Waste Composition Analysis -
Sustainable Waste Management Services

Waste Composition Analysis

WCA and Zero to Landfill
Why choose SOCOTEC for WCA
Supporting your sector

SOCOTEC UK offers waste composition analysis and supporting services to reduce the amount of waste going to landfill.

At SOCOTEC UK, we're committed to supporting ambitious businesses across the full asset lifecycle, empowering them to make informed decisions and embrace sustainability. One crucial aspect of this commitment is our waste composition analysis (WCA) service, designed to shed light on the composition of waste streams and pave the way for more efficient, environmentally friendly waste management practices.

What is a waste composition analysis?

Waste composition analysis involves meticulously separating, categorising, and weighing the various materials present in a given waste stream. Our team of experts undertakes this process, providing you with a comprehensive report that outlines the makeup and value of your waste. If necessary, we can conduct further physical or chemical analyses to delve deeper into specific material categories.

In today's world, achieving Zero to Landfill is a key goal for businesses aiming for sustainability. By reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills, we can minimise environmental impact and move towards a circular economy model. Our WCA reports play a pivotal role in this journey, offering valuable insights that enable companies to cut costs and optimise their waste management processes.

Sampling is the crucial first step in our WCA process. Our nationwide field sampling service ensures that representative samples are collected in accordance with industry standards. Alternatively, clients can choose to collect their own samples, with our guidance on best practices. These samples are then transferred to our specialised renewable energy laboratory for analysis. For those requiring quick results, we also offer on-site analysis facilities, leveraging our extensive experience to deliver timely and accurate data.

But why is waste composition analysis important?

The landscape of waste management is constantly evolving, with changes in disposal behaviours shaping the composition of waste streams. Understanding these shifts is essential for businesses and local authorities alike, enabling them to develop effective waste reduction strategies and comply with environmental regulations.

Our team of experts is dedicated to providing quick and reliable data tailored to your project's needs. We collaborate closely with clients to develop sampling plans that yield representative results, ensuring that the data you receive is both accurate and actionable. Our commitment to delivering robust data on time is driven by our understanding of its importance in informing your commercial and operational decisions.

Our WCA service is not limited to any single sector. Whether you're a local authority seeking to understand waste habits or an Energy from Waste facility aiming to optimise operations, our expertise can support your goals. Waste management companies can also benefit from our WCA reports, helping them meet recycling targets and stay compliant with regulations.

Waste composition analysis is important as it helps businesses understand the make-up of waste streams. Local authorities and councils can use this information to develop programmes that reduce waste, conserve money and resources.

There are ongoing changes in the make-up of waste streams due to shifts in waste disposal behaviours in the UK over recent years. This has an effect on every stage of the waste management lifecycle due to the output and values of waste material differing.

It is important for your business to develop an understanding of the different materials and contaminants making up your waste stream to comply with environmental regulations, to protect your equipment and to play your part in moving towards a Circular Economy. The best method to develop this understanding is WCA.

Zero to Landfill for a sustainable future

Zero to Landfill is the term used to describe reducing the amount of waste going to landfills for a more environmentally friendly and sustainable future.

For companies looking to reduce the amount of waste ending up in landfill, WCA reports provide invaluable insights to cut costs and improve the efficiency of waste management processes.

How does SOCOTEC conduct a waste composition analysis?

Talk to our experts

Simon Rudd

Business Development Manager

simon.rudd@socotec.co.uk 07485985111

How does SOCOTEC conduct a waste composition analysis?

Step 1: Sampling

SOCOTEC provides a nation-wide field sampling service with experienced sampling technicians available to take independent, representative samples in line with customer requirements and current standards. Alternatively, some customers choose to take their own samples.

Step 2: Transfer

Samples are transferred to SOCOTEC’s specialist renewable energy laboratory for analysis. Analysis can also be conducted on-site for quick results; we have a wealth of experience setting up and operating on-site analysis facilities.

Step 3: Analysis

Samples are sorted and categorised using standardised methodology in preparation for the recording process.

Step 4: Recording

Sorted material is weighed and recorded to produce a report on the composition of your waste sample.

Step 5: Reporting

SOCOTEC will provide you with a simple report of the WCA data to support your waste management process.

Why choose SOCOTEC for a waste composition analysis?

SOCOTEC’s experts are on hand to ensure quick and reliable data to support with your project requirements. Once your sample has been analysed, your results will be finalised in a concise and simple report that contains data specific to your unique project.

SOCOTEC has vast experience providing WCA to customers including EfW owners and operators, waste management companies, brokers, consultancy firms and local authorities. We work closely with our customers to develop representative and practical sampling plans and our experienced technicians implement them with both competence and due regard to any on-site operational considerations. Analysis categories are specified by the customer and samples are carefully analysed to ultimately provide reliable data in a usable format specific to your unique project.

Our team recognise the importance of providing you with robust data to meet your project deadline, and how crucial that data is in informing your commercial and operational decisions.

Waste Compositional Analysis

Supporting your sector

SOCOTEC’s WCA service can be delivered across a range of sectors to support your specific needs.

For local authorities, WCA provides an understanding of the waste and recycling habits of household and businesses in the UK to create waste management policies and develop recycling schemes.

At Energy from Waste (EfW) facilities, insights from WCA can be used to identify any potentially harmful contaminants or emissions release from burning fuels, and to identify any material that may have a detrimental effect on plant operations contributing to downtime.

Waste management companies can utilise WCA reports to ensure they are meeting recycling goals and complying with environmental regulations.

Take a look at how we can further support your sector with a broad range of Testing, Inspection, Certification, Dispute and Advisory services across a range of sectors below.

Find out more here

SOCOTEC’s WCA service can be delivered across a range of sectors to support your specific needs.

For local authorities, WCA provides an understanding of the waste and recycling habits of household and businesses in the UK to create waste management policies and develop recycling schemes.

Waste management companies can utilise WCA reports to ensure they are meeting recycling goals and complying with environmental regulations.

Take a look at how we can further support your sector with a broad range of Testing, Inspection, Certification, Dispute and Advisory services across a range of sectors below.