Excavated earth and rocks: by-product or waste?
The information is general in nature and does not replace consultancy: obligations must always be verified against the specific situation and current regulations.
When are excavated earth and rocks by-products and when are they waste?
Excavated earth and rocks are by-products when they meet the criteria set by the legislation: certain use, technical requirements, destination to a production process and compliance with the limits. Otherwise they are waste and must be managed with the traceability documentation. The check must be made on the specific case.
By-product or waste?
Qualifying excavated materials as a by-product requires all the applicable requirements to be met. Where they are not met, the material is waste and must be classified and managed as such.
- Certainty that the material will be used
- Possibility of direct use without prior processing
- Compliance with the quality and environmental requirements
- Use in a production process or in a construction work
The documentation
For materials managed as by-products, the producer's declaration and the required documentation are needed. For excavation waste, classification, the EWC code and traceability through FIR notes and registers are required.
Management on site
The management of excavated materials must be planned at the design stage and during the works, distinguishing the different flows and preparing consistent documentation.
Frequently asked questions
In some cases the legislation requires characterisation and analyses. We assess what is needed for your site.
Related insights
Related services
Do you manage a site with excavated earth and rocks?
We help you classify the materials and prepare the documentation.