World leader in determining biodegradability and compostability

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Waste inspection

Normec OWS offers a wide range of waste inspection services, including administrative and technical auditing, litter monitoring, and sorting analyses. Our services can be applied to gain specific insight across many different kinds of waste streams. This includes analysis of waste composition and quantities categorized by the many different types of material found in industrial, electronic, household, or organic waste, and municipal litter.

A precise and detailed approach is an essential part of our Auditing, Controlling & Sorting (ACS) division’s waste inspection activities. Not least because the term waste is subjective and inconsistent: what is waste to one person may not be useful to another. The definition of waste, what falls into waste categories, and what kinds of waste are offered for recycling also varies from country to country. This makes it impossible to extrapolate data from one country to another or from one waste type to another.

Precise and reliable data on the composition of waste are of the utmost importance, especially since waste identification is regularly used to determine and, if possible, optimize waste collection and treatment processes. Normec OWS offers waste inspection services to determine the exact composition of waste executed with the precision and discipline of a laboratory. Our ACS division’s services also include technical analyses and evaluation of waste treatment processes and installations.

Administrative & Technical Audits

Administrative & Technical Audits

The main purpose of these activities is to give precise insight into the actual composition of waste streams.
Litter monitoring

Litter monitoring

This is an accurate and objective way of determining the amount and composition of litter found across a specific area.
Sorting analysis

Sorting analysis

Our sorting analyses provide insight into the exact composition and amount of all kinds of material found in waste streams.

What makes Normec OWS unique?

Frequently asked questions

Where is Normec OWS located?

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.

Does Normec OWS offer certification?

No, we are an independent test laboratory, meaning we only perform testing and do not grant certification. We can however assist you in obtaining certification from recognized certification agencies. Please note that to avoid a conflict of interest, certification should be independent from testing.

Is Normec OWS ISO 17025 accredited?

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.

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