Bulk liquids are not suitable for disposal to any class of landfill because they:

  • increase the volume of leachate generated and requiring treatment and/or disposal
  • can result in increased odour nuisance
  • can reduce the stability of the refuse mass under certain conditions.

The prohibition of liquid waste requires an appropriate definition and practical test to enable clear, consistent and unequivocal determination of whether or not a waste is suitable for disposal. The following definition of liquid waste is recommended, as it provides a consistent means of determining whether or not a waste is non-liquid and therefore whether it is acceptable for landfill disposal.

For waste to be considered non-liquid it must meet the following requirements:

  • a solids content of at least 20% and liberate no free liquids when transported; or
  • no free liquids when tested in accordance with the US EPA Paint Filter Liquids Test (US EPA Method 9095A 1996) and liberate no free liquids when transported.

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