What does WAC testing include?

A basic inert screen covers metals, pH, sulphate and an asbestos screen. The full WAC suite adds the BS EN 12457-3 leachate analysis, TPH/PAH, TOC and a WM3 hazard assessment. Every job is confirmed with a fixed written quote before sampling — sample count, suite and turnaround all move the scope.

How fast can I get WAC results?

Standard turnaround is 3–5 working days from the lab receiving samples. A 48-hour express option and a 24-hour rush option are available at a surcharge, subject to lab capacity on the day.

How many samples will I need?

As a guide, one composite sample per 100–250 tonnes of homogeneous material. Made ground, mixed fill or any site with a contamination history needs more frequent sampling for the results to be defensible.

Is WAC testing the same as waste classification?

No. WM3 hazard assessment decides whether the waste is hazardous; WAC testing decides which landfill cell or facility can legally accept it. Most jobs need both, and we report them together.

Can you take the samples for us?

Yes. On-site sampling is carried out to BS EN 14899 with locations, depths and stockpile references logged, so results can be traced back to a specific parcel of material.

Services · WAC testing

WAC testing with a turnaround that fits the programme.

Sampling, UKAS lab analysis and the classification paperwork your receiving site needs — from a single stockpile screen to a full leachate suite with on-site sampling.

Get a WAC quote How classification works

New to WAC? Read the WAC testing & soil classification hub for a plain-English guide to inert, non-hazardous and hazardous soils.

Packages

Three analytical scopes cover the vast majority of jobs. Every package is confirmed with a fixed written quote before sampling — sample count, suite and turnaround all move the scope.

Inert / basic screen

Turnaround: 5 working days

Clean-looking natural subsoil or clay heading to an inert tip that asks for a screen rather than a full suite.

•Metals, pH and sulphate
•Asbestos screen
•EWC code and classification note

Most requested

Full WAC suite

Turnaround: 3–5 working days

The standard request when material is going to landfill or a treatment facility.

•WAC leachate suite (BS EN 12457-3)
•Total metals, TPH/PAH, pH, sulphate, TOC
•Asbestos screen
•WM3 hazard assessment
•Classification report and EWC coding

Full WAC + on-site sampling

Turnaround: 3–5 working days from sampling

Where you'd rather we took the samples so the chain of custody is watertight.

•Site attendance and sampling to BS EN 14899
•Sampling plan and stockpile logging
•Full WAC suite per sample
•Classification report + disposal route options

Final scope and turnaround are confirmed in your written quote. Rush turnaround, extra suites (e.g. full asbestos quantification) and abortive visits are quoted separately.

Turnaround times

Measured from the lab receiving samples, not from the enquiry — sampling is usually a same-day or next-day visit.

Option	Basis	When to use it
Rush (24 hours)	Lab-priority surcharge, subject to capacity on the day	Programme-critical: muck already stockpiled and lorries booked
Express (48 hours)	Surcharge applies	Tip needs paperwork before the week's collections
Standard (3–5 working days)	Standard rate	Planned muckshifts booked a week or more ahead

What's included

Sampling plan

Frequency set against volume and risk — typically one composite per 100–250 tonnes of consistent material, tightened across made ground.

UKAS lab analysis

Accredited suites, chain of custody from stockpile to certificate, results tied to a named parcel of material.

Classification pack

Certificate of analysis, WM3 hazard assessment, WAC comparison, EWC code, and the duty-of-care documentation the tip needs.

Route options

Once classified, we set out the recovery, treatment and landfill routes open to the material so you can choose on the facts.

WAC testing enquiry

Choose Material out and tell us the material, rough tonnage and anything known about the ground history. We'll come back with a sampling plan, a fixed quote and the likely disposal route.

•Quote back the same working day where possible
•Sampling booked to suit the dig sequence
•Classification pack issued with results

WAC testing FAQs

What does WAC testing include?: A basic inert screen covers metals, pH, sulphate and an asbestos screen. The full WAC suite adds the BS EN 12457-3 leachate analysis, TPH/PAH, TOC and a WM3 hazard assessment. Every job is confirmed with a fixed written quote before sampling — sample count, suite and turnaround all move the scope.
How fast can I get WAC results?: Standard turnaround is 3–5 working days from the lab receiving samples. A 48-hour express option and a 24-hour rush option are available at a surcharge, subject to lab capacity on the day.
How many samples will I need?: As a guide, one composite sample per 100–250 tonnes of homogeneous material. Made ground, mixed fill or any site with a contamination history needs more frequent sampling for the results to be defensible.
Is WAC testing the same as waste classification?: No. WM3 hazard assessment decides whether the waste is hazardous; WAC testing decides which landfill cell or facility can legally accept it. Most jobs need both, and we report them together.
Can you take the samples for us?: Yes. On-site sampling is carried out to BS EN 14899 with locations, depths and stockpile references logged, so results can be traced back to a specific parcel of material.

Need the muck moved too?

We can classify and haul in one package — grab, tipper or artic, with two-way loads returning with aggregate.

Muckaway & haulage

Everything you need to spec, price and move material — tools, services and the exact material pages they relate to.