The article informs about the environmental impacts of wastes due to unsuitable use and about a role of modern instruments of analytical chemistry in protection of the environment. It points at the risks in waste disposal and possibilities of their minimization by optimization of the selection of the suitable method and conditions of use/disposal of wastes. It puts emphasis on the importance of analysis of wastes in technological practice, when waste is used as raw material or source of raw material. The significance of codification of the demands for the extent of analysis according to its purpose was introduced to the legislative practice by the Act No. 238/1991 Zb. On wastes and pursuant regulations.