ASTM E1908-24

Standard Practice for Sample Selection of Debris Waste from a Building Renovation or Lead Abatement Project for Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) Testing for Leachable Lead (Pb)

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 Waste samples collected using this practice 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. This practice 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 practice 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 practice 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, etc., to collect samples of the various components in proportion to the volume of those components ...
SCOPE
1.1 This practice describes a method for selecting samples of building components coated with paints suspected of containing lead. The samples are collected from the debris waste stream created during demolition, renovation, lead hazard control, abatement, or other projects. The samples are subsequently analyzed by a laboratory for lead.  
1.1.1 The debris waste stream is assumed to have more than one painted component, for example, metal doors, wood doors, and wood window trim.  
1.2 This practice is intended for use when sampling to test for lead only and does not include sampling considerations for other metals or for organic compounds. This practice also does not include consideration of sampling for determination of other possible hazardous characteristics of the waste.  
1.3 This practice assumes that the individual component types comprising the debris waste stream are at least partially segregated and that the volume of each type of component in the debris waste stream may be estimated.  
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses after SI units are provided for information only and are not considered standard.  
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 29-Feb-2024
• ICS: 13.030.40 - Installations and equipment for waste disposal and treatment
• Technical Committee: D22 - Air Quality
• Drafting Committee: D22.12 - Sampling and Analysis of Lead for Exposure and Risk Assessment

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM E1908-20 - Standard Practice for Sample Selection of Debris Waste from a Building Renovation or Lead Abatement Project for Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) Testing for Leachable Lead (Pb)
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2024
• Refers: ASTM E2239-24 - Standard Practice for Record Keeping and Record Preservation for Lead Hazard Activities
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2024
• Refers: ASTM E2239-20 - Standard Practice for Record Keeping and Record Preservation for Lead Hazard Activities
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2020
• Referred By: ASTM E3203-21 - Standard Test Method for Determination of Lead in Dried Paint, Soil, and Wipe Samples by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES)
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2024
• Referred By: ASTM E1605-22 - Standard Terminology Relating to Lead in Buildings
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2024
• Referred By: ASTM E3193-23 - Standard Test Method for Measurement of Lead (Pb) by Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (FAAS)
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2024

Overview

ASTM E1908-24 is a standard practice developed by ASTM International for the sample selection of debris waste generated from building renovation or lead abatement projects. The purpose of this standard is to guide stakeholders in collecting representative samples of building debris suspected of containing lead-based paint for laboratory analysis. These samples are specifically intended for use with the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) to determine leachable lead (Pb) levels, which is an essential process for compliance with regulatory requirements regarding hazardous waste disposal.

Applying the TCLP simulates the leaching of lead into groundwater when lead-bearing debris is disposed of in unlined landfills, thereby helping to predict and control potential environmental impacts.

Key Topics

• Representative Sampling: Ensures that the selected samples accurately reflect the composition and volume proportions of all the painted building components present in the debris waste stream (e.g., wood doors, metal doors, window frames).
• TCLP Testing for Lead: Applies to samples to assess leachable lead content, which informs whether the debris is classified as hazardous waste under regulatory guidelines.
• Volume-Based Sampling Approach: Samples are collected in a manner proportionate to each building component's volume within the waste stream, enabling a scientifically valid assessment.
• Worker Safety and Qualifications: The standard requires that personnel involved in sample collection are appropriately trained, qualified, and use proper safety equipment and techniques.
• Documentation and Chain of Custody: Specifies requirements for recording each step, including the collection, identification, labeling, and secure transfer of samples to laboratories. Maintaining comprehensive records helps ensure traceability and regulatory compliance.

Applications

ASTM E1908-24 has practical value for several sectors involved in building renovation, demolition, and environmental management:

• Waste Management and Disposal: Determines the appropriate handling, transport, and final disposal method for debris waste by revealing if it meets or exceeds regulatory thresholds for lead leachability.
• Environmental Compliance: Assists property owners, contractors, and environmental consultants in demonstrating compliance with local, state, and federal hazardous waste regulations, such as those enforced by the EPA and OSHA.
• Lead Abatement Projects: Provides structured protocols for sampling in projects where lead hazard control or removal of lead-based paints is required.
• Laboratory Analysis Preparation: Ensures that laboratories receive composite samples truly representative of field conditions, promoting the reliability of TCLP results.
• Record Keeping and Auditing: Facilitates rigorous documentation, which serves as proof of due diligence during regulatory inspections and environmental audits.

