Waste Disposal Regulations & Testing
Waste Disposal
Staffordshire Scientific Services carries out testing to identify wastes and to determine the extent of contamination so that appropriate procedures for disposal can be implemented. There are regulations (see below) to impose controls over the disposal of all waste materials. An excellent guide to the procedures and criteria can be found by clicking here (WRAP).
Materials may be submitted, for example, by
- industrial waste producers,
- civil engineering companies,
- builders,
- landfill site operators,
- local authorities
- and regulatory bodies.
For more information refer to ‘The Collection and Disposal of Waste Regulations 1988’ and Environwise – a Government information service about sustainable practices.
Call us for further information and sampling advice.
More information follows on tip effluent, solids, landfill gas, radiation monitoring and the disposal of packaging materials...
Tip Effluent (Leachates)
Staffordshire Scientific Services analyses ‘tip effluent’ (leachate) from water courses near to landfill sites, boreholes and treatment lagoons for pollution. The Environment Agency imposes acceptable ‘consent conditions’ to discharge effluent to water courses. We can analyse effluents prior to requests for consent from the Environment Agency. Staffordshire Scientific Services can also offer an independent analysis when there is a dispute.
Solids
Materials such as industrial filter cakes, foundry sand, sewage sludge, process wastes from metal finishing, food industry waste, slurries, solvents and contaminated soils can be examined for total contaminant concentrations. Pollutants which can leach into water can also be determined. Other miscellaneous materials, varying in toxicity, from cyanide and asbestos to chalk and talc can be tested.
Landfill Gas
Landfill gas is produced when domestic refuse or chemical waste decomposes. It consists of methane and carbon dioxide. Staffordshire Scientific Services has instrumentation for monitoring these gases.
Radiation Monitoring
Our environment contains a continuous background of radiation from the ground, air and outer space. Man-made radiation is also associated with nuclear energy. Staffordshire Scientific Services monitors foods, milk, water, soils and plants for total radiation levels (Gamma radionuclides).
Packaging Materials
The Packaging Regulations specify the amount of metals such as Cadmium, Chromium, Mercury and Lead are in materials which may go to be recycled or for landfill. Click here for information about the Packaging Regulations.
We test samples of packaging such as cardboard and cling film to determine the content of these metals. Please call us for advice.
For materials testing or fuel analysis and air pollution click the links.
Our Credentials
Staffordshire Scientific Services is an efficient and reliable scientific service offering testing and analysis, advice and support to customers in the public and private sector.
We have two Public Analysts, twenty well-qualified, experienced staff, based in our Stafford laboratory which is accredited to UKAS Quality Standard ISO/IEC 17025 and is an Official UK Food Enforcement Laboratory.
View UKAS accreditation schedule for Staffordshire.
Getting In Touch
Staffordshire Scientific Services
14 Martin Street
Stafford ST16 2LG
T: 01785 277 825 F: 01785 277 812Email: county.analysts@staffordshire.gov.uk
Staffordshire County Council website
