Waste Classification & Management

Sustainability and Reducing Costs

Disposal of waste to a landfill can be prohibitively expensive and unsustainable, particularly where soils are classified as ‘hazardous’.

We routinely provide advice to developers at the design stages of their projects. Early consideration of a site’s material balance is critical in reducing the need for off-site disposal. This in turn limits costs, and increases the overall sustainability of the development.

Additionally, we work with contractors to minimise landfill disposal through the reuse of site-won materials. We consider off-site transfer of surplus soils to other schemes or Soil Treatment Facilities to further minimise disposal.

Waste Characterisation

It is important to have an accurate and detailed understanding of your potential and actual waste streams including their waste classifications. This can reduce uncertainty in cost planning, ensure regulatory compliance, and keeps hazardous waste disposal to a minimum.

We have been supporting waste producers, developers, and contractors for decades by investigating and analysing in-situ, stockpiled and processed materials.

Furthermore, we have experience in using rapid on-site analysis instruments to delineate hazardous and non-hazardous waste materials. This allows us to classify and segregate materials at the point of excavation, thereby substantially reducing costs and the overall volume of hazardous waste materials excavated.

Material Management Plans

Materials Management Plans (MMP) or Waste Exemption Plans are recommended where Made Ground soils are resused onsite or materials transferred between sites.

All soils which are suitable for reuse are not considered waste, meaning they are exempt from waste regulations. The industry self-regulates this scheme, which is supported in principle by the Environment Agency.

We have a long and successful history of helping our clients manage their soils and waste. We pride ourselves in promoting sustainability and regulatory compliance for all projects.

Qualified Person’s Declaration

As part of the material management process, an independent Qualified Person (QP) must review the MMP and make a formal declaration of acceptance. The Qualified Persons within Soiltechnics are here to provide advice and guidance for your schemes. They also undertake 3^rd party declarations under their role as a QP.

Soil Waste Planning is fundamental within a construction project. Understanding the soils generated, whether they are contaminated, how they can be treated and if they can be re-used is important as it can affect the project budget.

We have a wide range of experience in undertaking the classification of soils for off-site disposal, Materials Management Plans, Environmental Permitting and Land Reclamation where Soil Waste Planning is fundamental to the success of the project.

Environmental Permitting

Businesses require Environmental Permits to operate legally within their industry.

With respect to development sites, permits (and often bespoke permits on large projects) are required for a number of reasons. For instance, moving, treating and placing soils, discharging to controlled waters, activities that may alter flood risks and in special circumstances radioactive wastes.

We have experience in undertaking investigations to support or surrender environmental permit applications. We liaise with regulators with respect to permits and completing permit applications on behalf of our client.