ASTM E829-23

Standard Practice for Preparing Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF) Laboratory Samples for Analysis

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 Using this procedure a sample of RDF can be converted into a physical form suitable for laboratory fuel analysis.  
5.2 As indicated in Test Method E791, air-dry moisture, which is determined by this procedure, is essential to the calculation of other laboratory results on an as-received basis. The air-dry moisture value is used in conjunction with the results of the residual moisture determination in Test Method E790 to calculate total sample moisture.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice covers the preparation of RDF laboratory samples for analysis, the laboratory samples having been previously obtained from representative RDF samples.  
1.2 The determination of the air-dry loss of the RDF is part of this preparation procedure and must be performed prior to the particle size reduction.  
1.3 The practice given may also be used for other RDF types but additional sample preparation steps may be necessary prior to the application of this method.  
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. Other units of measurement in parentheses in this standard are informational.  
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. Specific hazard statements are given in Section 7.  
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: 31-Mar-2023
• ICS: 13.030.50 - Recycling
• ICS: 75.160.10 - Solid fuels
• Technical Committee: D34 - Waste Management
• Drafting Committee: D34.03 - Treatment, Recovery and Reuse

Relations

• Refers: ASTM D5681-23 - Standard Terminology for Waste and Waste Management
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Refers: ASTM D5681-18 - Standard Terminology for Waste and Waste Management
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2018
• Refers: ASTM D5681-17 - Standard Terminology for Waste and Waste Management
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2017
• Refers: ASTM D5681-16a - Standard Terminology for Waste and Waste Management
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2016
• Refers: ASTM D5681-16 - Standard Terminology for Waste and Waste Management
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2016
• Refers: ASTM D5681-13 - Standard Terminology for Waste and Waste Management
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2013
• Refers: ASTM D5681-09 - Standard Terminology for Waste and Waste Management
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2009
• Refers: ASTM D6044-96(2009) - Standard Guide for Representative Sampling for Management of Waste and Contaminated Media
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2009
• Refers: ASTM E791-08 - Standard Test Method for Calculating Refuse-Derived Fuel Analysis Data from As-Determined to Different Bases
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2008
• Refers: ASTM E790-08 - Standard Test Method for Residual Moisture in a Refuse-Derived Fuel Analysis Sample
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2008
• Refers: ASTM D5681-08 - Standard Terminology for Waste and Waste Management
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2008
• Refers: ASTM D5681-98a(2004) - Standard Terminology for Waste and Waste Management
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2004
• Refers: ASTM D5681-98a(2004)e1 - Standard Terminology for Waste and Waste Management
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2004
• Refers: ASTM D6044-96(2003) - Standard Guide for Representative Sampling for Management of Waste and Contaminated Media
• Effective Date: 10-Mar-2003
• Refers: ASTM D5681-98ae1 - Standard Terminology for Waste and Waste Management
• Effective Date: 10-Jun-1998

Overview

ASTM E829-23: Standard Practice for Preparing Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF) Laboratory Samples for Analysis is an ASTM International standard designed to guide laboratories in preparing RDF samples in a form suitable for accurate fuel analysis. Proper sample preparation is essential to ensure representative and reliable test results, supporting both quality assessment and regulatory compliance in waste-to-energy and resource recovery applications. ASTM E829-23 addresses moisture management, particle size reduction, and precise sample handling, which are all critical factors in the analysis of RDF.

Key Topics

• Sample Preparation
  The standard outlines procedures for converting RDF laboratory samples, previously obtained from representative RDF lots, into an analysis-ready state. This process includes steps such as air-drying, particle size reduction, and division to ensure the sample analyzed truly reflects the larger RDF batch.

• Moisture Determination
  Measurement of air-dry moisture is central to this practice. The air-dried sample is further tested for residual and total moisture content, as prescribed in related ASTM test methods. Proper moisture determination ensures that subsequent analytical data is reported on a consistent basis.

• Sample Integrity and Handling
  Emphasis is placed on minimizing moisture changes, contamination, and bias during preparation. Guidelines address rapid handling, exposure control, and appropriate equipment selection to preserve the sample’s representativeness.

