Soil and Waste Classification Newcastle, Port Stephens and Hunter Valley
Fast, accurate waste classification to support compliant soil reuse and disposal — accepted by councils and disposal facilities.
Excavated Soil Testing, ENM/VENM Certification & EPA Waste Classification for Development and Demolition Projects
At Confluence Environmental, we specialise in soil and waste classification services for projects across Newcastle, Port Stephens, and the Hunter Valley. Whether you're managing earthworks in Maitland, clearing a site in Nelson Bay, or preparing demolition spoil for disposal in Cessnock, we help you meet all NSW EPA waste classification obligations with confidence.
We work with civil contractors, developers, builders, and councils throughout the region to deliver compliant, regulator-ready reports — supporting approvals, planning, and lawful disposal or reuse.
Why Waste Classification Matters
In New South Wales, waste generated from excavation or site works must be properly classified before it can be transported, reused, or disposed of. Under the NSW Protection of the Environment Operations (POEO) Act 1997, misclassification can result in project delays, EPA penalties, or landfill rejection.
Our experts assess everything from clean fill and natural soil to demolition spoil and contaminated material, using field testing and NATA-accredited laboratory analysis to provide accurate, defensible results.
Our Soil & Waste Services
1. EPA Waste Classification Reporting
We deliver fast and compliant assessments for:
In-situ and ex-situ (stockpiled) materials
Demolition waste and imported fill
Contaminated or mixed construction spoil
Services include:
Site investigation and visual soil logging
Targeted sampling programs (aligned to EPA guidelines)
Testing for heavy metals, hydrocarbons, asbestos, PFAS and more
Waste classification as:
Virgin Excavated Natural Material (VENM)
Excavated Natural Material (ENM)
General Solid Waste (Putrescible / Non-Putrescible)
Hazardous / Restricted Waste
You’ll receive a clear, regulator-ready report accepted by landfills, certifiers, and planning authorities.
2. Excavated Natural Material (ENM) Assessment
ENM can be reused offsite under the NSW EPA ENM Order if it meets strict criteria. We’ll help you determine ENM eligibility by:
Assessing the geological origin of soil (e.g. sand, clay, siltstone)
Sampling and analysis to confirm it’s free of contaminants
Ensuring no admixture with synthetic or demolition waste
Preparing ENM reports to support EPA declarations and reuse
Perfect for cost-saving reuse strategies across civil and residential developments.
3. Virgin Excavated Natural Material (VENM) Classification
VENM refers to natural soil or rock that is undisturbed and uncontaminated — and can be disposed of or reused with fewer restrictions.
Our team:
Reviews site history and excavation context
Verifies geotechnical conditions
Provides optional laboratory confirmation
Prepares a VENM declaration aligned with current EPA guidance
VENM classification can reduce your disposal costs and streamline project compliance.
Projects We Support in the Hunter Region
We regularly support:
Civil and infrastructure works
Road and drainage upgrades
Land subdivisions and residential developments
Commercial demolitions
Local government projects
Remediation and site cleanup initiatives
Whether you’re managing a large excavation in Rutherford or a private project in Medowie, we tailor every report to suit your timelines, disposal pathways, and risk profile.
Why Choose Confluence Environmental?
Hunter Valley-based specialists who understand local soil conditions and disposal requirements
Fully independent — no conflict of interest with disposal or remediation contractors
Fast turnaround on fieldwork and laboratory results
Reports aligned with NSW EPA 2014 Waste Classification Guidelines
Science-led, cost-effective, and practical for real-world decision-making
Service Areas
We provide waste classification, ENM/VENM certification, and soil testing throughout:
Newcastle & Lake Macquarie
Port Stephens (Nelson Bay, Raymond Terrace, Medowie)
Hunter Valley (Maitland, Cessnock, Kurri Kurri, Singleton)
Muswellbrook & Upper Hunter
Surrounding regional and coastal communities
Contact Confluence Environmental today for reliable, compliant soil classification and waste reporting across Newcastle, Port Stephens, and the Hunter Valley.
Need expert advice?
Whether you’re managing a simple spoil removal or navigating complex contamination, we’ll help you classify your material quickly and compliantly.
Call 0493 042 642 or book online to schedule a site visit or request a quote.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Waste Classification (NSW)
Q: When do I need a waste classification?
You need a waste classification any time you plan to transport, reuse, or dispose of excavated soil, fill, or other material off-site. This applies to construction, demolition, remediation, and civil works — even if you believe the material is “clean.” Classification ensures the waste is handled in accordance with NSW EPA Waste Classification Guidelines and POEO Act requirements.
Q: What’s the difference between ENM and general solid waste?
Excavated Natural Material (ENM) is clean, naturally occurring soil or rock that meets strict EPA criteria and can be reused under a Resource Recovery Exemption. General solid waste (non-putrescible or putrescible) includes soils and materials that exceed ENM thresholds or contain minor contamination — and must be disposed of at a licensed waste facility. We help you determine the correct classification through sampling, lab analysis, and expert interpretation.
Q: What happens if I don’t classify waste before disposal?
Failing to classify waste can lead to:
Illegal dumping or transport breaches
Rejected loads at landfills or waste facilities
EPA fines or enforcement notices
Project delays and reputational damage
Even if contamination is not suspected, classification is often a planning or DA condition, especially for civil, infrastructure, and subdivision projects.
Q: What does a waste classification report include?
Our reports include a description of the material and site, a summary of sampling and testing methods, laboratory results, comparison to regulatory thresholds, and a final classification. We also provide clear recommendations for lawful reuse, disposal, or stockpiling — and help you meet landfill or EPA requirements.
Q: How is the number of samples determined?
Sampling requirements depend on the volume and heterogeneity of the material. For soil or spoil, we follow the NSW EPA Waste Classification Guidelines, which provide a tiered system based on cubic metres. For example, up to 100 m³ may require as few as three samples, while larger or more variable stockpiles require more. We tailor the sampling plan to meet both regulatory and practical needs.
Q: Can I reuse the soil on another site if it’s classified?
Yes — but only if the material meets criteria under an EPA Resource Recovery Exemption (e.g. ENM or recovered fines). If not, the material must be disposed of at a licensed facility in line with its classification. We’ll advise whether your material qualifies for reuse, what controls apply, and what documentation is needed to support lawful movement.