EA consults on quality protocols for compost and anaerobic digestate

The NFU has responded to the consultation on the revised resource frameworks, previously known as quality protocols, highlighting their importance to operators who use compost and digestate.

The NFU values the clarity and assurance these frameworks provide, ensuring that materials used in agriculture are of high quality, safe, and environmentally beneficial.

The NFU appreciates the streamlined structure of the new frameworks, with their emphasis on practical requirements, explicit record-keeping, and clearer criteria for end-of-waste status.

The removal of the '99' waste codes and the alignment with Standard Rule Permits are seen as positive changes that enhance clarity and efficiency in waste management.

Regarding plastics, the NFU supports the stricter limits on plastic contamination in compost and digestate, recognising the benefits for sustainability and market confidence.

However, we also acknowledge the challenges operators may face in meeting these new standards and advocate for a flexible approach during the transition period.

The removal of designated market sectors in the new frameworks is welcomed for the flexibility it offers, allowing for broader market access for compost and digestate.

Nevertheless, the NFU highlights the need for clear guidelines and support to ensure compliance with quality requirements, particularly for smaller operations.

The NFU's feedback form for gathering responses to help build its response has now closed.

The Environment Agency has initiated an informal consultation process to revise the existing quality protocols for compost and anaerobic digestate.

This process aims to establish new ‘resource frameworks’ with updated requirements, particularly focusing on tightening plastics regulations.

Key changes

Plastic limits

• Tighter limits for plastics in final products.
• A maximum of 0.06% m/m for >2mm plastics in air-dry compost.
• Up to 8% of the PAS 110 physical contaminants limit for plastics in digestate.
• Two-year transition period for the new limits.

List of approved input materials:

• Updated list of approved materials, with the removal of '99' waste codes.
• Harmonisation with standard rule permits.

Designated market sectors

• The draft resource frameworks do not specify designated market sectors, unlike the current quality protocols.
• This change would enable the use of digestate in horticulture, offering greater flexibility for its application.

Key dates

• 1 August: Online member meeting to discuss resource frameworks. 
• 5 August: Deadline for feeding into the NFU's response.
• 31 August: EA to publish the new resource frameworks.