The Business Resource Efficiency and Waste (BREW) Programme, the Waste & Resources Action Programme (WRAP) and the Environment Agency (EA) in consultation with industry and other regulatory stakeholders have developed a Quality Protocol for the Production and Use of Quality Compost from Source-Segregated Biowaste' (referred to in brief as the Compost Quality Protocol).

Launched on 15th March 2007, by BREW, WRAP and the EA this protocol is a formalised procedure for the production and use of Quality Compost from source-segregated biodegradable wastes.  Importantly, it clarifies the point at which waste regulatory controls on composted source-segregated biodegradable waste are no longer required.

Any compost producer who supplies compost for use in England and Wales as 'product' must demonstrate compliance with this protocol, its criteria including a requirement that the compost conforms with an approved standard (currently PAS 100).  This must be done by obtaining a certificate from an approved certification body. The certification body will audit according to certification scheme rules agreed with the Environment Agency and obtain accreditation on an annual basis from the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) to ISO/IEC 17065: 2012 General requirements for bodies operating certification systems.

 

Introduction

REAL's Compost Certification Scheme is the only independent scheme in the UK aligned and providing a framework for independent assessment and certification of compost to ‘PAS 100 only' and to PAS 100 and the Compost Quality Protocol. Read more about PAS 100 and the Compost Quality Protocol.

Any producer can choose to apply for ‘PAS 100 only' or ‘PAS 100 & CQP’ certification, irrespective of the country/ies in which the compost is used and according to whether it is intended to be supplied as a ‘product' or a ‘waste'.

The certification system is linked to a Certificate of Conformity and REAL's compost certification mark (link to the certification mark page on CCS web site). The mark is the property of the scheme owner (REAL) and is issued, under licence, through the certification bodies REAL has appointed to assess and certify ‘PAS 100 only' and ‘PAS 100 and Protocol' compliance under this scheme.

REAL is the owner of the Scheme and has appointed two Certification Bodies to provide certification services on its behalf. Read more about the Certification Bodies HERE. REAL appoints the certification bodies to manage the scheme on its behalf and appoints the approved laboratories for sample testing. REAL also provides technical input into the running and development of the scheme and this work is summarised below.

• Information provision; responding to general enquiries, providing regular scheme updates to participants, providing regular scheme updates to industry through various channels, maintaining and developing the CCS database and CCS website
• Contract management; managing and maintaining contracts with the appointed certification bodies, approved laboratories and laboratory auditor
• Development of certification element; producing guidance for certification bodies, producing technical guidance for scheme participants, reviewing and/or revising the CCS Scheme Rules
• Development of testing element; producing procedures for laboratories, producing procedures for scheme participants, reviewing and/or revising the CCS Laboratory Terms & Conditions
• Promotion and marketing; exhibiting at industry trade shows, issuing regular press releases, writing magazine articles, and speaking at industry events
• Regular stakeholder engagement/liaison; holding CCS Producers' Forum meetings, holding CCS Technical Advisory Committee meetings, meetings with the environmental regulators and markets
• Progressing through the UKAS accreditation process for the CCS
• Contributing to reviews and/or revisions of BSI PAS 100 and non-standard PAS 100 test methods
• Managing REAL's Compost and Biofertiliser Certification Schemes' Research Hub
• Delivering training on the scheme requirements, where relevant
• Handling and investigating complaints, where relevant
• Responding to industry and government consultations, where relevant