Block 13: Waste Physical Characteristics
Block 13: Waste Physical Characteristics
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Block 13 — Quick Reference
Waste Physical Characteristics
Describes the observable physical state of the waste at time of shipment — form, colour, odour, and specific gravity.
Basel Article
Annex V A, Item 13
Rejection Risk
Low — Descriptive field
Cross-references
Block 12, Block 16
What Block 13 Captures
Block 13 records the observable physical properties of the waste as it exists at time of handover to the carrier. The primary fields are physical state (solid, liquid, sludge, gas, or mixed), colour, odour, and specific gravity or density. This description serves as a baseline against which the receiving facility can verify the shipment arrived in expected condition. For ULAB specifically, the typical description is:
Solid — Used lead-acid batteries in various states of discharge. Grey/black exterior casings, electrolyte contained. Slight sulphurous odour. Specific gravity: approx. 1.28 SG (electrolyte).
Significant deviations from this at reception indicate either misidentification of waste or leakage during transit.
How to Complete Block 13
1
Select physical state.
For ULAB: Solid. For battery acid or electrolyte waste: Liquid. For mixed loads containing both batteries and acid: Mixed. If unsure, describe as Solid unless liquid content exceeds 10% by volume.
2
Describe colour and appearance.
Be accurate and specific. “Grey polypropylene cases with lead terminals” is better than “grey.” A description that matches the actual waste helps inspectors clear the shipment faster.
3
Note odour if significant.
ULAB have a mild sulphurous odour from sulphuric acid electrolyte. Cracked or damaged batteries will have a stronger odour. Note whether odour is faint, moderate, or strong to assist facility receiving staff.
4
Enter specific gravity if known.
For lead-acid battery electrolyte: 1.26–1.30 SG depending on state of charge. For the solid battery units themselves, this field is often left blank or noted as N/A. Check with your facility’s analytical data if available.
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Lower Rejection Risk — But Accuracy Still Matters
Block 13 is rarely the sole cause of rejection, but inaccurate physical descriptions create problems at the port of arrival. If the actual shipment doesn’t match the described characteristics, customs can hold or reject the consignment pending investigation.
Common Errors → Correct Approach
❌ Wrong
Describing a mixed battery/electrolyte load as “Solid” when significant liquid content is present
✅ Correct
Describe as “Mixed” and quantify approximate liquid percentage — e.g., “Predominantly solid with approx. 5% residual electrolyte by volume”
❌ Wrong
Leaving colour/appearance blank because it seems obvious
✅ Correct
Complete all fields — “Grey and black polypropylene battery casings, lead terminals, electrolyte contained” takes 10 seconds and prevents customs queries
Frequently Asked Questions
What physical state should I declare for cracked or leaking ULAB?
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Cracked or leaking ULAB should be classified as Mixed, not Solid, since liquid electrolyte is escaping the casing. This also triggers stricter packaging requirements — the outer container must be capable of retaining the electrolyte. Declaring cracked batteries as Solid when they are actively leaking is a misrepresentation of the waste.
Is an analytical report required to complete Block 13?
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Not mandatory for Block 13 itself. An analytical report is typically required for Block 16 (composition) and supporting documentation. Block 13 accepts visual/operational descriptions. However, if a competent authority requests verification, an analytical report or laboratory assessment of physical properties may be required.
Supporting Documents
- Official Form Instructions (Physical characteristics codes)- Official Annex V-A/V-B forms and completion instructions.
- OECD Movement Document Code Tables- OECD decision text and movement/operation code instructions.
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DexMetal Expert Tip
Take photographs of a representative sample of the waste at time of packing. Store these with your notification records. If physical characteristics are challenged at arrival, photos dated at point of origin are your strongest evidence that the waste matched the declared description when it left your facility.
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Block 12: Packaging Information
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Block 14: Waste Codes
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