Sampling of Waste | SAM-002

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.

• Plastic bags, different sizes, with or without pre-printed labels (P00)
• Plastic bottles, various sizes (P02, P03, P04)
• Glass bottles (G01)

• Metal containers (M01)

  P00	P02	P03	P04	G01	M01

For more information see chapter Sample containers.

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.

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.

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.

• 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.

• 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).

• 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.

• Suitable storage must be arranged taking into account the rules on the packaging, labelling and storage of the type of waste.