DIN 19698-2:2015-12

The Draft Standard DIN 19698-2 is foreseen to establish mandatory regulations for taking samples for the unified approach at physical, chemical and biological investigations in connection with the reuse or disposal of waste. The investigation of the samples and the evaluation of the results are excluded. The typical composition of solid waste in grain size or monolithic size and material constituent/content varies from homogeneous to extremely heterogeneous. The determination of the characteristics of a substance can therefore only be reliably approximated by taking a statistically sound number of samples, depending on primarily the volume of the stockpile. Experience showes considerations (supposed saving of sampling and investigation costs) usually lead to an inadequate number of samples is obtained and examined. Therefore, the risks of misinterpretation and miscategorization might be disregarded, on the other hand it can lead to irreversible damages to the environment or to immense follow up costs due to a possibly unnecessary high requirement of disposals. Finally, it regards to the evaluation of the necessary levels of disposals and possibly the legal assessment of environmental offenses in this field.