This section provides information regarding the compost sampling requirements and PAS 100 test results.

Compost samples taken for certification purposes will need to be labelled correctly and accompanied by the PAS100 Compost Analysis Request Form before being sent to the CCS Approved Laboratories for testing. The resulting PAS100 analysis reports will be uploaded directly to the CCS database and the results will be reviewed by the CCS Certification Bodies.

Labelling your PAS100 compost sample

It is crucial that each compost sample is labelled with the correct information before being sent to the laboratories for testing. This will provide a clear distinction between samples sent for trials or process improvement and samples sent for PAS100 validation or renewal testing, as we are only collating the latter. It is important that the laboratories understand whether your compost sample has been sent for certification purposes so that they know to submit the results to the CCS database.

If the testing is being undertaken for certification purposes, then please label your compost sample packaging with ‘PAS100’. If the testing is not being undertaken for certification purposes, then please do not label your sample with ‘PAS100’.

For instructions on how to label your sample and prepare the relevant paperwork, you can download the Guidance Notes here.

PAS100 Compost Analysis Request Form

Compost samples sent to the laboratories for certification purposes will also need to be accompanied by the PAS100 Compost Analysis Request Form, which can be downloaded here. The Microsoft Word version of this form can also be downloaded here. 

On this form you will need to provide some details about the compost sample, and you will need to clearly select the analysis tests that you are requesting. It is very important that the certification code is provided clearly and correctly on this form. The laboratories require these codes to submit the test reports to the CCS database where they are automatically allocated to the applicable grade and certification body. As an existing operator, please make sure to enter your certification code correctly on the form, taking note of the structure.

New applicants: as a compost producer applying to join the Compost Certification Scheme, you will need to obtain a temporary certification code and temporary PR number from REAL CCS to display on the PAS100 Compost Analysis Request Form. Please email REAL CCS using the email address: info@realschemes.org.uk  As a new applicant you will also need to label your sample correctly by following the instructions stated above.

For supplementary information please read through the guidance notes.

PAS100 test results

The PAS100 test reports associated with your certification will be uploaded directly to the CCS database by the laboratories. In order to do this they require the correct certification code (whether existing or temporary) as detailed above. The laboratories will also send a copy of the reports to operators but please note that the certification bodies will only accept those results submitted to the CCS database. The laboratory test results will not become publicly available, although REAL may share anonymised sets of data externally for other purposes.

Individual laboratory details

This is a list of the laboratories appointed to test compost under REAL’s Compost Certification Scheme.