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SAM-002

Waste
Sampling

Waste
Definition

(list of HS codes covered by this card)		 For the purpose of this card the term “waste” is defined as any substance, object or article, only intended for recovery or disposal.

In this card only indicative sampling of waste is described. Sampling and analysis of waste can only give evidence of the composition of the waste it does not provide evidence that the sampled material is considered to be waste. Further checks or administrative research into the circumstances of the waste should be performed to confirm the classification as waste. For environmental purposes a more detailed sampling procedure is necessary. In this case you should refer to specific environmental sampling procedures.

There are different types of waste. These can be categorised as;
  • not hazardous waste;
  • hazardous waste;
  • municipal (household) waste.

For the purpose of this card, waste can be distinguished in:
  • Liquid waste;
  • Solid waste;
  • Sludge waste;
  • Damaged and broken articles and other articles, unfit for use.

Some types of waste should be sampled using more specific procedures:

Waste
Recommended minimum quantity for each final sample

 Dependent of type of waste.

In general 0,5 kg of sample will be sufficient.
Applicable standards (ISO and EU Norms) and relevant legislation
  • Directive 2008/98/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on waste and repealing certain directives
  • Regulation (EC) No 1013/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council on shipments of waste
  • Commission Regulation (EC) No 669/2008 on completing Annex IC of Regulation (EC) No 1013/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council on shipments of waste
  • EN 14899 Characterisation of waste – Sampling of waste materials – Framework for the preparation and application of a Sampling Plan
  • CEN/TR 15310 Characterization of waste – Sampling of waste materials
You should also refer to your national legislation and national guidelines regarding sampling.


Equipment needed
Suggested sampling tool depending on the method used A wide range of equipment may be needed including specialist tools requiring training in their use. See the Sampling Plans for more information.
  • Samples of alkaline fluids are to be taken using glass, plastic or metal tools.
  • Samples of acidic fluids are to be taken using glass or plastic tools.
  • Samples of organic solvent fluids are to be taken treated using glass or metal tools.
  • Samples of solids or sludges are to be taken using plastic or metal tools.
  • Sample dividing equipment (D01-01)
For more information see chapter Sampling tools.

WARNING: If there is any risk of cross-contamination, separate or disposable tools and equipment must be used for each product sampled.

Containers to be used for the sampling
  • Plastic bags, different sizes, with or without pre-printed labels (P00)
  • Plastic bottles, various sizes (P02, P03, P04)
  • Glass bottles (G01)
  • Metal containers (M01)
For more information see chapter Sample containers.

Safety precautions and risk assessment WARNING: Certain goods should never be sampled or only sampled by persons specially trained to do so. This means e.g, that radioactive waste must not be sampled. If in doubt check radioactivity and/or consult an expert (Radioactive waste (materials) are not covered by the waste regulation. For this reason sampling of radioactive has to be excluded from the waste sampling methods).

For more information see chapters Sampling of dangerous goods and Health and Safety.
  • Consult also your national legislation and guidelines on health and safety.
  • Always consider whether it is absolutely necessary to sample the goods. Can verification of the consignment be obtained by other means?
  • Some waste, which appears not to be dangerous because of its composition, could be dangerous. E.g. aluminium, magnesium or zinc waste in fine powder may develop inflammable gases when in contact with water. Take the necessary safety precautions when handling these kinds of waste.
  • Waste articles may contain dangerous chemical products (p.e. in refrigerators), sharp edges and other damagings. Take the necessary safety precautions in sampling these articles.

Hazard Symbols:
  • Always check the hazard symbols if present and establish the nature of the risk posed. Beware of old symbols on re-used containers which may not reflect the current contents

Safety Data Sheets:
  • Always check the Safety Data Sheet if present accompanying the goods for information on the specific hazards and risks associated with the consignment. In most cases however no SDS will be available for waste consignments.

H & P Phrases:
  • The H & P Phrases listed on the SDS must be followed precisely.
  • They are designed to protect you and those working with you.
  • They will specify the methods of dealing with possible hazards in isolation or combination.
Attention: The labelling of the waste might not be reliable or not belonging to the content of the containers.

Personal protection:
A wide range of personal protection equipment may be needed including specialist equipment requiring training in its use, e.g.:
Always wash your hands before and after handling any products!

During the sampling microbiological or other contamination of the sample must be avoided.

Certain waste may retain living microorganisms. Aerosols can be generated and inhaled when handling. Wear a mask if necessary.


Sampling plan
Type of consignment Procedure
Consignment for Customs clearance Consult for the sampling of hazardous waste and waste of unknown composition chapter Sampling of dangerous goods and the specific cards Chemicals, solids, Chemicals, liquid and Petroleum liquids, dependent on the character of the waste goods.

The aggregate sample consists of an appropriate number of incremental samples. When you are satisfied the consignment is homogeneous, one incremental sample is usually taken as representing the goods covered by the same customs declaration. When representative sampling is not possible due to the heterogenic character of consignment judgemental sampling is performed. Photos should always be provided to explain the sampling.