• Applicability to RDF Types
  While designed for standard RDF forms, the method can be adapted to various processed RDF types, such as pellets, powder, or shredded feedstock. Additional preparation steps may be required depending on specific RDF characteristics.

• Safety and Environmental Considerations
  The standard underscores the need for safety measures-such as avoiding exposure to dust and biological hazards-because RDF commonly originates from municipal solid waste.

Applications

ASTM E829-23 is relevant to professionals and organizations involved in:

• Waste-to-Energy Facilities
  Ensuring consistent characterization of RDF feeds for combustion or co-firing processes.

• Analytical Laboratories
  Standardizing RDF sample preparation to increase inter-laboratory comparability and data reliability.

• Resource Recovery Operations
  Supporting material recovery and energy conversion studies through accurate fuel analysis.

• Environmental Compliance
  Providing robust procedures for monitoring RDF properties to meet regulatory reporting and quality standards.

The practice is applicable wherever precise fuel property determination from heterogeneous waste sources is necessary. Consistent use of this standard supports operational efficiency, product quality, and regulatory alignment.

Related Standards

ASTM E829-23 references several key standards to provide a comprehensive approach to RDF sample preparation and analysis:

• ASTM D5681: Terminology for Waste and Waste Management
  Standardizes definitions to ensure clear communication in waste handling and analysis.

• ASTM D6044: Guide for Representative Sampling for Management of Waste and Contaminated Media
  Offers detailed guidance on obtaining representative laboratory samples from inhomogeneous waste materials.

• ASTM E790: Test Method for Residual Moisture in Refuse-Derived Fuel Analysis Samples
  Complements E829 by detailing how to determine residual moisture after preparation.

• ASTM E791: Test Method for Calculating Refuse-Derived Fuel Analysis Data from As-Determined to Different Bases
  Provides calculation methods for expressing analysis results on different reporting bases.

Following ASTM E829-23 and its related standards ensures best practices in preparing RDF laboratory samples, leading to more accurate analytical results and enhanced confidence in waste-derived fuel characterization.

