WASTE – GENERAL CLASSIFICATION PRINCIPLES

The following principles must be applied at all times when using the step-by-step waste classification process.

• Where practicable, it is desirable to separate a mixture of wastes before classifying them separately. For example, if waste tyres (special waste) are mixed with lead-acid batteries (hazardous waste), it would be desirable to separate the wastes so only the hazardous component needs to be managed as hazardous waste.
• If it is not possible to separate wastes, the whole waste must be classified according to the highest class of waste. For example, if clinical and related waste (special waste) is thoroughly mixed with municipal waste (general solid waste (putrescible)), the whole waste stream must be managed as special waste.
• If asbestos is mixed with other waste to form asbestos waste, the waste must continue to be assessed in accordance with these guidelines to enable the disposal of the asbestos waste at an appropriate waste facility. Asbestos removal and waste must then be managed to meet the management and disposal requirements of both asbestos and the other class of waste with which it is mixed (if any).
• If liquid waste is mixed with hazardous or solid waste and retains the characteristics of liquid waste specified in Step 2, the waste remains liquid waste. Waste Classification Guidelines Part 1: Classifying waste (December 2009) 3
• Two or more classes of waste must not be mixed in order to reduce the concentration of chemical contaminants. Dilution of contaminants is not an acceptable waste management option.

Source: Department of Environment, Climate Change & Water NSW
Waste Classification Guidelines Part 1: Classifying Waste

Australian Enviro Services are a asbestos removal company in Sydney. We also offer professional waste management and contaminated soil remediation.