationwide Ltd is highly experienced in the classification and management of waste. We can provide waste classification reporting to all clients, regardless of the location or size and scale.
We can turn around waste classification tests and WAC tests within days of sample collection. We can carry out both WAC testing and waste classification tests concurrently, to reduce time and overall cost.
The most efficient and cost-effective method for WAC testing and waste classification is via our soil testing kits. Our WAC testing kits can provide a simple and cost-efficient service when needing to determine hazardous waste as well as finding out what landfill site the waste can be accepted at.
Our waste classification and WAC testing service concludes with a clear, simple report which can be carried out within as little as one week. If a faster turnaround is needed, we will be more than likely able to accommodate the request.
Contact usWhat is a WAC Test?
The waste acceptance criteria (WAC) is a set of laboratory tests that determines the suitability of wastes for landfill disposal. In essence, WAC testing determines which landfill you can send your waste to.
WAC testing is used to measure parameters like leachability and chemical composition to determine if the waste is suitable for landfill disposal. By analysing the leachability of the contaminants in the soil, it identifies how these contaminants will act in a landfill site.
What is a waste classification test?
Waste classification tests are designed to identify the hazardousness of waste. This test helps to classify waste based on its chemical and physical characteristics and assesses risks to both health and the environment.
A waste classification test will always come before WAC testing, as the waste materials must first be classified as hazardous or non-hazardous waste before they can undergo the waste acceptance criteria (WAC) test.
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When is WAC testing required?
When waste is to be disposed of in a landfill site, a WAC test must be performed. Based on the characteristics of the waste and its potential to pollute, it is necessary to decide which type of landfill to use (eg, hazardous, non-hazardous or inert landfill.)
It is important to remember that WAC testing can only be carried out after the waste has been classified. As waste classification tells you what is in the soil and a WAC test informs you of what landfill site the soil waste can go to, you cannot find out where it will go before knowing exactly what is in it.
Each landfill operator will require characterisation of the soil waste, especially as to whether it is contaminated soil or not. Usually, WAC testing and waste classification are carried out simultaneously. This allows you to give all of the requisite information to the landfill operator.
Who is responsible for WAC testing?
As the waste producer, you will have a duty of care to carry out the waste classification test as well as the waste acceptance criteria (WAC) test.
It is common for companies to hire environmental consultants for specialised labs to conduct these tests to ensure they comply with environmental regulations.
What are the different types of landfill sites?
Inert Landfill Site
An inert landfill is a type of landfill site protected by a natural barrier but does not have a protective liner or cover. The leaching limits for this particular landfill type are much lower.
Due to the lack of extra protection in an inert landfill site, the waste soils put here must have a very low potential for pollution in the surrounding environment. There should also be minimal risk of people coming into contact with waste from an inert landfill due to it not being capped.
Non Hazardous Landfill Site
A non-hazardous landfill site is used for waste that is deemed not dangerous but still requires careful management. This type of landfill is equipped with protective liners and a cap that covers the waste.
Due to EU regulations, you don’t need to test the amount of pollution (leaching) that the waste will cause if classed as non-hazardous waste. Therefore after classification as non-hazardous waste, the soil waste can be sent straight to a non-hazardous landfill (without the need of a WAC test.)
Hazardous Landfill Site
A hazardous landfill is a site for hazardous waste, anything deemed to be harmful to the environment and/or a human’s health. For this reason, the landfill is equipped with the strictest measures.
A hazardous landfill has a very secure lining as well as capping requirements, allowing it to accept wastes with a great leaching potential. This type of landfill can handle wastes that would typically release additional pollution, however, due to the safety features in place there is little chance of this occurring.
When it comes to extremely hazardous waste, there are special landfills that can be used. For extremely hazardous soil waste that contains substances such as asbestos, these particular landfills have extra-specific requirements to be able to handle these sensitive materials.
Experts in WAC Testing and waste classification
At Site Testing Services Nationwide Ltd, we are experts in waste acceptance criteria testing as well as the classification of waste. For over 20 years we have provided a comprehensive range of services to the construction and civil engineering industries.
Regardless of the size of your site or the site location we are committed to providing you with clear and concise results in a cost-efficient manner.
Using the latest technology and equipment on the market, as well as one of the country’s leading testing laboratories, we’re fully equipped to support construction and civil engineering sites nationwide.
Get in contact with us today for a free no-obligation quote.