Contaminated Soil Disposal in Manchester
Our licensed team advises on classification and removes contaminated or suspect soil from brownfield, industrial and development sites throughout Manchester.
- Licensed skip hire across Manchester
- Waste paperwork provided with every job
- Free, no-obligation quotes
Manchester’s industrial past runs deep. From old mill and engineering works in east Manchester to former factory land around Trafford Park and the Ship Canal, plenty of the sites now being redeveloped hold soils affected by heavy metals, oils, fuels, ash or other contaminants. Material dug out of such sites cannot just be tipped as though it were clean spoil.
Skips Manchester arranges the removal of contaminated soil, and our licensed team can advise on classification and on the correct treatment or disposal route. Soil may turn out to be hazardous waste or non-hazardous, depending on the results, and for every load we supply the right documentation.
Using the quote form on this page, please send the site address, access details, estimated volumes, photographs and any test results or site investigation reports you hold.
Testing and classification
Contaminated soil has to be classified before it can leave site. Typically, samples are sent for chemical analysis to determine whether the material is hazardous. Sometimes waste acceptance criteria (WAC) testing is also carried out, to establish which kind of facility is able to take it.
Send us your ground investigation report if the site already has one. Where there is none, we can explain what testing will probably be required. Because cost follows the results, classifying early means fewer surprises after digging begins.
Where contaminated soil typically comes from
- Soil hit by heating oil or fuel spills
- Former garage and petrol station sites
- Old railway, mill and industrial land
- Soil with fragments of asbestos in it
- Made ground holding clinker, ash or demolition debris
Asbestos in soil calls for specialist handling, and you can read more on our asbestos disposal page. Tell us when you enquire if the soil contains invasive plant material, as that may also need its own route. Contamination can be hard to spot, so where a site has an industrial history it is wise to work on the basis that testing may be required.
Taking the soil off site
After classification, and subject to site access and availability, we can arrange removal using tippers, suitable skips or a grab lorry. For clean excavated material, see our soil removal page. To get started, request a quote or call 0333 121 1056.
Contaminated loads are kept apart from clean material and tracked with the right paperwork – a consignment note in cases where the soil is hazardous waste. For bigger developments, we can phase removal to follow your excavation programme, which helps the site keep moving.
Materials we can remove
- Ash and made ground
- Soil affected by hydrocarbons
- Soil affected by spills
- Soil containing heavy metals
- Mixed contaminated spoil (subject to assessment)
Ahead of collection
- Keep clean and contaminated soil apart
- Soil that has not been classified cannot leave as clean spoil
- Do not load into a standard skip unless agreed
Not sure? See what can go in a skip or ask us when you book.
Well suited to
- Groundworks contractors
- Brownfield development sites
- Remediation projects
- Fuel tank removal jobs
- Clearance of industrial sites
Contaminated Soil Disposal – your questions answered
Can’t see your question? Call 0333 121 1056 or send us a message.
How can I tell whether my soil is contaminated?
Without testing, you often cannot be certain. Warning signs include clinker or ash, staining, chemical or fuel smells, or a history of industrial use on the site. Sample analysis or a ground investigation will establish whether contamination is present.
What does WAC testing mean?
WAC stands for waste acceptance criteria. The test checks whether a waste falls within the limits set for a given type of landfill or facility. It is common for brownfield soils, though not always needed, and we can tell you whether it applies.
Is contaminated soil hazardous waste?
Not always – it comes down to what is in the soil and at what concentrations. Some contaminated soil is hazardous waste and some is non-hazardous. Testing decides the classification, and we supply matching documentation.
Can contaminated soil be removed from Manchester sites where access is tight?
In many cases, yes. On tight urban plots, a grab lorry can reach over hoardings and walls to lift material. Let us know about any restrictions, road permits and access so that we can plan a suitable approach.
Request your free quote – no obligation
Tell us what you need, where and when. Photos, data sheets or site plans help us price accurately – and we’ll get back to you with a competitive quote.
Skips Manchester provides skip hire, grab hire, concrete delivery, waste collection, recycling and construction support across Manchester on a same-day, next-day or wait-and-load basis.