Normec OWS performs sorting analyses to monitor the purity of various industrial and domestic waste streams. These include household waste, organic waste, municipal litter, industrial waste, electronic waste, and construction and demolition waste. Our sorting analyses provide insight into the exact composition and amount of all kinds of material found in these different waste streams. These analyses help to optimize quality control of different collection systems of various waste streams.
We can perform very precise sorting analyses on-site, such as on industrial sites, or off-site at the Normec OWS laboratory. Using carefully selected waste quantification methods, we determine the quantities of a wide range of materials, including many different types of plastic, glass, metal, paper, cardboard, and organic waste.
We have developed our own methodology for efficient and accurate sorting of mixed waste streams in dozens of different categories.
Our Auditing, Controlling & Sorting (ACS) team consists of around 15 experienced employees and is fully equipped for a wide range of analyses and audits. This includes several vans with a transporter loading bridge for large-scale analyses and smaller vans for smaller-scale analyses.
The required equipment includes mobile trans pallet balances (max. 250-500 kg), smaller balances (max. 6-60 kg), receptacles of different volumes and sizes, custom-designed sorting tables, and standard safety equipment.
Sample taking is a crucial aspect of a sorting analysis, as the samples must be genuinely representative of the total and the size of the sample is related to the homogeneity of the waste stream to be analyzed. The method of sample taking is closely related to the particle size distribution of the primary sample, determining the need for mixing and reducing into the required secondary sample. Normec OWS takes a hands-on approach by determining the best method in the field to gain an objective representative sample.
Yes, we are recognized by DIN CERTCO in line with ISO 17025. This accreditation covers all test procedures and standards with regard to compostability and biodegradation. Additionally, we are ISO 17025 accredited by BELAC for our compost analyses and also recognized by TÜV Austria. Normec OWS is also ISO 17020 accredited for inspection services and ISO 14001 approved for environmental management. View our recognitions & certificates.
Our main offices are located in Ghent, Belgium. We also have a subsidiary located in Kettering, Ohio to serve the needs of our American customers.
Testing duration depends on the specific type of test and the product itself. This can range from a couple of weeks for material characteristics testing, to months or even years for biodegradation testing. As these are microbial processes, we cannot predict the exact duration beforehand.
