NSW EPA and VIC EPA · environmental
Waste Classification
Before soil leaves your site — or arrives on it — it needs classifying. VENM, ENM, GSW, RSW, clean fill: we test it, classify it and tell you where it can legally go.
You cannot tell by looking at it
Soil becomes contaminated from any number of sources, and it is very difficult to tell clean material from contaminated material by eye. If excess soil is leaving your site, or material is being brought in, it needs laboratory testing for contaminants of concern and a waste classification to go with it.
We produce Material Classification Reports on in-situ material before it is excavated, or on stockpiles after. Working to NSW EPA and VIC EPA guidelines, we are set up to assist at short notice — which matters when trucks are booked.
The classifications, in plain terms
The terminology that ends up on your dockets and disposal paperwork.
- VENM
- ENM
- GSW
- RSW
- HW
- Clean fill
- Category D
- CAT4
Material leaving a quarry
We assess across all local quarries so crushed rock being exported is confirmed as natural in origin, with no contamination introduced during processing.
Beyond the state guidelines
Some sites need testing outside the usual state framework. We work closely with Australian Defence Force sites, conducting PFAS assessments for soil categorisation and re-use.
Common questions
What does a waste classification cost?
It depends on the volume of material, how many sampling locations the guidelines require and which contaminants need to be screened. Tell us the volume and what the site has been used for and we will scope it.
How quickly can it be done?
We are set up to assist at short notice. Sampling is usually quick; the turnaround is driven by the analytical suite required. If trucks are booked, tell us when and we will work to it.
Should I classify before or after excavating?
Before, where you can. Classifying in-situ tells you what the material is while it is still in the ground, so you can plan disposal and budget before it becomes a stockpile taking up the site. We do both.
What if I am importing fill rather than exporting it?
The same testing applies. Material arriving on your site needs to be what the supplier says it is — VENM or ENM — because once it is placed, it is your problem.
Discuss your project
Speak to one of our geotechnical engineers — no call centre, no sales script.
Contact details