WRc have been commissioned by the Environment Agency (EA) to undertake a research project to identify and quantify the presence of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and other classified substances in construction and demolition (C&D) waste.
At this stage, WRc is focused on expanded polystyrene (EPS) and extruded polystyrene (XPS), and would like to obtain samples of the insulation as it is being removed from buildings (residential, commercial or industrial).
The aim of this project is to better understand trends in the different chemicals and substances present to aid in the development of a coherent waste strategy for these materials going forward.
If you are working on any projects which involve the removal of XPS or EPS foam, WRc would be very grateful for any samples which can be collected. Samples should be around one carrier bag of material, or 3 A4 size sheets. WRc can arrange for collection or cover delivery costs to their lab in Swindon. The source of samples can remain anonymous, or can be credited in the report to the EA.
WRc is looking to collect samples during November, to be sent away for testing at the end of the month.
For any further information, or if you are able to collect a sample, please contact Joe Holland at WRc. (joe.holland@wrcgroup.com).
Originally published Oct 30, 2025 1:14:45 PM, updated October 30 2025.
