RSW

CONSTRUCTION ACRONYMS

RSW

Restricted Solid Waste

Restricted Solid Waste (RSW) refers to a waste classification, detailed in the NSW EPA’s Waste Classification Guidelines, where  the waste materials leaving a site contain elevated levels of contaminants and require controlled handling and disposal, but do not meet the criteria for hazardous waste. It sits between general solid waste (GSW) and hazardous solid waste (HSW) in terms of risk and regulatory requirements.

Key Components

• Contamination Levels: Contains contaminants above general waste thresholds but below hazardous classification limits.
• Controlled Disposal: Must be disposed of at appropriately licensed facilities permitted to accept restricted waste.
• Handling Requirements: Requires specific handling, transport, and documentation procedures to minimise environmental and health risks.
• Regulatory Classification: Defined under environmental guidelines, with strict criteria determining waste category and disposal pathways.

Proper classification and management of RSW is essential to ensure compliance, prevent environmental harm, and support safe and effective waste disposal practices on construction and remediation projects.

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