Compost Certification Scheme (PAS 100)

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.

Complying with CCS

The main reason to certify the process to the CCS is to meet the ’End of Waste’ criteria in the UK Nation that the process is based. Once certified, the compost becomes a ‘product’ rather than a waste and waste regulations no longer apply. To do that the process needs to be compliant with PAS100.

• CCS Scheme Rules - details how the CCS operates and include procedures for application to the scheme, product complaint investigation, etc

• CCS Position of Technical Requirements - The Compost Certification Scheme interpretation of PAS100, the Compost Quality Protocol and the CCS Scheme Rules requirements.

• The End of Waste Position for the UK Nation where the process is based – these set out when material has been fully recovered and ceases to be regarded as waste

• The End of Waste Position for England is set out in The Compost Resource Framework

• For Wales it is GN022 (End of Waste: Compost produced from source-segregated biodegradable waste)

• For Scotland it is SEPA’s End-of waste regulatory position statement for compost

• And Northern Ireland still use the Compost Quality Protocol

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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