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: E829 − 23
Standard Practice for
Preparing Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF) Laboratory Samples
for Analysis
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E829; 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 E180 Practice for Determining the Precision of ASTM
Methods for Analysis and Testing of Industrial and Spe-
1.1 This practice covers the preparation of RDF laboratory
cialty Chemicals (Withdrawn 2009)
samples for analysis, the laboratory samples having been
E790 Test Method for Residual Moisture in Refuse-Derived
previously obtained from representative RDF samples.
Fuel Analysis Samples
1.2 The determination of the air-dry loss of the RDF is part
E791 Test Method for Calculating Refuse-Derived Fuel
of this preparation procedure and must be performed prior to
Analysis Data from As-Determined to Different Bases
the particle size reduction.
1.3 The practice given may also be used for other RDF 3. Terminology
types but additional sample preparation steps may be necessary
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms common to waste
prior to the application of this method.
and waste management used in this practice, refer to Termi-
nology D5681 and ASTM STP 832.
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
standard. Other units of measurement in parentheses in this
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
standard are informational.
3.2.1 air drying—a process of partially drying RDF to bring
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
its moisture content to near equilibrium with the ambient
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the atmosphere in which further reduction, division, and charac-
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
terization of the sample are to take place. To bring about this
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter- equilibrium, the RDF is usually subjected to drying under
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
controlled temperature conditions ranging from 30 to 40 °C.
Specific hazard statements are given in Section 7.
3.2.2 analysis sample—final subsample prepared from the
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
air-dried laboratory sample but reduced by passing through a
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
mill with a 0.5 mm (0.02 in.) size or smaller final screen.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
3.2.3 bias—a constant or systematic error in the test results.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
The error is a persistent positive or negative deviation from the
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
accepted reference value.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
3.2.4 gross sample—a sample representing one lot and
composed of a number of increments on which neither reduc-
2. Referenced Documents
2 tion nor division has been performed.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
3.2.5 laboratory sample—a representative portion of the
D5681 Terminology for Waste and Waste Management
gross sample received by the laboratory for further analysis.
D6044 Guide for Representative Sampling for Management
of Waste and Contaminated Media
3.2.6 lot—a large designated quantity (greater than the
quantity of the final sample) of RDF that can be represented by
a properly selected gross sample.
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D34 on Waste
3.2.7 precision—a term used to indicate the capability of a
Management and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D34.03 on Treatment,
person, an instrument, or a method to obtain reproducible
Recovery and Reuse.
Current edition approved April 1, 2023. Published April 2023. Originally
approved in 1981. Last previous edition approved in 2016 as E829 – 16. DOI:
10.1520/E0829-23.
2 3
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM www.astm.org.
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Hollander, H. I., Thesaurus on Resource Recovery Terminology, ASTM
the ASTM website. International, 1983.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E829 − 23
results; specifically, a measure of the random error as ex- 6.1.2 Drying Pan—A noncorroding pan or mesh basket to
pressed by the variance, the standard error, or a multiple of the be used for holding the sample during air-drying operations.
standard error.
6.1.3 Balance (Laboratory Sample)—A balance of sufficient
capacity to weigh the sample and container with a sensitivity of
3.2.8 refuse-derived fuel—solid forms of refuse-derived fu-
0.1 g.
els from which appropriate analytical samples may be prepared
defined as follows in ASTM STP 832:
6.2 Sample Reduction:
RDF-1—Waste used as a fuel in as-discarded form with only
6.2.1 Mill—A mill operating on the principle of cutting or
bulky wastes removed.
shearing action shall be used for sample particle size reduction.
RDF-2—Waste processed to coarse particle size with or
It shall have the capability to regulate the particle size of the
without ferrous metal separation.
final product by means of either interchangeable screens or mill
RDF-3—Combustible waste fraction processed to particle
adjustments. The mill shall be enclosed and should generate a
sizes, 95 % weight passing 2 in. screening.
minimum amount of heat during the milling process to
RDF-4—Combustible waste processed into powder form, 95
minimize the potential for loss of moisture. The final product
weight % passing 10-mesh screening.
shall pass through a 0.5 mm or smaller screen into a receiver
RDF-5—Combustible waste densified (compressed) into the
integral with the mill. Access should be provided so that the
form of pellets, slugs, cubettes, or briquettes.
mill can be quickly and easily cleaned between samples.
3.2.9 representative sample—a sample collected in such a
6.3 Analysis Sample Containers—Heavy, vapor impervious
manner that it has characteristics equivalent to the lot sample.
bags, properly sealed; or noncorroding cans, glass jars, or
3.2.10 sample division—the process of extracting a smaller
plastic bottles with airtight sealing covers may be used to store
sample from a sample so that the representative properties of
RDF samples for analysis. Containers shall be checked for
the larger sample are retained. During this process it is assumed
suitability by measuring weight loss or gain of the sample and
that no change in particle size or other characteristics occurs.
container stored for one week under ambient laboratory con-
ditions. The weight loss or gain should be less than 0.5 % of the
3.2.11 sample preparation—the process that includes
sample weight stored in the container.
drying, size reduction, division, and mixing of a laboratory
sample for the purpose of obtaining an unbiased analysis
6.4 Drying Oven—A drying oven of either the mechanical
sample.
or natural circulation type which is capable of constant uniform
temperature within the specimen chamber regulated at
3.2.12 sample reduction—the process whereby sample par-
ticle size is reduced without change in sample weight. 107 6 3 °C.
3.2.13 significant loss—any loss that introduces a bias in
6.5 Shredder—A laboratory shredder capable of shredding
final results that is of appreciable importance to concerned
or cutting larger particle sizes of solid waste. The final product
parties.
shall pass through a 2 in. or smaller screen into a receiver
integral with the shredder.
4. Summary of Practice
NOTE 1—A garden-type shrubbery shredder equipped with a screen and
4.1 Sample moisture is reduced by air-drying to allow the
bag for collection of shredded samples is satisfactory.
mechanical reduction of the sample without significant change
to the sample’s fuel properties. The final sample is in a form
7. Hazards
suitable for further analysis.
7.1 Due to the origins of RDF in municipal waste, precau-
tions should be observed when conducting tests on samples.
5. Significance and Use
Recommended practices include use of gloves when handling
5.1 Using this procedure a sample of RDF can be converted
RDF; wearing dust masks (NIOSH-approved), especially while
into a physical form suitable for laboratory fuel analysis.
shredding RDF samples; conducting tests under a negative
pressure hood when possible; and washing hands before eating,
5.2 As indicated in Test Method E791, air-dry moisture,
using the restroom, or smoking.
which is determined by this procedure, is essential to the
calculation of other laboratory results on an as-received basis.
7.2 Laboratory sample handling and reduction shall be
The air-dry moisture value is used in conjunction with the
performed by trained personnel. If all precautions regarding
results of the residual moisture determination in Test Method
sample preparations are not followed, the error in the prepara-
E790 to calculate total sample moisture.
tion may bias some or all of the analyses performed on the
sample.
6. Apparatus
7.2.1 All preparat
...

