Waste Classification
Fast, regulator-ready waste classification for soil, spoil, and construction materials — keeping your project compliant and on track.
Why Waste Classification Is Essential
Under the NSW Waste Classification Guidelines (Part 1: Classifying Waste) and the Protection of the Environment Operations (POEO) Act 1997, all waste material must be correctly classified before it can be stored, reused, transported, or disposed of. This applies to both construction-generated waste and naturally occurring materials like excavated soil.
Incorrect classification can result in illegal tipping, rejected loads, and significant penalties — not to mention costly project delays. We help you do it right the first time, with advice that’s clear, defensible, and grounded in current EPA guidance.
Our Services – From Testing to Transport
Waste Sampling & Field Assessment
We begin with a site-specific inspection and sampling strategy based on the type, volume, and origin of your waste. Whether the material is in-situ, stockpiled, or freshly excavated, we design a compliant sampling plan aligned with EPA guidance, including the number of samples required and how they should be collected.
Our experienced consultants collect representative samples and screen for physical contaminants. We’ll also assess site history and any visual signs of contamination to inform lab analysis.
Laboratory Analysis
Samples are tested at NATA-accredited laboratories for a range of potential contaminants, depending on the material. These may include:
Heavy metals such as lead, arsenic, or zinc
Total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH)
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)
Organics and semi-volatiles
Asbestos (if suspected)
pH, electrical conductivity, and moisture content
Our testing panels are selected to meet classification requirements under the Waste Classification Guidelines and any relevant resource recovery exemptions.
Waste Classification Reports
Once lab results are available, we prepare a detailed waste classification report including:
Site and material description
Sampling methodology and rationale
Analytical results and interpretation
Final classification (e.g. ENM, general solid waste (putrescible/non-putrescible), restricted solid waste, hazardous waste, etc.)
Advice on lawful reuse, disposal, or storage
Our reports are accepted by landfills, councils, certifiers, and regulators across NSW. Where required, we can also prepare accompanying documentation for EPA notifications or tracking forms.
Common Projects That Require Waste Classification
We regularly assist with classification for:
Bulk excavations for subdivisions, basements, and roads
Unexpected contamination discovered during civil or demolition works
Soil stockpiles requiring off-site disposal
Waste from remediation, dewatering, or site clearing
Concrete rubble, bricks, and construction debris
Planning approvals or tender requirements
If it’s being moved off-site, we’ll help you classify it correctly.
Why Choose Confluence Environmental?
We’re experienced environmental consultants who specialise in contaminated land, soil science, and regulatory compliance. Our approach is:
Fast and responsive to project timelines
Independent and fully aligned with NSW EPA guidance
Practical — we give you clear answers, not generic advice
Scalable — from one-off assessments to long-term project support
Trusted by contractors, developers, engineers, and government clients across NSW
Where We Work
We provide waste classification services throughout:
Sydney and Western Sydney
Central Coast
Newcastle & Lake Macquarie
Hunter Valley and Upper Hunter
Mid North Coast, South Coast, and regional NSW
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.