EN 13655 Organic Waste Sampling and Preparation
The European Standard EN 13655 specifies the procedures for sampling, preparation, and testing of organic waste materials intended for composting. This standard is crucial in ensuring that the quality of compost produced meets regulatory requirements and environmental standards.
Organic waste materials such as food scraps, yard trimmings, and agricultural by-products are subjected to rigorous scrutiny under this standard. The primary goal is to ensure consistent quality, biological stability, and minimal contamination levels before they can be used in industrial composting processes or land application. This service ensures that the sampled organic wastes are representative of the entire batch, thereby providing accurate results for compliance and quality assurance.
The sampling process outlined in EN 13655 is designed to minimize bias while maximizing reproducibility. It involves multiple stages where trained personnel collect samples from various parts of the waste stream using standardized methods. After collection, the samples undergo careful preparation which includes sieving, homogenization, and sub-sampling to ensure uniformity.
The EN 13655 standard also provides detailed guidelines on how to handle and store these samples post-collection until they are ready for testing. Proper storage conditions are critical to prevent any changes in the chemical composition or biological activity of the material, which could affect test results.
Once prepared, the samples can be analyzed further according to other relevant standards such as EN 14048-2 for determining the biodegradability and biostability of organic materials. Compliance with these additional tests is essential for certifying that products meet specific environmental performance criteria set by regulatory bodies.
Our laboratory adheres strictly to all provisions specified in EN 13655 ensuring accurate representation of your batch’s quality through meticulous sampling techniques and thorough preparation procedures. By doing so, we help you achieve compliance with local regulations while also enhancing the overall sustainability profile of your operations.
Key Benefits: Accurate representation of waste characteristics, enhanced reliability in testing results leading to better decision making processes, improved confidence in meeting regulatory requirements ensuring long-term sustainable practices.
Applied Standards
The application of EN 13655 is broad and covers various aspects related to organic waste management. This includes not only the sampling method but also the handling and storage protocols necessary for maintaining the integrity of samples throughout their lifecycle from collection point to analysis stage.
- Sampling Procedure
- Preparation Guidelines
- Sieving Methodology
- Homogenization Techniques
Industry Applications
This service finds application across multiple sectors including municipal waste management, agricultural waste handling, and biodegradable plastics production. For instance, municipalities can use this service to assess the quality of their compostable materials destined for industrial-scale recycling plants.
- Municipal Waste Management
- Agricultural By-Products Recycling
- Biodegradable Plastics Manufacturing
Use Cases and Application Examples
In practice, this service is used when there's a need to verify the compliance of organic waste streams with specific environmental regulations. Here are some real-world examples:
- Composting facilities using EN 13655 to ensure their compost meets EU standards for biodegradability.
- Agricultural companies validating the suitability of their by-products as inputs into commercial composting programs.
- Manufacturers of biodegradable packaging materials confirming the compostability characteristics of their products before launching them onto the market.
