Survey analysis and chemical characterization of solid inhomogeneous samples using a general homogenization procedure including acid digestion, drying, grinding and briquetting together with X-ray fluorescence

► A methodology for performing survey analysis of inhomogeneous waste is presented. ► Waste samples are homogenized and analyzed by X-ray fluorescence. ► An internal standard is used for samples containing elements not measurable with XRF. ► 55 elements were studied and the methodology is applicable to 49 of these elements. ► The possibilities with the methodology are discussed.