Under the Waste Protocols Project, which was launched in 2006, Quality Protocols are issued to offer guidance on when a material stream can be no longer deemed a risk to the environment and therefore freed up from regulation.
We need industry's help to ensure that the waste materials with the greatest potential for recycling and reuse are selected
Martin Brocklehurst, Environment Agency
To date, the joint project between the Environment Agency and WRAP has reviewed 11 material streams and it is now looking to consider a further range of waste materials.
Martin Brocklehurst, head of environment protection external programmes at the EA, said: “There are more types of waste that could be treated as a resource rather than rubbish and because it takes time to develop a Quality Protocol we want to start identifying more potentially suitable materials now.
“For Quality Protocols to be effective and divert waste from landfill, reduce pressure on precious natural resources and reduce businesses' overheads in this tough economic climate, it's vital that industry bring their technical expertise to the table. We need industry's help to ensure that the waste materials with the greatest potential for recycling and reuse are selected,” he added.
Criteria
Materials suggested for the Waste Protocols Project must satisfy the following criteria: they must be processed in the UK (or will be in the near future); be fully processed and ready to use without further processing at the site of production; be produced in large tonnages or have a high value; and, have an intended market in which they can replace virgin materials.
Quality Protocols have already been published for compost and non-plastics packaging, while a Protocol for flat glass is expected to be published in its final form in spring 2009 and one for anaerobic digestate was published, subject to European Commission approval, earlier this month (see letsrecycle.com story).
Consultations are under-way on draft Protocols for paper sludge ash, gypsum and pulverised fuel ash, while a regulatory position statement has been issued for blast furnace slag.
Protocols
WRAP and the Agency claim that the work already done on materials will, over the next 10 years, save businesses and industry more than £400 million, create a £280 million market in the materials and divert 17 million tonnes of waste from landfill.
Marcus Gover, director of market development at WRAP, said: “Quality Protocols play a key part in developing confidence in a market place because they give clear guidance on when a waste can become a product.
“In many cases the Quality Protocol allows industries to feel confident at requesting a higher specification of material which can lead to higher quality products. In addition to this there is the removal of some regulations which can help stimulate the market,” he added.
Applicants wishing to suggest a waste material have until Wednesday April 8 2009, with successful candidates due to be invited to present their proposals to a Waste Protocols Project Board panel in London on May 20 2009.
A decision on whether new materials have been accepted is expected to be made in June 2009.
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