EA sets new End-of-Waste rules for compost, biomethane and digestate

The previous Quality Protocols has been replaced by:

• The Compost Resource Framework (CRF)
• The Biomethane Resource Framework (BRF)
• The Anaerobic Digestate Resource Framework (ADRF)

New regulation for compost, biomethane and digestate

The new frameworks introduce a series of changes that reflect both regulatory priorities and stakeholder input gathered during consultation.

Plastic contamination limits have been substantially reduced.

Under the CRF, allowable plastic contamination in compost will now be cut to 50% of the current PAS 100 limit. The ADRF, meanwhile, has aligned England’s standards with those already in place in Scotland.

The rules no longer prescribe specific sectors to which compost or digestate must be supplied.

If a product meets the relevant PAS standard, the Certification Scheme and the new framework, it can be placed wherever there is legitimate market demand.

Clearer codes have also been introduced for materials such as untreated wool fleece and sludges from meat, dairy and baking processes.

End-of-Waste status achieved at dispatch

Perhaps the most significant procedural change relates to when compost and digestate officially achieve End-of-Waste status.

Under the new frameworks, that point now occurs at dispatch rather than at the end of the production process.

Producers will be able to store material as non-waste prior to dispatch only if they can demonstrate valid supply contracts or store less than their sales volume over the previous 12 months.

To assist operators in adapting to this change, the EA has issued RPS 358, giving producers 12 months to obtain environmental permits where needed for storing processed material prior to dispatch.

Richard Fairweather, Senior Advisor for Resource Frameworks at the EA, commented: “The updated Resource Frameworks for compost and anaerobic digestate provide a clear legal and environmental framework for turning separately collected biowaste into safe and high-quality products.

“By setting out when these materials are no longer classed as waste, the Frameworks reduce uncertainty, protect people and the environment, and give users confidence in how they are used across agriculture and land restoration.

“This helps make the best use of resources around the UK, puts growth at the centre of our work and supports the circular economy.”

Industry collaboration

The frameworks have been developed in collaboration with industry bodies including the Compost Certification Scheme and Biofertiliser Certification Scheme.

Both schemes have now been updated to align with the frameworks.

Justyna Staff, Director for the CCS and BCS, said: “The CCS and BCS are getting stronger as the rules are getting clearer and simpler to implement. With the focus on improving the quality of waste derived organic materials this work is an extremely valuable contribution to the circular economy.”