Waste Classification & WAC Testing Correctly identifying the chemical composition and regulatory status of waste is essential for safe handling, disposal, and cost-effective project planning. Before waste can be sent for treatment or landfill, it must first be classified in accordance with the WM3 Technical Guidance. Once classification is complete, WAC testing may be required to determine whether the waste is acceptable for a specific landfill type.
At Envirochem, we provide both WM3-compliant waste classification and Waste Acceptance Criteria (WAC) testing, supported by our UKAS-accredited testing laboratory (No. 1227). Our team is trained to help you understand exactly what you are dealing with and the most appropriate route for reuse, treatment, or disposal.
What We Test
Waste classification testing determines whether a waste is hazardous or non-hazardous based on its chemical composition. We test a wide range of materials, including:
- Construction and demolition waste
- Contaminated soils
- Sludges, filter cakes, and industrial residues
- Ash, clinker, and incinerator residues
- Treated timber and mixed waste streams
- Manufacturing and process wastes
Typical testing parameters include:
- Heavy metals (lead, arsenic, chromium, mercury and more)
- Hydrocarbons (TPH, PAHs and VOCs)
- Hazardous organic compounds
- pH, moisture, and physical characteristics
- Additional contaminants associated with site history or waste type
On the other hand, WAC testing does not determine whether the waste is hazardous. Instead, it assesses leaching behaviour to determine suitability for landfill types such as inert, non-hazardous, or hazardous.
Testing typically includes:
- Leachate analysis against landfill-specific WAC thresholds (e.g. BS EN 12457)
- pH, conductivity, and dry solids content
- Loss on ignition (LOI) and total organic carbon (TOC)
- Additional parameters as required based on waste type and disposal route
Our Process
Our waste testing service is designed to be straightforward and aligned with the needs of both regular waste handlers with established waste routes, and clients who may require additional guidance. In both cases, our team is available to discuss the waste type, site history, and likely disposal route so that an appropriate and proportionate testing plan can be agreed.
Once the required analysis has been confirmed, samples can be delivered to our UKAS-accredited laboratory (No. 1227) via courier or hand delivery. All samples are logged upon arrival and processed using validated methods consistent with Environment Agency guidance and the relevant WAC or WM3 technical standards.
When analysis is complete, we provide clear, structured reports that include all relevant laboratory data, classification outcomes, and any parameters required for landfill acceptance. Our team is always available to talk through the results and explain what they mean for waste disposal, reuse, or further treatment. Where additional testing is advisable, or where results indicate that classification needs to be reviewed, we provide practical guidance to ensure your waste can be managed confidently and in line with regulatory expectations.
When Is Waste Classification & WAC Testing Required?
Waste testing may be required at several points in a project, from early planning through to final disposal. Under WM3, waste classification is typically needed first to determine whether a material is hazardous or non-hazardous based on its composition. WAC testing may then be required to confirm whether the waste is acceptable at a specific landfill type.
You may need one or both testing routes when:
- You are preparing to dispose of soil, demolition waste, or industrial materials and need to document whether the waste is hazardous or non-hazardous.
- Your disposal route involves landfill and the operator requires confirmation of leachability, organic content, or other WAC parameters as part of their acceptance procedure.
- You are managing waste streams that vary in composition, such as contaminated soils, treated timber, ash, sludges, or mixed construction and demolition waste.
- The waste has originated from a site with a known or suspected contamination history.
- You need to meet audit, insurance, or regulatory requirements relating to duty of care, environmental reporting, or waste segregation.
- There is uncertainty about the origin, treatment history, or composition of the waste, and testing is required to ensure accurate and defensible classification.
If you are unsure which testing route applies to your waste, our experts can advise on an approach that is tailored to your disposal or reuse requirements.
Compliance and Risk Considerations
Incorrect classification or incomplete analysis can lead to rejected loads, delayed projects, regulatory non-compliance, and increased costs. Waste classified incorrectly may be refused at the treatment or disposal stage, which often results in additional sampling, repeat testing, or emergency waste handling arrangements.
Accurate waste classification is a legal obligation under the Environmental Protection Act and WM3 guidance. WAC testing supports compliance with landfill regulations and ensures waste is sent to an appropriate facility. Robust testing reduces uncertainty and prevents costly errors, safeguarding both environmental protection and your project’s operational continuity.
Why Choose Envirochem?
At Envirochem, we combine the technical capability of a UKAS-accredited testing laboratory (No. 1227) with the practical insight of a multidisciplinary risk mitigation consultancy. Our chemists and environmental specialists understand both the science and the practical realities of waste management, helping you avoid unnecessary costs and navigate complex regulatory expectations with confidence.
We work closely with you to understand your waste stream, select the right testing route, and interpret results in the context of your disposal or reuse strategy. Because we operate our own laboratory, we maintain full control over sample handling, analytical quality, and turnaround times.
Our reports are designed to be clear, usable, and accepted by major landfill operators, remediation contractors, and regulators. Whether you are working across construction, remediation, manufacturing or industrial sites, we provide the data and guidance needed to make informed waste management decisions.
Speak to Our Team
If you need WM3-compliant waste classification, WAC testing, or advice on the most appropriate route for your waste, contact our team. We’ll help you understand your obligations and deliver the analytical detail you need to move forward with confidence.
Articles and Research see more articles
Talk to an Expert
