The consultation is seeking views on its proposed requirements for materials to achieve end of waste status and closes on 8 January 2027.
The framework sets out proposed criteria for producing and using aggregate from inert waste, including the requirements that must be met for the material to be considered a product rather than waste.
The EA is seeking feedback on both the draft framework and the approach used to develop it, including whether the proposed requirements demonstrate that the criteria for achieving end of waste status have been met.
Resource Frameworks, previously known as Quality Protocols, establish end of waste criteria for products made from specific waste streams. They are intended to support the safe and appropriate use of recovered materials, improve confidence in their quality and help promote the circular economy.
Andy Hill, CEO of the Washed Aggregates Trade Association (WATA), commented: “We welcome the launch of the EA’s consultation on a Resource Framework for Aggregate from Inert Waste. We’ll be reviewing it in detail and intend to submit a response.
“As an association specifically representing washed recycled aggregates, we’re progressing our own work to develop an evidence-based Resource Framework for Fine Aggregate Material (FAM). This is not covered by the current draft framework.
“Clearly different material streams require appropriate, evidence-led approaches to establishing end-of-waste criteria. Both initiatives have an important role to play in supporting resource efficiency, increasing confidence in materials recovered from waste and advancing the circular economy.”
The draft framework was developed by the EA in partnership with the United Resource Operators Consortium (UROC), CL and Network Rail through a technical advisory group (TAG).
According to the agency, the group’s membership was deliberately kept small to allow the framework to be developed efficiently and brought to the consultation stage.
With the TAG process now complete and a draft framework produced, the EA is inviting wider feedback to help inform its decision on the final framework and the requirements it will contain.
The consultation does not seek views on the principles of the end of waste test itself, which remain unchanged.
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