What Is a WAC Test?
The Landfill Directive (2010) says we must know everything about waste before sending it to a landfill. Consequently, 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. Whether a material can safely be disposed of at a particular landfill can be confirmed through testing.
At ECT, we offer an efficient and reliable WAC testing service to help ensure greater control of the waste disposed at landfills. We can carry out various test leaching procedures specified by the Environment Agency (BS EN 12457-2:2002, BS EN 12457-3:2002) in our purpose-built, UKAS-accredited laboratory.
The leachate produced will be analysed in accordance with strict procedures. The results from some of these tests can then be assessed in accordance with Waste Acceptance Criteria (WAC). This is key to determining the appropriate class of landfill to accept the waste.
Importance of WAC Testing
When used responsibly, landfill is one of the most cost-effective disposal routes for waste. WAC testing also helps you protect consumers from contamination, ensure compliance with regulations, and enhance your company’s reputation.
Additionally, if your waste doesn't meet the WAC criteria, it can be processed to avoid costly hazardous waste disposal.
Professional WAC analysis enables you to:
- Assess environmental controls & cleaning procedures to ensure effectiveness
- Identify potential contamination risks before they become an issue
- Enhance food safety & regulatory compliance
- Improve customer confidence in product quality
- Reduce the risks of costly recalls or penalties
WAC Analysis Test Types
WAC tests can come in three different types:
- Inert (usually required)
- Hazardous (stable non-reactive)
- Hazardous
Importantly, a WAC test does not determine the hazardous properties of a specific matrix. Rather, these investigations inform landfills where waste can be safely placed in their facilities. A WAC test is usually accompanied by other tests which are carried out on the solid portion of the sample.
Soil, Sludge & Solids Testing
At ECT, we offer a suite of tests to analyse a wide range of soils, sludge, and solids, including:
- Contaminated land analysis (incl. WAC testing asbestos)
- Waste Acceptance Classification (WAC test)
- Hazardous waste classification WM3
- Topsoil analysis
- PAS 100 Compost analysis
- WAC analysis
- HMRC LOI test
Waste Classification Reporting
ECT offers a complete hazardous waste classification service that meets Environment Agency WM3ver 1.2, alongside analytical and laboratory services. This service includes reporting on each tested parameter, which indicates if those parameters exceed specified safety limits.
To ensure the safe classification of waste, it’s vital that testers know as much as possible about the site / sample. This includes:
- Details of the site
- Historical uses of the site
- Any known parameters
- Safety data sheets (if available)
This information ensures that the correct parameters are used for testing and can be classified appropriately per WM3.1 requirements. Please note that we can also use third-party laboratory data to carry out this work.
The following parameters are tested from the solid material:
- Total Organic Carbon
- Loss on Ignition
- BTEX (Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene & Xylene)
- PCB (Polychlorinated Biphenyls) (7 x congeners)
- Mineral Oil (TPH) (Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons)
- Total PAH (Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons)
- pH
The following parameters are tested from the laboratory-prepared leachate (Eluate Analysis):
- pH
- Conductivity
- Metals
- Anions
- Total Dissolved Solids
- Phenol Index
- Dissolved Organic Carbon
Deviating Samples
ECT strictly complies with the requirements necessary to meet the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) Policy on Deviating Samples (TPS 63).
To provide a high level of service to our clients, we offer free WAC test sampling containers to maintain sample integrity following collection. If any samples do not meet specific criteria, they are defined as deviating. These may jeopardise the validity of the reported test result.
Examples of deviating samples include:
- Incorrect sample container
- Inappropriate storage temperature
- Incorrect or lack of preservatives used for time-critical parameters
- No time or date of sampling supplied
- Analysis performed outside of quoted stability holding times
Learn more about our deviating samples procedure on our Downloads page.
Contact us for WAC Testing Services
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a WAC test?
WAC testing meaning: WAC testing (Waste Acceptance Criteria testing) evaluates the leaching potential of contaminants from a waste material. This is required to determine if the waste material meets regulatory standards for safe disposal.
Is WAC testing mandatory?
The Waste Acceptance Criteria (WAC) became mandatory in 2005 under the Landfill Regulations. WAC testing analyses the leaching ability of contaminants in a material to identify how they are likely to act when in a landfill.
When do you need waste contamination testing?
Waste contamination testing, or WAC testing, is required following a waste classification test. The waste classification test will tell you what’s in the material (if it is hazardous or non-hazardous), and the WAC test will identify where it can go.
Who is responsible for WAC testing?
Landfill operators usually request a basic characterisation of any material being discarded, and it is the responsibility of business owners to ensure this is done correctly. First, you should attain your waste characterisation report, then organise WAC testing with a specialist company such as ACS to ensure your waste can be safely disposed of.
How many WAC tests do I need?
The number of WAC tests (Waste Acceptance Criteria tests) required depends on the type of waste, the specific characteristics being investigated, and any applicable regulatory requirements. Please speak to our team for guidance.
Do I need WAC testing for asbestos?
WAC testing asbestos is required to determine if earthworks waste is hazardous or non-hazardous before disposal. This is important for anyone in charge of the management of asbestos-contaminated land.
How much does WAC testing cost?
WAC testing costs vary depending on the amount of WAC test sampling required and the turnaround time for testing. Our team would be happy to discuss your requirements and provide a no-obligation quotation for your WAC testing needs.