Waste Classification / Characterization

Characteristic Hazardous Wastes are defined as wastes that exhibit the following characteristics: Ignitability, Corrosivity, Reactivity or Toxicity. These parameters were first listed in the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) enacted in 1976:

• Ignitable wastes can create fires under certain conditions, are spontaneously combustible or have a flash point less than 60 °C.
• Corrosive wastes are acids or bases (pH 12.5) that are capable of corroding metal containers.
• Reactive wastes may cause explosions, toxic fumes, gases or vapors when heated, compressed or mixed with water.
• Toxic wastes are harmful or fatal when ingested, absorbed or inhaled. When toxic wastes are land disposed, contaminated liquid may leach from the waste and pollute ground water. Toxicity is defined through a laboratory procedure called the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP). The TCLP helps identify wastes likely to leach concentrations of contaminants that may be harmful to human health or the environment.

Under RCRA, treatment, storage and disposal facilities generally must have a permit in order to manage hazardous wastes. In order to keep all permits in compliance, please communicate your permit requirements to your Project Manager.

Below is a list of methods commonly requested for Waste Classification/Characterization analysis.

• Full TCLP/SPLP including Organic and Inorganic Parameters
• RCRA Characteristics (ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity)
• TPH by Method 8015
• GRO/DRO by Method 8015
• PCBs
• VOCs (BTEX)
• Priority Pollutant Metals

Please contact our Project Management team to discuss your sampling needs or project specific requirements.