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: E829 − 16 E829 − 23
Standard Practice for
Preparing Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF) Laboratory Samples
for Analysis
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E829; 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 covers the preparation of RDF laboratory samples for analysis, the laboratory samples having been previously
obtained from representative RDF samples.
1.2 The determination of the air-dry loss of the RDF is part of this preparation procedure and must be performed prior to the
particle size reduction.
1.3 The practice given may also be used for other RDF types but additional sample preparation steps may be necessary prior to
the application of this method.
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. Other units of measurement in parentheses in this standard are
informational.
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 and healthsafety, health, and environmental practices and determine
the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. Specific hazard statements are given in Section 7.
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:
D5681 Terminology for Waste and Waste Management
D6044 Guide for Representative Sampling for Management of Waste and Contaminated Media
E180 Practice for Determining the Precision of ASTM Methods for Analysis and Testing of Industrial and Specialty Chemicals
(Withdrawn 2009)
E790 Test Method for Residual Moisture in Refuse-Derived Fuel Analysis Samples
E791 Test Method for Calculating Refuse-Derived Fuel Analysis Data from As-Determined to Different Bases
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D34 on Waste Management and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D34.03 on Treatment, Recovery
and Reuse.
Current edition approved Feb. 1, 2016April 1, 2023. Published February 2016April 2023. Originally approved in 1981. Last previous edition approved in 20022016 as
E816 – 02E829 – 16., which was withdrawn December 2002 and reinstated in February 2016. DOI: 10.1520/E0829-16. DOI: 10.1520/E0829-23.
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.
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on www.astm.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E829 − 23
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms common to waste and waste management used in this practice, refer to Terminology
D5681 and ASTM STP 832.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 air-drying—air drying—a process of partially drying RDF to bring its moisture content to near equilibrium with the ambient
atmosphere in which further reduction, division, and characterization of the sample are to take place. In order to To bring about
this equilibrium, the RDF is usually subjected to drying under controlled temperature conditions ranging from 30 to 40°C.40 °C.
3.2.2 analysis sample—final subsample prepared from the air-dried laboratory sample but reduced by passing through a mill with
a 0.5-mm (0.02-in.) 0.5 mm (0.02 in.) size or smaller final screen.
3.2.3 bias—a constant or systematic error in the test results. The error is a persistent positive or negative deviation from the
accepted reference value.
3.2.4 gross sample—a sample representing one lot and composed of a number of increments on which neither reduction nor
division has been performed.
3.2.5 laboratory sample—a representative portion of the gross sample received by the laboratory for further analysis.
3.2.6 lot—a large designated quantity (greater than the quantity of the final sample) of RDF that can be represented by a properly
selected gross sample.
3.2.7 precision—a term used to indicate the capability of a person, an instrument, or a method to obtain reproducible results;
specifically, a measure of the random error as expressed by the variance, the standard error, or a multiple of the standard error.
3.2.8 refuse-derived fuel—solid forms of refuse-derived fuels from which appropriate analytical samples may be prepared defined
as follows in ASTM STP 832:
RDF–1—WasteRDF-1—Waste used as a fuel in as-discarded form with only bulky wastes removed.removed.
RDF–2—WasteRDF-2—Waste processed to coarse particle size with or without ferrous metal separation.
RDF–3—combustibleRDF-3—Combustible waste fraction processed to particle sizes, 95 % weight passing 2-in. 2 in. screening.
