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SW-846 Manual

What is SW-846?

scientist working at lab benchThe EPA publication SW-846, entitled Test Methods for Evaluating Solid Waste, Physical/Chemical Methods, is OSW's official compendium of analytical and sampling methods that have been evaluated and approved for use in complying with the RCRA regulations. SW-846 functions primarily as a guidance document setting forth acceptable, although not required, methods for the regulated and regulatory communities to use in responding to RCRA-related sampling and analysis requirements.

scientist pouring a solution from a beaker into a test tubeSW-846 is a multi-volume document that changes over time as new information and data are developed. It has been issued by EPA since 1980 and is currently in its third edition. Advances in analytical instrumentation and techniques are continually reviewed by OSW and incorporated into periodic updates to SW-846 to support changes in the regulatory program and to improve method performance and cost effectiveness. To date, EPA has finalized Updates I, II, IIA, IIB, III, IIIA, IIIB, IVA and IVB to the SW-846 manual, and the updated and fully integrated manual contains approximately 3500 pages.

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Paper Copy of SW-846

An official printed copy of SW-846 and most of its updates can be purchased the National Technical Information Service (NTIS). Since SW-846 is available on-line the, U.S. Government Printing Office (GPO) subscription is no longer available.

National Technical Information Service

man flipping through pages of a book

NTIS offers both copies of the current, fully integrated manual and individual copies of most updates and the basic manual (Third Edition before any updates). These documents can be obtained by contacting:

National Technical Information Service (NTIS) Exit EPA
U.S. Department of Commerce
5285 Port Royal Road Springfield, VA 22161
(800) 553-NTIS (553-6847) 703-605-6000 (sales)
703-605-6900 (fax order)
Outside the continental U.S., call 703-605-6000.

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