The Landfill Directive (2010) plays a crucial role in ensuring that waste disposal processes across the UK are carried out in an environmentally responsible manner.
A key aspect of compliance with this Directive is the assessment and classification of waste before it reaches landfill sites. WAC Testing, or Waste Acceptance Criteria testing, determines whether waste materials meet the necessary thresholds for landfill disposal, helping businesses ensure they adhere to legal and environmental obligations.
How does WAC Testing ensure environmental compliance? Key Takeaways:
- BS EN 12457 Standards procedures (WAC Testing) assess waste leachability to correctly classify waste and to evaluate environmental impact before landfill disposal
- ACS Testing is a UKAS-accredited laboratory providing WAC Testing for landfill compliance.
What is a WAC Test?
Waste Acceptance Criteria Testing, or WAC Testing, is laboratory analysis designed to determine the leachability of potential contaminants within waste materials.
All waste which is due to be transitioned to landfill must be tested in accordance with the Landfill Directive (2010) to classify waste as either inert, non-hazardous, or hazardous and this is based on its potential environmental impact.
WAC Testing ensures that waste materials comply with regulatory standards and pose no risk to groundwater quality or soil.
How Does WAC Testing Help with Compliant Waste Disposal?
The Landfill Directive (2010) enforces strict controls over waste disposal to protect human health and the environment.
WAC Testing supports compliance in several ways:
- Classification of Waste: This helps to determine whether waste is inert, non-hazardous, or hazardous, for landfill disposal, to ensure that it is sent to an appropriate landfill site.
- Environmental Protection: WAC Testing analyses the leaching potential of waste materials, preventing contaminants from polluting soil and groundwater.
- Regulatory Compliance: To ensure businesses and waste producers have demonstrated compliance with landfill regulations, WAC Testing must be undertaken and documented evidence provided to support this.
- Cost Efficiency: Prior to carrying out WAC testing, end usage should be considered as If waste is incorrectly classified it can lead to increased disposal costs. At ACS, our Geo-Environmental Consultancy can support and advise on your requirements. To avoid unnecessary expenses and possible delays.
Am I Responsible for WAC Testing for My Business?
Businesses that generate non-recyclable waste for landfill must ensure it complies with WAC Testing requirements before disposal.
Typical industries that require WAC Testing include:
- Construction and demolition
- Manufacturing and industrial processing
- Environmental remediation
- Waste management services
Failure to comply with WAC Testing regulations can result in penalties, additional costs, or refusal of waste at landfill sites. Waste producers and contractors are responsible for arranging testing before disposal, but the final decision to accept waste rests with the landfill operator.
What Are the BS EN 12457 Test Procedures?
The BS EN 12457 series defines leaching test methods used to assess waste leachability, forming part of the European standards that WAC Testing follows. Two key test procedures help determine the long-term environmental impact of waste and ensure compliance with landfill disposal regulations:
BS EN 12457-2
The BS EN 12457-2 method involves a one-stage leaching test that uses a 10:1 liquid-to-solid ratio and is commonly applied to granular waste materials.
BS EN 12457-3
The BS EN 12457-3 involves a two-stage leaching test that uses an initial 2:1 liquid-to-solid ratio followed by a 8:1 liquid to solid ratio secondary stage, providing a more detailed analysis of leachate composition.
Ensuring Compliance with WAC Testing
Conducting WAC testing in line with BS EN 12457 standards is essential for businesses to ensure that their waste is classified correctly and disposed of in compliance with the Landfill Directive (2010).
At ACS , our Environmental laboratory, is UKAS accredited for both BS EN 12457-2 & BS EN 12457-3 leachate prep and analysis*, offering WAC testing services to contractors, developers, and waste management professionals.
Our accreditation ensures that our testing methods and results meet the highest standards of quality and reliability, facilitating compliance with regulatory requirements. Note that WAC testing on its own does not define your waste as Hazardous, in accordance with EA Guidance WM3.
However, it can be used in conjunction with our bespoke Hazwaste Solids suite and Hazwaste Report to give you a full Waste Classification if required. Advice on this requirement and others will be provided in future blogs.
For more information on WAC testing and landfill compliance, contact our team today on 01202 622858.