The Feedstock Quality Package from the Renewable Energy Association’s (REA) Organics Recycling Group sets out how composters and local authorities can work together to improve the quality of feedstocks collected and delivered to composting sites.
Supported by local authority bodies including the National Association for Waste Disposal Officers (NAWDO) and Local Authority Recycling Advisory Committee (LARAC), the ultimate aim of the package is to enable the industry to achieve the required compost quality specifications such as PAS 100 and to drive continual improvement in the quality of composted products.
The three part package consists of:
- A position statement outlining measures compost producers and waste suppliers take to minimise problems arising from physical contaminants in feedstock;
- An updated input specification template for garden wastes and comingled garden/food wastes;
- A visual assessment guide for site operatives to identify whether a load requires rejection or cleaning up before it is shredded and composted.
Markets
Commenting on the publication, REA senior technical officer Kiara Zennaro said: “I am very pleased that the ORG have finally been able to release its Feedstock Quality Package. By working collaboratively to improve feedstock quality, local government and the composting industry will be able to guarantee the production of quality composts, while reducing processing and disposal costs.
“Quality is imperative to secure markets for composts, maintain end users’ confidence in these products and maximise their value.”
The ORG has worked with the composting industry and LARAC and NAWDO to design a package to provide assurance to farmers, retailers, growing media, topsoil manufacturers and amateur users that industry and local government are committed to produce high quality products.
Quality composts are waste based renewable products that can be used to improve soil heath and quality and enhance nutrient recycling in agriculture, forestry, horticulture and other sectors. They can also be used to partially substitute peat – a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions, also mainly imported – in growing media.
The REA is also working with other trade bodies and seeking industry feedback on how and if a similar approach could be taken for AD feedstocks.
LARAC
Commenting on the publication, LARAC said in a statement: “LARAC fully supports any initiative which helps local authorities reduce contamination within recycling and organic waste collections. Local authorities are an important and vital link in the supply chain providing material for reprocessing in an effective and cost efficient way. Production of high quality materials builds market confidence in recycled products and materials, and is vital as we move towards a resource driven circular economy.”
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