WAC Testing When disposing of waste to landfill, understanding the chemical properties of that waste is essential. Waste Acceptance Criteria (WAC) testing is a legal requirement that determines whether waste is suitable for disposal at a particular class of landfill site (inert, non-hazardous, or hazardous).
At Envirochem, we provide fast, accurate WAC testing supported by our in-house UKAS-accredited testing laboratory (No. 1227). Our consultants work with you to determine the most appropriate testing approach for your waste stream and ensure that results are clearly reported, technically accurate, and aligned with current landfill classification requirements.
What We Test
WAC testing does not determine whether a waste is hazardous or non-hazardous—this classification must already be completed based on chemical composition. Instead, WAC testing assesses how waste behaves in landfill conditions, particularly its potential to leach contaminants.
We analyse a wide range of solid and liquid waste types, including:
- Construction and demolition waste
- Contaminated soils
- Industrial by-products
- Sludges and filter cakes
- Ash residues and treated wood
Testing typically includes:
- Leachate analysis against landfill-specific WAC thresholds
- Loss on ignition (LOI) and total organic carbon (TOC)
- pH, conductivity, and dry solids content
- Additional parameters as required based on waste type and disposal route
Additional parameters can be included as required based on the waste type, regulatory requirements, or specific site conditions.
Our Process
Each project begins with a consultation to understand your waste stream, classification status, and disposal route. We advise on appropriate sampling methods and can assist with representative sampling on site if needed.
Samples are analysed at our UKAS-accredited testing laboratory (No. 1227) using standardised methods aligned with Environment Agency guidance. We deliver results clearly and promptly, including a full breakdown of WAC parameters and an interpretation of whether the waste is suitable for disposal at the intended landfill type.
Our team is always available to explain results and advise on next steps, including additional testing or waste treatment where required.
When Is WAC Testing Required?
WAC testing is required when waste has already been classified and is intended for disposal at landfill. It determines whether the waste meets the acceptance criteria for the type of landfill proposed—whether inert, non-hazardous, or hazardous.
You may need WAC testing if:
- Your waste has been classified as hazardous and is being sent to a hazardous landfill
- Your waste is non-hazardous, but the landfill operator requests confirmation of leachability or organic content
- The waste type is known to vary in composition, such as treated wood, fly ash, or filter cakes
- You are disposing of soil from a site with a known contamination history
- Your receiving landfill site requires pre-acceptance testing as part of its waste acceptance procedure
If you're unsure whether WAC testing is necessary for your waste stream, our consultants can advise on whether regulatory guidance or your disposal route requires it.
Compliance and Risk Considerations
Failing to carry out WAC testing correctly can lead to rejected waste loads, delays in project timelines, and significant cost implications. This can compromise audit trails and future site sign-offs where environmental due diligence is required, and may also result in regulatory enforcement if waste is sent to an unsuitable facility.
Even where classification has already been completed, many disposal routes still require confirmation that the waste meets the specific leaching and composition thresholds for landfill acceptance.
By partnering with an experienced testing laboratory and consultancy, you can reduce risk, avoid common errors, and ensure your waste management practices are both efficient and compliant.
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 consultancy. Our WAC testing services are delivered by experienced chemists and environmental specialists who understand the wider regulatory and operational contexts in which waste decisions are made.
Rather than offering a generic testing service, we work closely with you to understand the source and nature of your waste, clarify any classification concerns, and ensure the most appropriate testing is carried out for your disposal route. This tailored approach not only supports compliance with landfill regulations but helps prevent unnecessary costs and delays due to incorrect or incomplete data.
Because we operate our own in-house laboratory, we maintain strict control over sample handling, turnaround times, and quality standards. Our reports are designed to be clear, usable, and accepted by major landfill operators, supporting confident waste management decisions across construction, remediation, manufacturing and industrial sites.
If needed, we also provide expert advice on waste classification, hazardous waste thresholds, and landfill acceptance criteria, helping you make informed, proportionate decisions at every stage of your project.
Speak to Our Team
If you need WAC testing or are unsure which classification or analysis route applies to your waste, get in touch with our expert team. We’ll help you understand your obligations and deliver the data you need to move forward confidently.
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