Composting specification PAS 100 to be reviewed

BSI PAS 100, which was first published in 2002 and then updated in 2005, is designed to give purchasers peace of mind about product quality, since all compost produced to the specification must meet minimum quality and process control criteria to ensure its suitability for use as a soil improver, mulch, turf dressing or ingredient in other products.

The specification covers biodegradable materials that have been kept separate from non-biodegradables, and can apply to composted materials produced at centralised facilities, on-farm operations and community composting schemes.

The move is expected to be welcomed by many composters, who have deemed some aspects of the standard – such as the methods for testing when compost is stable- as too stringent for material being used in agriculture, therefore limiting its use.

The latest review is being undertaken by WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme), BSI British Standards and the Association for Organics Recycling (AFOR), with support from a steering group comprising regulators (the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and the Environment Agency), technical specialists and industry representatives.

It will look at all aspects of BSI PAS 100, including its alignment with the Quality Protocol (QP), which was published in 2007 to reduce the regulatory burden on the production and use of compost.

In addition, three specific pieces of research will be undertaken. These include: