Waste Classification Assesment

Classifying waste is a complex process, outlined in NSW Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s Waste Classification Guidelines. It can involve investigating the history of the site and the waste product itself, as well as laboratory testing for various types of contamination.

Hazmat’s experienced environmental consultants undertake all components of field work, including sampling designs, sampling undertaken in accordance with the relevant guidelines, including the classification of exemptions and sample handling requirements. Throughout the entire sampling process, Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC) procedures are stringently followed, ensuring all samples collected produce accurate and reliable data outcomes.

At Hazmat, our consultants ensure that your waste management is compliant with all relevant regulatory and legislative requirements. In particular, all waste is classified according to the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 issued by the NSW EPA.

Ultimately, there are six main ways that waste can be classified in NSW:

• Special Waste: clinical and related waste, asbestos waste, waste tyres — categories that have their own special requirements about disposal.
• Liquid Waste:  has an angle of repose of less than 5 degrees above horizontal, become free flowing at or 60 degrees Celsius or when transported, is generally not capable of being picked up by a spade or shovel
• Hazardous Waste: Includes explosives, gases, flammable solids, and waste that has been contaminated with lead, coal tar and other hazardous materials
• Restricted Solid Waste: The highest classification of solid waste though the EPA has not issued a list of pre-classified items to identify them.
• General Solid Waste (putrescible): household waste containing putrescible organics, waste from garbage bins collected by the Council, manure, disposable nappies, food waste, animal waste etc
• General Solid Waste (non-putrescible): glass, plastic, rubber, bricks, concrete, paper, cardboard, garden waste, synthetic fibre waste, virgin excavated natural material (VENM) etc.

Our experienced team can offer services in:

• Waste classification assessments and regulatory approvals
• VENM and ENM Assessments
• Recovered aggregate assessments
• Resource recovery exemption assessments
• Specific resource recovery exemption assessments and regulatory approvals
• Import and Export Classifications and Approvals under international treaties such as the Basel Convention.

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