CIWM’s Built Environment Strategic Expert Group (SEG) has today announced the launch of a practical workbook and accompanying guidance document designed to shape the future of resource efficiency, waste management, and sustainable construction across the UK. 

Targeting both the construction sector and the resources and waste industries, the release addresses the micro-level technical challenges of classifying excavated soil waste under WM3 standards in England and Wales. 

The workbook and guidance document provide a step-by-step framework for waste producers, contractors, and technical experts. They cover the full lifecycle of excavated soil management, from desktop studies and defining waste populations to statistical sampling, UKAS-accredited laboratory engagement, stockpile management, and correct European Waste Catalogue (EWC) code allocation. 

Commenting on the launch of the practical workbook, Martin Ballard, Chair of the Built Environment SEG, said: "Gaining circularity for the built environment depends upon deep technical understanding of the challenges facing excavation, deconstruction and building materials. Determining material and waste description can be complex; this task group, led by Taryn Clements and Alison Dearden with broad involvement of consultants, practitioners and regulators, has provided a simple guide that will support those working across the excavation and groundworks disciplines, to classify soils correctly. I commend its use within and beyond the construction sector, to aid all those in conforming with WM3 Standard requirements."

By combining core circular economy ambitions with specialist compliance tools, CIWM aims to help contractors, developers, waste managers, and regulators overcome commercial barriers, reduce carbon impact, and meet growing national demand for sustainable infrastructure.

Both the Waste Classification Sampling Workbook and the guidance document are available to view. Please visit our Strategic Expert Groups page to find out more information.