2. Characterizing waste

Waste characterization enables us to identify not only the hazards associated with the waste, but also the best possible disposal or recovery route. To this end, the outfitter asks for information on the waste's physical, chemical and toxicological characteristics, if known.

Features include :

• state (solid, liquid, pasty), annual tonnage ;

• melting temperature of waste ;

• physical properties such as consistency, color, odor, pH, dryness (% by weight of dry matter) ;

• presence of CMR compounds.

Waste characterization also enables us to identify the risks associated with waste handling, particularly in the remediation of polluted soils.