Posted: 20 October, 2025. Written by REAL
We are pleased to announce the Environment Agency’s publication of the Compost Resource Framework (CRF) alongside two Regulatory Position Statements (RPS 317 and RPS 358). These documents are now publicly available and can be accessed on the .gov website and are available here:
The CRF and RPS’s will apply in England only.
The CRF will replace the Compost Quality Protocol (CQP) effective upon its publication and will serve the same function; outlining the quality criteria for compost derived from source-segregated biodegradable waste. It details the conditions under which compost ceases to be classified as waste and thus, can be supplied/used without waste management controls or exemptions.
Please note that the CQP remains effective in Wales and Northern Ireland until further notice, and SEPA’s Regulatory Position Statement for Compost remains effective in Scotland (though please note that this was updated in June 2025). The CCS has produced a guidance document for producers about the different certification requirements in each nation, linked here: Guidance For EoW Compliance in Each UK nation
The CRF, while generally comparable to the CQP, contains some significant changes, they are as follows:
Plastic Limit Reduction
As part of this framework, the upper limit for plastic in compost is set to reduce from 0.12% m/m to 0.06% m/m, a 50% reduction that aligns with SEPA’s plastic limit in Scotland. To ameliorate this transition, a two-year exemption period will allow compost producers time to work towards meeting the new limit. This is covered by the Environment Agency’s RPS 317, which can be found above. Producers will need to notify the EA of their intention to utilise the RPS.
However, please be aware that after the CRF has been fully implemented into the CCS on 20th October, all lab test reports for samples registered from this date will show the 0.06% limit and will report to this limit. Therefore, producers should be aware that some test results may indicate a failure that will not yet be considered a non-compliance in the following circumstances:
Instead, the test reports would signal that such samples would fail after the exemption period expires. This decision was taken by CCS after considering the potential risks and issues with updating the reporting templates and through consultation with the CCS Technical Advisory Committee. We will provide a fact sheet for producers and end users explaining this change to plastic reporting.
Changes to Permissible Wastes
The CRF introduces changes to the list of permissible waste inputs that refine compliance and safety standards for compost production. Specific waste codes have been added to, changed, or removed from this framework to reflect the EA’s current regulatory and environmental requirements. Please refer to Section 2 of the CRF for the list of permissible wastes to check the codes you currently accept.
Codes added to the CRF:
Codes removed from the CRF:
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the changes in waste codes, it is the advice of the EA that you contact your local Environment Agency officer.
Updates to the criteria for achieving End-of-Waste
In accordance with the CRF, End-of-Waste status is now achieved at the point of dispatch. With this, there are allowances for storing materials as a non-waste prior to dispatch, though this is only permissible through the provision of contracts of supply and/or the previous 12 months' supply records. Should either of these be provided, producers may store their compost batches for no more than 10 months.
However, should these documents not be presented, producers will need to store their compost as waste until they dispatch it to the customer. RPS 358 gives producers 12 months to obtain environmental permits for their storage areas/infrastructure. Producers will need to notify the Environment Agency of their intent to use this RPS, in accordance with this RPS.
The CRF, along with the accompanying RPS’s, are essential for regulatory compliance, human health protection, and environmental safety. We strongly encourage all certified compost producers operating in England to review the CRF, RPS 317, RPS 358, and Scheme documents thoroughly to understand how they might be affected by these changes.
Instructions for Using the RPSs
RPS 317
Producers intending to use RPS 317 must follow these steps:
Email resourcesframeworks@environment-agency.gov.uk by Wednesday the 20th of April 2026 with the subject line including ‘RPS 317’. The email must include:
Within 6 months of sending this email registering to use this RPS, send a second email to resources.framework@environment-agency.gov.uk, copying rps@realschemes.org.uk, with the subject line also including ‘RPS 317’ and the email including:
Please refer to the RPS linked above for all the other conditions of RPS usage.
RPS 358
Producers intending to use RPS 358 for temporary storage must follow these steps:
Email resourcesframeworks@environment-agency.gov.uk by 31th December 2025 with Subject line including ‘RPS 358’. The email must include:
Please refer to the RPS linked above for all the other conditions of RPS usage.
Updated CCS Scheme Rules and CCS Position on Technical Requirements
The CCS has issued updated versions of the Scheme Rules and Position on Technical Requirements. These documents are available on the CCS website here and come into effect immediately.
Key changes in the scheme rules include:
A transition period of six months has been introduced to allow Scheme Participants to use up existing stock featuring the previous conformity mark. During this period which ends 20th of April 2026) both the old and new marks may be used. After the transition period, only the new nation-specific conformity marks may appear on certified products, packaging, and promotional materials.
Events for Scheme Participants
Two events will help Scheme Participants understand the CRF and regulatory changes:
To register for the CRF webinar, email duncan@realschemes.org.uk.
To attend the forum, email oliver@realschemes.org.uk.