Compliant, cost-effective soil disposal solutions for builders, contractors, and developers across Greater Sydney and the Blue Mountains.

If you're excavating soil on a building site, doing trenching or bulk earthworks anywhere from the Sydney CBD to Penrith, Parramatta, or Katoomba, you’ll likely need to prove that your material qualifies as Virgin Excavated Natural Material (VENM) under the NSW EPA guidelines.

Without this certification, your soil may be rejected by tip sites or classified as general solid waste — driving up disposal costs and delaying your project.

At Confluence Environmental, we deliver fast, professional VENM assessments and certification across the Sydney Basin and Blue Mountains. Whether you're on a suburban block, industrial site, or regional development, we make it easy to:

• Classify your soil

• Get the documentation you need

• Avoid landfill fees

• Stay compliant with NSW waste laws

What is VENM?

Virgin Excavated Natural Material (VENM) is natural rock, soil, sand, or clay that’s been excavated and has not been mixed with or affected by human-made contamination such as demolition debris, chemical residues, fill, or industrial activity.

If your material qualifies as VENM, you may be able to:

• Dispose of it for free or at reduced rates at approved fill sites

• Reuse it legally on other projects

• Avoid unnecessary waste classification costs

This is especially valuable in Sydney and the Blue Mountains, where landfill space is limited, and disposal costs are often high.

Who We Help

Our VENM certification services are ideal for:

• Builders excavating for slabs, basements, pools, or extensions

• Civil contractors handling bulk earthworks and infrastructure projects

• Developers managing subdivision works, road construction, or stormwater upgrades

• Landscapers and plumbers removing spoil from gardens or trenches

• Pool builders and electricians needing to dispose of spoil from residential projects

Whether you're working in Blacktown, the Inner West, the Northern Beaches, or the Lower Mountains, VENM certification is often required to keep your excavation legal and affordable.

Our Sydney & Blue Mountains VENM Services

At Confluence Environmental, we offer straightforward, EPA-compliant assessments with rapid turnaround and minimal disruption to your site.

1. Visual VENM Assessments

In many areas—especially in locations with undisturbed sandstone, shale, or clay soils—we can complete a VENM classification based on a visual site inspection alone.

No lab work needed. No costly testing. Just professional assessment and documentation from an experienced consultant.

This is ideal for residential jobs, rural land, and sites with no history of contamination.

2. Targeted Sampling (If Required)

If your site has signs of historical fill, urban development, or uncertain soil conditions, we’ll carry out targeted soil sampling to confirm compliance. Samples are sent to a NATA-accredited laboratory, and we interpret the results against the EPA’s VENM criteria.

We only sample where professional judgment determines it's required — not by default — helping you avoid unnecessary costs.

3. VENM Certification

After completing the assessment, we issue a formal VENM certificate that includes:

• Property details and site description

• Visual soil observations or lab results (if applicable)

• Confirmation of compliance with the NSW EPA’s VENM Order and exemption criteria

• Documentation suitable for tip sites, fill sites, or recordkeeping

Why Choose Confluence Environmental?

Sydney Expertise
We understand the geology, land-use history, and regulatory expectations across Sydney’s councils, contractors, and tip sites, as well as the Blue Mountains’ unique soil types and development challenges.

Blue Mountains Coverage
From Springwood to Lithgow, we regularly assess sites across steep terrain, cut-and-fill platforms, and sloped residential blocks, helping you dispose of spoil legally and affordably.

Rapid Turnaround
We offer same-day or next-day assessments in most metro and regional areas to keep your job moving.

Minimised Testing
We use professional judgement first — sampling only when needed — to avoid overcharging or unnecessary delays.

Qualified & Insured
All assessments are completed by qualified environmental consultants with experience in EPA-compliant waste classification and full professional indemnity insurance.

Straightforward Pricing
We offer fixed pricing for standard residential or small commercial sites, with clear quotes for larger projects.

Where We Work

We service all areas of Greater Sydney and the Blue Mountains, including:

• Sydney Metro – Parramatta, Penrith, Blacktown, Liverpool, Campbelltown, Hornsby, Inner West

• Eastern & Northern Suburbs – Bondi, North Shore, Ryde, Chatswood, Northern Beaches

• Western Sydney & South West – Auburn, Wetherill Park, Bankstown, Camden, Oran Park

• Blue Mountains – Glenbrook, Springwood, Blaxland, Katoomba, Lawson, Lithgow, Mount Victoria

• Outer Sydney & Regional NSW – Richmond, Windsor, Kurrajong, Picton, and surrounds