The landscape of waste management is undergoing significant changes in 2025 with the revision of the Quality Protocols for compost and anaerobic digestate.
These revisions, now termed “Resource Frameworks,” aim to streamline and enhance the processes involved in managing organic waste.
From Quality Protocols to Resource Frameworks
This transition marks a significant shift in waste management practices. The main goal remains to ensure that compost and digestate from biodegradable waste are of the highest quality and safety. Here are the key updates:
- Clear Waste Management Controls: The new Resource Frameworks clearly outline when waste management controls are no longer needed, giving you more confidence in the quality and safety of compost and digestate.
- End-of-Waste Requirements: Products made from approved, source-segregated materials that meet the standards of PAS100:2018 for compost or PAS110:2014 for digestate are no longer considered waste. This means they’re ready for use without further treatment.
- Stricter Plastics Limits: To improve product quality, the new limits for plastics are much tighter. For compost, the limit for plastics larger than 2mm is now 0.06% m/m, half of what it was before. For digestate, the limit is set at 8% of the PAS 110 physical contaminants limit.
- Flexible Market Use: Unlike the old protocols, the new frameworks do not restrict compost and digestate to specific market sectors, allowing for more versatile applications.
Legal and Regulatory Requirements
Producers must follow specific legal and regulatory guidelines under the new Resource Frameworks:
- Approved Input Materials: Only source-segregated waste materials listed in the frameworks are approved, ensuring high-quality compost and digestate.
- Certification and Record-Keeping: Detailed records of waste, storage, processing, and products are required. Certification from an approved third-party body is also mandatory.
- Regulatory Position Statements (RPS): To help with the transition to the new plastics limits, RPS will provide a two-year adjustment period for producers.
Industry Collaboration and Future Steps
The Environment Agency (EA) has worked closely with industry stakeholders to refine these frameworks. Feedback from the industry is essential to ensure the frameworks are practical and effective. The EA will consider reasonable amendments based on this feedback and publish the final Resource Frameworks, replacing the old Quality Protocols.
How We Support You
At WRM, we understand that navigating these changes could be challenging. Here’s how we can help:
- Expert Guidance: Our team of experts is here to help you understand and implement the new Resource Frameworks. We offer personalised consultations to ensure you meet all requirements.
- Training Programmes: We provide comprehensive training programmes to help your staff stay up-to-date with the latest regulations and best practices.
- Compliance Support: We assist with certification and record-keeping, ensuring you remain compliant with all legal and regulatory requirements.
- Ongoing Updates: Stay informed with our regular updates on any further changes or developments in waste management regulations.
