Waste characterization / RCRA metals
RCRA metals panels.
Specify the eight-metal panel and the waste-characterization question. Tell us whether you need total-metals screening, a TCLP project or analysis of an existing leachate.
The RCRA eight-metal group covers arsenic, barium, cadmium, chromium, lead, mercury, selenium and silver. It is different from the common four-metal food or supplement panel.
Describe the waste, its physical state and any known handling hazards. Include the receiving facility’s waste-profile requirements. Do not ship waste material before acceptance and transport arrangements are agreed.
Total metals and TCLP are different tests.
Total-metals testing measures element content after the specified preparation of the sample. TCLP, EPA Method 1311, is a leaching procedure used in evaluating the toxicity characteristic. Metals are then measured in the resulting extract or applicable liquid fraction.
A total result in mg/kg cannot be compared directly with a TCLP extract limit in mg/L. A request for metals analysis alone does not mean TCLP extraction is included. The quotation must identify extraction, digestion and analytical steps separately.
The requested analytical methods, including the approach for mercury, depend on the project. An ICP-MS method name by itself does not establish that a complete TCLP workflow has been performed.
Federal toxicity-characteristic metals
The values below apply to the extract under 40 CFR 261.24. They are not total-metals limits for a solid.
| Waste code | Element | Regulatory level in extract (mg/L) |
|---|---|---|
| D004 | Arsenic | 5.0 |
| D005 | Barium | 100.0 |
| D006 | Cadmium | 1.0 |
| D007 | Chromium | 5.0 |
| D008 | Lead | 5.0 |
| D009 | Mercury | 0.2 |
| D010 | Selenium | 1.0 |
| D011 | Silver | 5.0 |
Other contaminants, listed-waste provisions, waste characteristics, state rules and receiving-facility requirements may also apply. An eight-metal panel alone does not establish a complete hazardous-waste determination.
What to include in the inquiry
- Waste description, physical state and process generating it
- Total analysis, TCLP preparation or existing leachate analysis
- Required elements, methods, reporting limits and units
- Site jurisdiction and receiving-facility waste profile
- Sample count, known hazards and project schedule
Sampling and technical guidance
Testing inquiries
Request a testing quote.
Tell us the sample type, elements and number of samples.