Related Standards

Several ASTM and federal standards complement or are referenced by ASTM E1908-24 to support a robust lead sampling and testing protocol:

• ASTM E105 – Guide for Probability Sampling of Materials
• ASTM D1356 – Terminology Relating to Sampling and Analysis of Atmospheres
• ASTM D4840 – Guide for Sample Chain-of-Custody Procedures
• ASTM E1605 – Terminology Relating to Lead in Buildings
• ASTM E2239 – Practice for Record Keeping and Preservation for Lead Hazard Activities
• 40 CFR 261 Appendix II (EPA Method 1311) – Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP)
• 29 CFR 1926.62 – OSHA Lead in Construction Standard

These referenced documents provide additional best practices for sampling, terminology, safety, and regulatory compliance in handling lead-containing construction waste.

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By following ASTM E1908-24, professionals ensure accurate, representative sampling for TCLP lead testing, supporting environmental protection, regulatory adherence, and safe waste handling during renovation and abatement projects.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: E1908 − 24
Standard Practice for
Sample Selection of Debris Waste from a Building
Renovation or Lead Abatement Project for Toxicity
Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) Testing for
Leachable Lead (Pb)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E1908; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
1.1 This practice describes a method for selecting samples
of building components coated with paints suspected of con-
2. Referenced Documents
taining lead. The samples are collected from the debris waste
2.1 ASTM Standards:
stream created during demolition, renovation, lead hazard
D1356 Terminology Relating to Sampling and Analysis of
control, abatement, or other projects. The samples are subse-
Atmospheres
quently analyzed by a laboratory for lead.
D4840 Guide for Sample Chain-of-Custody Procedures
1.1.1 The debris waste stream is assumed to have more than
E105 Guide for Probability Sampling of Materials
one painted component, for example, metal doors, wood doors,
E1605 Terminology Relating to Lead in Buildings
and wood window trim.
E2239 Practice for Record Keeping and Record Preservation
1.2 This practice is intended for use when sampling to test
for Lead Hazard Activities
for lead only and does not include sampling considerations for
2.2 Federal Documents:
other metals or for organic compounds. This practice also does
40 CFR 261 Appendix II — Method 1311, Toxicity Charac-
not include consideration of sampling for determination of
teristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP)
other possible hazardous characteristics of the waste.
29 CFR 1926.62 OSHA Lead in Construction Standard
1.3 This practice assumes that the individual component
3. Terminology
types comprising the debris waste stream are at least partially
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms not appearing here,
segregated and that the volume of each type of component in
see Terminologies D1356 and E1605.
the debris waste stream may be estimated.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
3.2.1 component (of the waste), n—each of those different
standard. The values given in parentheses after SI units are
and distinguishable materials that comprise the waste.
provided for information only and are not considered standard.
3.2.2 sample (of the waste), n—a collection of the compo-
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
nents of the waste assembled in proportion to their contribution
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
to the total volume of the waste.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
3.2.3 waste, n—material resulting from conduct of a
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
demolition, renovation, or lead abatement project that is or will
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
be directed for disposal.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
3.2.4 waste stream, n—the total flow of waste from a
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
demolition, renovation, lead hazard control or abatement
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
project.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D22 on Air Quality contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
and is the direct responsibility of D22.12 on Sampling and Analysis of Lead for Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Exposure and Risk Assessment the ASTM website.
Current edition approved March 1, 2024. Published March 2024. Originally Available from U.S. Government Printing Office, Superintendent of
approved in 1997. Last previous addition approved in 2020 as E1908 – 20. DOI: Documents, 732 N. Capitol St., NW, Washington, DC 20401-0001, http://
10.1520/E1908-24. www.access.gpo.gov.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E1908 − 24
NOTE 1—Regulations promulgated by authorities having jurisdiction
6. Sampling Supplies
may define terms in 3.2.1 – 3.2.4 differently than defined above.
6.1 Hand and power tools, as needed for the sampling and
handling of the various components of the waste (for example,
4. Summary of Practice
drills, saws, metal snips).
4.1 The entirety of the debris waste stream created by
6.2 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and systems, as
demolition, renovation, lead hazard control, abatement, or
appropriate for the safe collection and handling of the waste.
other projects in and around buildings and related structures is
examined visually, and estimates made of the total volume of NOTE 2—Those requirements contained in 29 CFR 1926.62, for expo-
sure to lead, may be considered. The presence of other chemical hazards
the waste and of the relative volume proportions of the various
in the waste may necessitate the application of other such standards.
components of the waste. A sample of the waste is selected and
6.3 Containers, of construction, size, and number to fully
assembled that contains the various waste components in the
hold the waste sample assembled from the various compo-
same relative volume proportions as these estimates. The
nents. These containers may be available from the laboratory to