RDF–4—CombustibleRDF-4—Combustible waste processed into powder form, 95 weight % passing 10-mesh screening.
RDF–5—CombustibleRDF-5—Combustible waste densified (compressed) into the form of pellets, slugs, cubettes, or briquettes.
3.2.9 representative sample—a sample collected in such a manner that it has characteristics equivalent to the lot sample.
3.2.10 sample division—the process of extracting a smaller sample from a sample so that the representative properties of the larger
sample are retained. During this process it is assumed that no change in particle size or other characteristics occurs.
3.2.11 sample preparation—the process that includes drying, size reduction, division, and mixing of a laboratory sample for the
purpose of obtaining an unbiased analysis sample.
3.2.12 sample reduction—the process whereby sample particle size is reduced without change in sample weight.
3.2.13 significant loss—any loss that introduces a bias in final results that is of appreciable importance to concerned parties.
4. Summary of Practice
4.1 Sample moisture is reduced by air-drying to allow the mechanical reduction of the sample without significant change to the
sample’s fuel properties. The final sample is in a form suitable for further analysis.
Hollander, HollanderH.I., Thesaurus on resource recovery terminology. Philadelphia:H. I., Thesaurus on Resource Recovery TerminologyAmerican Society for Testing
and Materials, , ASTM International, 1983.
E829 − 23
5. Significance and Use
5.1 Using this procedure a sample of RDF can be converted into a physical form suitable for laboratory fuel analysis.
5.2 As indicated in Test Method E791, air-dry moisture, which is determined by this procedure, is essential to the calculation of
other laboratory results on an as-received basis. The air-dry moisture value is used in conjunction with the results of the residual
moisture determination in Test Method E790 to calculate total sample moisture.
6. Apparatus
6.1 Air-Drying: Air Drying:
6.1.1 Drying Oven—Drying Oven—A large chamber mechanical draft oven capable of maintaining a controlled temperature in the
range from 25 to 40 6 1°C.6 1 °C. Air changes should be at the rate of one to four changes per minute. Air flow should be baffled
to prevent samples from being blown out of the sample containers.
6.1.2 Drying Pan—A noncorroding pan or mesh basket to be used for holding the sample during air-drying operations.
6.1.3 Balance (Laboratory Sample)—A balance of sufficient capacity to weigh the sample and container with a sensitivity of 0.1
g.
6.2 Sample Reduction:
6.2.1 Mill—A mill operating on the principle of cutting or shearing action shall be used for sample particle size reduction. It shall
have the capability to regulate the particle size of the final product by means of either interchangeable screens or mill adjustments.
The mill shall be enclosed and should generate a minimum amount of heat during the milling process to minimize the potential
for loss of moisture. The final product shall pass through a 0.5-mm 0.5 mm or smaller screen into a receiver integral with the mill.
Access should be provided so that the mill can be quickly and easily cleaned between samples.
6.3 Analysis Sample Containers—Heavy, vapor impervious bags, properly sealed; or noncorroding cans, glass jars, or plastic
bottles with airtight sealing covers may be used to store RDF samples for analysis. Containers shall be checked for suitability by
measuring weight loss or gain of the sample and container stored for 1one week under ambient laboratory conditions. The weight
loss or gain should be less than 0.5 % of the sample weight stored in the container.
6.4 Drying Oven—A drying oven of either the mechanical or natural circulation type which is capable of constant uniform
temperature within the specimen chamber regulated at 107 6 3°C.107 6 3 °C.
6.5 Shredder—A laboratory shredder capable of shredding or cutting larger particle sizes of solid waste. The final product shall
pass through a 2-in. 2 in. or smaller screen into a receiver integral with the shredder.
NOTE 1—A garden-type shrubbery shredder equipped with a screen and bag for collection of shredded samples is satisfactory.
7. Hazards
7.1 Due to the origins of RDF in municipal waste, precautions should be observed when conducting tests on samples.
Recommended practices include use of gloves when handling RDF; wearing dust masks (NIOSH-approved), especially whil
...