New compost feedstock guidelines published
The Renewable Energy Association’s Organics Recycling Group (ORG) has published a new best practice guide for composters and local authorities in the aim of improving the quality of biowaste collected and delivered to composting sites.
The Feedstock Quality Package aims to assist the industry in producing ‘good-quality compost’ by reducing the amount of plastic and other contaminants entering the composting system via ‘low-quality feedstock’.
It is hoped the package will enable the organics sector to achieve the required compost quality specifications (such as BSI PAS 100) and ‘drive continual improvement in the quality of composted products’.
The package comprises three different sections:
- a position statement on quality control measures for producers and suppliers to help minimise problems that occur as a result of contaminated feedstock;
- updated input specification templates for garden waste and mixed garden/food waste; and
- visual assessment guidelines for site operatives to help discern whether any feedstock loads should be cleaned or discarded prior to composting.
'Guaranteeing quality composts, while reducing processing and disposal costs'
Speaking of the package, the Renewable Energy Association’s (REA) Senior Technical Officer, Kiara Zennaro, said: “I am very pleased that the ORG have finally been able to release its Feedstock Quality Package.
“By working collaboratively to improve feedstock quality, local government and the composting industry will be able to guarantee the production of quality composts, while reducing processing and disposal costs. Quality is imperative to secure markets for composts, maintain end users’ confidence in these products and maximise their value.”
The package has been welcomed by the Local Authority Recycling Advisory Committee (LARAC), which said it “fully supports any initiative which helps local authorities reduce contamination within recycling and organic waste collections”.
The spokesperson added: “Local authorities are an important and vital link in the supply chain providing material for reprocessing in an effective and cost efficient way. Production of high quality materials builds market confidence in recycled products and materials, and is vital as we move towards a resource driven circular economy.’’
The REA has also announced plans to produce a similar package for anaerobic digestion (AD) feedstock in collaboration with ADBA and ESA.
Find out more about the Feedstock Quality Package.