sample is then submitted to a laboratory for conduct of the
which the assembled waste sample is to be sent for analysis.
Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) for lead in
accordance with 40 CFR 261.
6.4 Markers, pens, self-adhesive labels, for use in uniquely
identifying samples of waste collected.
5. Significance and Use
6.5 Chain of Custody forms, similar to those described in
5.1 Waste samples collected using this practice provide
Guide D4840. These forms may be available from the labora-
representative samples for analysis in a laboratory using the
tory to which the assembled waste sample is to be sent for
TCLP.
analysis.
5.2 The TCLP is used to simulate the transfer of lead from
7. Procedure
buried lead-containing waste into the ground water system
upon codisposal of the lead-containing waste and municipal
7.1 Determine the Volume Proportions of the Sample:
solid waste in unlined solid-waste landfills. The TCLP attempts
7.1.1 Estimate the volume of each pile of painted waste that
to simulate rain or ground water leaching, or both. For the
has been segregated according to component type, for example
procedure to yield a predictor of the subsurface (in-ground)
metal doors, wood doors, and wood window trim.
leaching process, a representative sample of the volume of the
7.1.2 Calculate the volume proportion of each component
waste must be selected and submitted for leaching and analy-
type as a percent of the total volume of the waste.
sis. The result of the sampling, leaching, and analys
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: E1908 − 20 E1908 − 24
Standard Practice for
Sample Selection of Debris Waste from a Building
Renovation or Lead Abatement Project for Toxicity
Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) Testing for
Leachable Lead (Pb)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E1908; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This practice describes a method for selecting samples of building components coated with paints suspected of containing lead.
The samples are collected from the debris waste stream created during demolition, renovation, lead hazard control, abatement, or
abatementother projects. The samples are subsequently analyzed in theby a laboratory for lead.
1.1.1 The debris waste stream is assumed to have more than one painted component, for example, metal doors, wood doors, and
wood window trim.
1.2 This practice is intended for use when sampling to test for lead only and does not include sampling considerations for other
metals or for organic compounds. This practice also does not include consideration of sampling for determination of other possible
hazardous characteristics of the waste.
1.3 This practice assumes that the individual component types comprising the debris waste stream are at least partially segregated
and that the volume of each type of component in the debris waste stream may be estimated.
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses after SI units are provided for
information only and are not considered standard.
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of
regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D22 on Air Quality and is the direct responsibility of D22.12 on Sampling and Analysis of Lead for Exposure
and Risk Assessment
Current edition approved Sept. 1, 2020March 1, 2024. Published September 2020March 2024. Originally approved in 1997. Last previous addition approved in 20162020
as E1908 – 16.E1908 – 20. DOI: 10.1520/E1908-20.10.1520/E1908-24.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E1908 − 24
D1356 Terminology Relating to Sampling and Analysis of Atmospheres
D4840 Guide for Sample Chain-of-Custody Procedures
E105 Guide for Probability Sampling of Materials
E1605 Terminology Relating to Lead in Buildings
E2239 Practice for Record Keeping and Record Preservation for Lead Hazard Activities
2.2 Federal Documents:
40 CFR 261 Appendix II — Method 1311, Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP)
29 CFR 1926.62 OSHA Lead in Construction Standard
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms not appearing here, see TerminologyTerminologies D1356 and E1605.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 component (of the waste), n—each of those different and distinguishable materials that comprise the waste.
3.2.2 sample (of the waste), n—a collection of the components of the waste assembled in proportion to their contribution to the
total volume of the waste.
3.2.3 waste, n—material resulting from conduct of a demolition, renovation, or lead abatement project that is or will be directed
for disposal.
3.2.4 waste stream, n—the total flow of waste from a demolition, renovation, lead hazard control or abatement project.
NOTE 1—Regulations promulgated by authorities having jurisdiction may define terms in 3.2.1 – 3.2.4 differently than defined above.
4. Summary of Practice
4.1 The entirety of the debris waste stream created by demolition, renovation, lead hazard control or abatementcontrol, abatement,
or other projects in and around buildings and related structures is examined visually, and estimates made of the total volume of
the waste and of the relative volume proportions of the various components of the waste. A sample of the waste is selected and
assembled that contains the various waste components in the same relative volume proportions as these estimates. The sample is
then submitted to a laboratory for conduct of the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) for lead in accordance with
40 CFR 261.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 Waste samples collected using this practice 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. This practice 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 practice are expected to be trained in the proper and safe conduct of sampling of lead-containing
Available from U.S. Government Printing Office, Superintendent of Documents, 732 N. Capitol St., NW, Washington, DC 20401-0001, http://www.access.gpo.gov.
E1908 − 24
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 practice 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, etc., 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.
6. Sampling Supplies
6.1 Hand and power tools, as needed for the sampling and handling of the var
...