WAC Testing For Waste Management & Off-Site Disposal
The Waste Acceptance Criteria (WAC) sets parameters for different types of waste and determines criteria for waste to be accepted to a particular landfill type (in other words, a WAC test tells you which landfill you can send your waste to). A WAC test will essentially analyse the leaching ability of contaminants in the soil to identify how contaminants will act when in landfill. So, after soil waste has undergone basic characterisation to classify it as non-hazardous or hazardous it can then undergo WAC testing.
When is WAC testing required? - It's important to remember that a WAC test can only be carried out after waste has been classified as non-hazardous or hazardous. The landfill will require 'Basic Characterisation' of the soil and you have a 'Duty of Care', as the waste producer, to carry out this characterisation. To achieve this basic characterisation you must carry out a waste classification test, once this has been completed, soil waste can undergo a WAC test. A waste classification test is often carried out in conjunction with a WAC test to give you all the information you would need to provide the landfill operator.
Essentially, a waste classification test tells you what's in the soil and a WAC test tells you where it can go. You can't find out where it can go without first knowing what's in it.
WAC analysis (specifically leaching test results) must not be used for waste classification and hazardous waste assessment purposes. This analysis is only applicable for landfill acceptance and does not give any indication as to whether a waste may be hazardous or non-hazardous.
- Waste Management 3 (WM3)
How To Save Waste Disposal Costs Using Waste Classification & WAC Testing
If waste is classified, through a waste classification test, as non-hazardous it may be desirable to carry out WAC testing in order to confirm the waste meets inert landfill criteria, as inert landfill disposal is generally cheaper than non-hazardous. To be accepted to inert landfill it must undergo inert WAC testing and meet certain criteria on contaminant leaching and other characteristics. If the soil waste fails an inert WAC test it cannot go to inert landfill and must be sent to non-hazardous landfill. Alternatively, if waste is classified as hazardous it must then undergo hazardous WAC testing to identify it can accepted to hazardous landfill or non-reactive hazardous landfill. If hazardous soil waste fails hazardous WAC testing then it must be treated prior to disposal, to ensure it meets the necessary criteria for hazardous landfill.
Inert - Landfill for inert waste has a geological barrier but no liner and no cap and so the leaching limits for this type of landfill are much lower and the ability for human exposure must also be much lower due to the lack of capping.
Non-hazardous - Landfill for non-hazardous waste requires lining and capping but testing of the leaching values is not required under EU rules so soil waste can usually be sent to non-hazardous landfill (after classification as non-hazardous) without the need for a WAC test.
Hazardous - Landfill for hazardous waste has the highest lining and capping requirements allowing it to accept wastes with a greater leaching potential. Other pathways to human exposure are not a concern due to the capping layers. Non-reactive hazardous landfill (or a non-reactive hazardous cell within a landfill site) is less common and is often associated with soil contaminated with hazardous levels of asbestos.
How we can help - We can turnaround waste classification tests and WAC testing within days of sample collection. Waste classification and WAC testing is often carried out concurrently, to reduce the turnaround time and overall cost. Our most cost effective, and popular, option for WAC testing of waste soils is to utilise our soil testing kits. Our soil WAC testing kits provide a simple, quick, convenient and, most of all, affordable WAC testing service with analysis and a clear, easy to understand, report carried out within 6-8 working days as standard, or 3-4 working days if you opt for our fast track turnaround.
Contact us →Meet Our Waste Management Consultants
Louis Turner, Technical Director - Having graduated from the University of Nottingham with a degree in Environmental Science, Louis is recognised for his technical leadership and precision in environmental consultancy. Louis provides strategic oversight across all service areas, ensuring projects meet the highest standards of compliance, accuracy, and environmental responsibility. Louis oversees soil testing programmes, ensuring samples are collected, analysed, and interpreted to UKAS-accredited standards. His expertise provides clients with reliable data on soil composition, contamination levels, and suitability for development to support sustainable land use.
Joe Turner, Operations Director - Providing practical expertise and a client-focused approach, Joe ensures that every project is delivered quickly, efficiently, and without unnecessary hassle. He has successfully managed a wide variety of project types across the consultancy, bringing a wealth of operational knowledge and a reputation for keeping projects on track. Joe's leadership guarantees a smooth process for clients, from initial enquiry through to final reporting. Joe coordinates soil testing programmes, overseeing sample collection, laboratory analysis, and reporting. His leadership ensures that results are delivered quickly and reliably, supporting compliance with British Standards and providing clients with the data they need to progress projects confidently.
Richard Turner, Director - With over 30 years of experience in site development, he provides invaluable insight into pragmatic solutions that balance costs, practicalities, and client objectives. Richard has a detailed understanding of building regulations and a clear sense of what is and isn't possible on site, making him a trusted advisor for developments of all sizes. Richard oversees soil testing projects with a focus on practical application, ensuring that laboratory results translate into clear, actionable steps for construction and development. His approach bridges technical data with on site realities.
Request A WAC Test
Contact us and let us know your requirements, alternatively, if your requirements are more complex, or you're looking for more information about our WAC testing or our company, a more formal consultation may be necessary. Following initial consultation we can provide an outline proposal detailing how we can help and the costs involved. Our environmental consultants will first carry out a detailed desk study. Soil samples will be collected for analysis in our UKAS accredited laboratory. Once samples are tested we will produce a clear, easily understandable report and a report detailing the chemical properties of the soil. It may be the case that you have already carried out a waste classification test and only need a WAC test and in this case you would need to provide us with the previous lab analysis results and we can carry out the WAC test for you. We can turnaround our waste classification tests and WAC tests within days of your initial enquiry allowing you to stick to schedules and minimise any disruption to your project.
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References
BSI Group. BS EN 12457-2 - Characterisation of waste. Leaching
Environment Agency. Classify excavated waste from street and utility works: RPS 298
Environment Agency. Land contamination risk management (LCRM)
Environment Agency. Waste Classification: Guidance on the classification and assessment of waste
Street Works UK. Material Classification Protocol