Compost Certification Scheme (PAS 100)

Why should I get my compost certified?

First conceived in 2005, the Compost Certification Scheme (CCS) Publicly Available Specification (PAS) 100 was developed by The Composting Association, which subsequently became AfOR.

REAL then replaced AfOR as owner of the quality assurance and end-of-waste scheme for compost derived from (predominantly green) waste materials used in the farming, horticulture and growing-medium manufacturing industries.

The CCS provides assurance to consumers, farmers, food producers and retailers that Quality Compost produced from composting processes is safe for human, animal and plant health.

Quality Compost is the name adopted for the compost certified under the CCS for end-of-waste and quality assured status.

To learn more about the scheme, visit https://www.qualitycompost.org.uk/.

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To find out more please contact OF&G on
01939 291800 or write to us at info@ofgorganic.org

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What is PAS 100?

In the UK, PAS 100 sets minimum compost quality criteria.

REAL has worked with the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP), and subsequently with industry, to develop PAS 100 and also provide complementary specifications covering additional quality criteria for composts used in soft landscape operations, growing media manufacture, edible and non-food crop production, turf maintenance and other applications.

These and other market-specific specifications supplementary to PAS 100 now exist in the UK.

In order to clarify the circumstances in which high quality waste-derived composts may be supplied, stored and used as products, the Business Resource Efficiency and Waste (BREW) Programme, WRAP and the Environment Agency, in consultation with industry and other regulatory stakeholders, developed a Quality Protocol for the Production and Use of Quality Compost from Source-Segregated Biowaste (the Compost Quality Protocol (CQP)).

Three main purposes of the CQP:

·       Clarify the point at which waste regulatory controls no longer apply to source-segregated biodegradable waste-derived composts

·       Provide users with confidence that the biodegradable waste-derived compost they purchase conforms with a British Standard Institution approved standard

·       Protect the environment (including soil) and human health by setting criteria for good practice use of quality biodegradable waste-derived compost on land used for agriculture or soil-grown horticulture

To learn more about the scheme visit
https://www.qualitycompost.org.uk/

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End of Waste certification criteria
in England, Wales and Northern Ireland

In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the End of Waste certification criteria comprises:

  • PAS 100 – specifies requirements for the process of composting, selection of input materials, minimum quality of composted materials and storage, labelling and traceability of compost products. It specifies requirements for a Quality Management System (QMS) to produce composts to ensure they are consistently fit for their intended uses.
  • Compost Quality Protocol – sets out the end of waste criteria for the production of quality compost from source-segregated biodegradable waste destined for use in designated market sectors. If these criteria are met, the resulting outputs will normally be regarded as having been fully recovered and to have ceased to be waste.

Operators in Scotland can apply for end of waste England, Wales, and Northern Ireland if supplying to England, Wales or Northern Ireland.

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End of Waste certification criteria in Scotland

Scotland has not, to date, adopted the CQP, and this is not a requirement for compost producers in Scotland.

For compost producers in Scotland, criteria for certification comprises:

  • CCS Scheme Rules – show how the CSS operates.
  • CCS Position on Technical Requirements - The Compost Certification Scheme interpretation of PAS100, the Compost Quality Protocol and the CCS Scheme Rules requirements.
  • PAS 100 – specifies requirements for the process of composting, selection of input materials, minimum quality of composted materials and storage, labelling and traceability of compost products. It specifies requirements for a QMS to produce composts to ensure they are consistently fit for their intended uses.
  • SEPA’s End of Waste regulatory position statement for compost – This sets out Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA)'s requirements for compost to achieve End of Waste. This RPS introduces additional standards reducing the levels of plastic contained within compost (the plastic limit is 50% of current PAS 100). This aligns with plastic contamination limits by Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) standards.

Fully recovered compost can be supplied, stored and used as ‘products' in Scotland.

However, they cannot be supplied for use as a 'product' in England or Wales unless they are also certified compliant with the CQP.

Operators in England, Wales and Northern Ireland can apply for end of waste Scotland, if they are supplying, storing and using their product in Scotland.

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Why certify with OF&G (Organic Farmers & Growers)?

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  • OF&G has been directly involved in the development of the CSS since 2007 and is the only remaining certifier involved from the outset. Consequently, we have industry leading experience in the certification of compost to PAS 100, CQP and the CCS Scheme Rules
  • OF&G and PAS 100 are accredited with UKAS to ISO 17065
  • OF&G has their own dedicated team of independent inspectors
  • OF&G works hard to ensure its voice is heard on behalf of you, our licensees
  • OF&G offers practical, experienced guidance for your business

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Why is composting certification necessary?

Benefits of producing Quality Compost:

1)    Fulfil conditions in local authority tenders

Many local authorities require their biodegradable waste treatment contractors to produce Quality Compost. Certification to the CCS enables the input tonnage to the composting process to count towards recycling targets, comply with tender requirements or improve tender scores by producing certified quality compost and applying for certification.

2)    Effective quality management system

Certification signifies the compost was produced using an effective quality management system. This provides assurance that the materials have a consistent quality and are safe and reliable to use.

3)    Reduced costs

Producing quality compost means there is no longer a need for costly waste regulatory controls on its storage after dispatch and use. Quality Compost can be spread straight to land, avoiding costly and time-consuming spreading deployments or registration of exemptions. This graph compares the cost of compost certification and deployment under waste management regulations.

4)    Marketing the products

The quality compost status helps producers promote the material, because it ensures the product is:

  • Made of approved inputs from specified sources
  • Complies with, at least, the minimum quality criteria specified in PAS 100
  • Recognised in the professional market
  • Consistently safe and reliable

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To find out more please contact OF&G
at 01939 291800 or write to us at info@ofgorganic.org