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Soil – uncontaminated

Some uncontaminated soils can be, and are, used as topsoils.

Through the Waste Protocols Project we have examined uncontaminated soil to see if it can meet a standard which adequately protects human health and the environment, to demonstrate that it can cease to be waste. However, we have concluded that this material is so diverse in terms of makeup that a quality protocol approach isn’t appropriate.

What are the benefits?

Despite the need for businesses to comply with waste management controls, it is still possible to reuse some uncontaminated soil as topsoil. This does, at least, avoid some tonnage from reaching landfill.

The current status

We have concluded, for the time being at least, that it is not possible to produce a quality protocol for uncontaminated soil.

You can download the technical report.

The Waste Protocols Project has supported work carried out by CL:AIRE (Contaminated Land: Applications in Real Environments) to develop the Definition of Waste: Development Industry Code of Practice. This sets out the type of evidence that developers need to demonstrate that material has not been discarded or has ceased to be waste following treatment.

Defra’s Construction Code of Practice for the Sustainable Use of Soils on Construction Sites provides guidance on the ways in which various soil threats, such as erosion and compaction, should be minimised and managed. It also offers guidance on preventing soil contamination.

More information

If you would like further help, please email wasteprotocols@environment-agency.gov.uk