5.1 Waste samples collected using this guide provide representative samples for analysis in a laboratory using the TCLP.

5.2 The TCLP is used to simulate the transfer of lead from buried lead-containing waste into the ground water system upon codisposal of the lead-containing waste and municipal solid waste in unlined solid-waste landfills. The TCLP attempts to simulate rain or ground water leaching, or both. For the procedure to yield a predictor of the subsurface (in-ground) leaching process, a representative sample of the volume of the waste must be selected and submitted for leaching and analysis. The result of the sampling, leaching, and analysis process is used to determine the waste handling and disposal protocols to be followed and to document compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and requirements. The guide addresses the sampling process by defining a component-volume-based method to collect and assemble a representative sample of a solid waste stream that may contain heterogeneous components.

5.3 The collection of a volume-based sample of the waste stream is based on the fact that the TCLP leachate lead concentration limit, like other such TCLP limits, was developed based on the spatial dimensions of landfills.

5.4 Individuals who use this guide are expected to be trained in the proper and safe conduct of sampling of lead-containing wastes, qualified/certified/licensed as required by those authorities having jurisdiction over such activities, and properly utilize tools and safety equipment when conducting these procedures.

5.5 This guide may involve use of various hand and power tools for sampling the components of the waste. It is intended that such tools should be properly and safely used by persons trained and familiar with their performance and use.

5.6 In general terms, building components are drilled, sawed, snipped, and so forth, to collect samples of the various components in proportion to the volume of those components in the entire building. The component samples are assembled, and the resulting assembled sample is analyzed according to the TCLP protocol.