TCLP & e-Waste - Testmark

Testmark has a long-standing track record providing Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) analysis in compliance with O. Reg. 558/00, Schedule 4.

The purpose of a TCLP test is to determine whether your waste is deemed hazardous and therefore requires disposal in a hazardous waste treatment facility or landfill. The test is designed to simulate many years of natural weathering and leaching that would occur in a typical landfill and the results are key to assessing how to handle the material for disposal. Testmark’s reports are easy to read in terms of a quick pass/fail comparison to regulatory limits for each parameter, and our Customer Service team is always ready to answer any technical questions you may have.

Another category of hazardous waste is waste derived from the disposal of electronic goods. Known as e-waste, this waste sector is growing at an alarming rate and has some very real health and environmental issues related to it.

Industry statistics have us on track to hit approximately 60 million tons of e-waste generated globally over the next few years. The heavy metals and flame retardants present in most electronic devices make them huge sources of toxic plumes if landfilled or burned. Recycling processes are also not without concern as the presence of halogenated compounds can result in the formation of persistent organic pollutants such as PCBs and PCDD/Fs. On the positive side, e-waste can be a very viable source of precious metals such as gold and silver, and that resource is entirely lost if the product is not properly recovered. In some instances, a liability can be turned into an asset with proper knowledge of the nature of the product. Testmark can assist e-waste handlers by profiling both the hazardous properties, as well as assaying the valuable precious metals contained in a waste lot to ensure sound decisions can be made.