Ensure compliance with NSW EPA guidelines for sustainable reuse in construction and infrastructure projects.
Recovered Materials Classification Services
Our Focus
Hunter Geotechnical Services specialises in recovered materials classification, helping clients navigate the strict regulatory requirements for reusing materials in construction and infrastructure projects.
Our services focus on the classification of recovered aggregates, recovered fines, excavated public roads material, and coal washery rejects. These materials offer sustainable alternatives for construction and road projects, but must comply with NSW EPA standards to ensure they are safe for reuse.
Hunter Geotechnical Services provides expert testing, sampling, and reporting to help you meet these requirements and comply with all relevant guidelines.
Types of Recovered Materials
1. Recovered Aggregates
Recovered aggregates are engineered materials created from the processing of concrete, bricks, ceramics, natural rock, and asphalt. These materials can be used in road making, building construction, landscaping, or other construction-related applications. The reuse of recovered aggregates is regulated under the Recovered Aggregates Order 2014, which sets the standards for their safe application to land.
Classification Process
Processors who supply recovered aggregates must develop and follow a sampling and testing regime to ensure compliance with the Recovered Aggregates Order 2014. Hunter Geotechnical Services can assist by creating a testing plan, conducting necessary material and chemical tests, and generating reports that confirm the material’s suitability for reuse.
2. Recovered Fines
Recovered fines are residues left after the removal of large recyclable materials from waste skip bins. These fines may contain contaminants such as asbestos or microplastics, which is not suitable for reuse, making careful assessment critical before reuse in construction or landscaping. Recovered fines are subject to The Protection of the Environment Operations (Waste) Regulation 2014, which outlines exemptions for their reuse, depending on whether they are processed through continuous or batch processes.
Classification Process
To meet the exemption requirements, processors must adhere to a strict sampling and testing regime, in accordance with either The Continuous Process Recovered Fines Order 2014 or The Batch Process Recovered Fines Order 2014. Hunter Geotechnical Services offers expert support in developing testing plans, conducting thorough material assessments, and documenting the results for regulatory purposes.
3. Excavated Public Roads Material
Excavated public roads material is generated from road maintenance and reconstruction activities. This material, which may include asphalt, concrete, and underlying soil, can be reused in road projects if it meets the standards outlined in the relevant NSW EPA resource recovery orders.
Classification Process
The reuse of excavated public roads material must adhere to strict NSW EPA guidelines to ensure it is safe for application to land. Hunter Geotechnical Services provides testing and reporting services to confirm the material’s compliance with the necessary environmental regulations, supporting sustainable road construction and maintenance projects.
4. Coal Washery Rejects
Coal washery rejects are by-products of coal processing and can be reused in land rehabilitation or construction if they meet environmental safety standards. These materials are regulated under specific resource recovery orders to ensure they do not pose risks to health or the environment.
Classification Process
We offer comprehensive sampling, testing, and classification services for coal washery rejects, ensuring compliance with NSW EPA regulations and enabling their safe reuse. Our services help processors develop effective strategies for managing and reusing these materials in an environmentally responsible manner.
Our Services
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are recovered materials?
Recovered materials are processed from waste products such as concrete, bricks, asphalt, and coal by-products, and are repurposed for use in construction, roadworks, and landscaping projects. Reusing these materials supports sustainable development and reduces the environmental impact of waste disposal.
2. Why is testing required for recovered materials?
Recovered materials may contain harmful contaminants that can pose risks to human health or the environment. NSW regulations require these materials to undergo stringent testing to ensure they are safe for reuse in construction and other applications.
3. How does Hunter Geotechnical Services support recovered materials classification?
Hunter Geotechnical Services provides expert support through the development of sampling and testing plans, conducting detailed chemical and material assessments, and preparing regulatory reports to ensure compliance with NSW EPA guidelines.
Contact Us Today About Our Recovered Materials Classification
Hunter Geotechnical Services provides expert recovered materials classification services throughout Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, the Hunter Valley, Mid-North Coast, and across NSW. Contact us today to discuss your project needs. Call us or fill out this form, and we’ll contact you shortly.
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