Liquid waste in vertical land tanks, horizontal land tanks, ships’ tanks, tank wagons or tank cars Warning: Drums containing liquid waste can be under pressure. A bulging drum should not be moved or sampled until the pressure can be safely relieved. Also during opening and sampling of larger containers precautions must be considered to assure health and safety.

Most large tanks will have valves near the bottom of the tank and hatches near the top. It is most desirable to collect samples from the top of a tank. Collecting a sample from the bottom will not permit the collection of a sample of each stratum (layer). Prior to opening the hatch, the pressure gauge of the tank must be checked. If necessary the release valve should be opened slowly to bring the tank to atmospheric pressure. If no release valve exists, slowly loosen hatch cover bolts to relive pressure in the tank. Stop if pressure is too high or if a release occurs.

Once the tank has been stabilized you can start sampling. If the content of the tank has stratified, each stratum should be sampled. Sample should be collected as a minimum from the top, middle and bottom. If the container has separate compartments, each should be sampled separately at varying depths, as required.

Take one or more aggregate samples, chosen at random or systematically from different parts of the consignment, at least three conventional points (one in the middle, one at the top and one at the bottom) or at set intervals during unloading. More incremental samples may be required from consignments containing waste with variable composition.

Do not overfill the sample container and leave at least a 10 % empty space to allow for thermal expansion.

Solid and sludge waste loose in carriages, bulk, tanks or containers Where the product is transported loose in bulk, the load must be considered as a whole and the samples must be taken from all parts of the load.

Samples can be collected at the surface or at depth. When taking the sample from the surface at the desired location clear surface debris. Collect the adequate volume of waste from a depth of about 20 cm using a sampling trowel or scoop. For samples collected at depth at the sampling location the hole is made with a shovel to the desired sampling depth. Then the sampling trowel is used to collect the sample.

One or more incremental samples, chosen at random from different parts of the consignment, at least five conventional points (one in the middle plus four at midpoints between the centre and the apexes at various heights) or at set intervals during unloading. More incremental samples may be created from consignments containing waste with high degree of heterogeneity.

Liquid or solid waste in small packages, barrels, drums, cases, tins, bags and bottles

 Take several incremental samples, chosen at random from different parts of the consignment.
Liquid or solid waste being moved One aggregate sample from incremental samples throughout the whole diameter of the stream, with intervals determined by the moving speed.

Mixed waste, large waste items, articles, other waste Sampling situation of whole consignment and samples are documented by photographic (and/or video) evidence; samples are usually not taken. If samples are taken usually judgemental sampling is performed.


Handling of samples
General comments
  • Material to be sampled may be homogeneous or heterogeneous. Homogeneous material resulting from known situations (e.g. process wastes) may not require an extensive sampling protocol. Heterogeneous and unknown wastes require more extensive sampling.
  • Where the product is transported loose in bulk, the load must be considered as a whole and the samples must be taken from all parts of the load.
  • If the variability of the composition of the waste is of interest as well as mean values it may be preferable not to mix incremental samples. An explanation for the additional samples must be shown on the sampling form.
  • Representative sampling: the sample should be representative of the whole consignment. Each incremental sample is drawn at random from the consignment in such a manner that each incremental sample has the same probability of being selected. The recommended minimum quantity for each incremental sample is 1 kg. The incremental samples must be mixed thoroughly to create the aggregate sample. Ensure that the product being sampled remains unaltered by the sampling process. If the product is not homogeneous, note this in the sampling form.
  • Judgemental sampling (also called ad-hoc sampling): this sampling is performed when representative sampling is not possible due to the heterogenic character of sampled consignment (see also EN 14899 for definition). Photos should always be provided to explain the sampling.
  • Dividing the sample: the size of an aggregate sample may exceed 100 kg. It is therefore necessary to reduce this to obtain the final samples. For more information see chapter Sampling procedures and Sample Division Scheme.
  • Packing the samples: Samples must be packed securely with adequate protection against damage (mechanical damage, severe changes in humidity, temperature, etc.). Containers should be fully filled but where there is a risk of expansion or the production of fermentation gases leave ca. 10 % of free space at the top of the container.
Sampling form
  • Fill in the sampling form. One copy should be attached to the samples and one copy should be kept for record. Add the photos of sampling situation (consignment).
Transport
  • Suitable transport to the customs laboratory must be arranged taking into account the rules on the transport of the type of waste. A copy of the SDS if available must remain with each of the samples.
Storage
  • Suitable storage must be arranged taking into account the rules on the packaging, labelling and storage of the type of waste.

Waste (expand list)
HS Heading Description


Revisions
Version Date Changes
1.0 31.01.2017 First version
1.0.1 30.03.2019 Update - text correction
1.1 15.07.2020 Update - MSDS -> SDS, link to Chemicals, liquid
1.2 10.02.2021 Update - text revision