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NewsWRAP publishes comprehensive study comparing international compost standards. A comprehensive study comparing international composting standards around the world, published this week by the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP), has emphasised the need for both statutory and voluntary standards for compost if the UK is to catch up with many of its European partners. Commissioned as part of WRAP ongoing work to develop national standards for composted products in the UK, the research was carried out by a project team headed up by Eunomia Research & Consulting. Entitled Comparison of Compost Standards Within the EU, North America and Australasia, the study provides a detailed comparison of the precautionary/statutory and voluntary standards and Quality Assurance Systems (QASs) in place in these countries for composting, anaerobic digestion and mechanical and biological treatment. The study also provides a series of profiles, detailing the standards that operate in each country, which are being published as separate documents. While the research found that the legal framework underpinning the standards differs widely, the systems devised to promote compost while protecting human, animal and soil health tended to have common elements in place:
This combination of instruments designed to ensure environmental and health protection and fitness for purpose, where voluntary standards and QASs support the existing statutory regime, was shown to deliver the most effective approach. The study also found that a decisive factor in creating the right framework for an effective composting industry is the political will to support collection activities. Those countries with the most successful track record in composting are those that have encouraged the process through supporting legislation in addition to statutory standards. Legislation which requires source separating of organic waste, bans its landfilling or imposes high taxes on landfill has made separate collection and composting of biowaste a cost effective solution in countries such as Austria, Germany, Flanders and The Netherlands, where compost products are used in large volumes in a variety of applications. Without what the study calls the 'background policy context', and where there are obstacles such as low waste taxes and constrained funding for waste management, the development of composting is not only likely to take longer but may even be compromised by prevalence of low quality composted products. As one of only a few EU countries without statutory standards for compost, the study concludes that biowaste treatment in the UK would benefit from being placed on a statutory footing, at least with respect to precautionary aspects. Any attempt to do this, however, will have to take account of the possibility of a new EU Directive on composting and should be devised broadly in line with the proposals in the EU's Second Draft Working Document on the Biological Treatment of Biowaste. The study also highlights the importance of voluntary industry standards to maximise the market opportunities for composted products, and based on the comparative data, discusses and make recommendations on a wide range of issues, including input materials and the scope for compost 'classes'. Where to draw the line between statutory and voluntary standards is also explored as well as the issues involved in setting standards for the composting process itself and, more generically, the successful features of QASs. The need for the development of tailored end user specifications is emphasised, along with the importance of effective market development and awareness raising and marketing, which should be supported not only by the government, but also by the municipalities, compost producers and all other stakeholders involved. "Composting is high on the political and waste management industry agendas and this major piece of comparative research raises important questions about the strategic approach to composting in the UK," says Anne Riding, WRAP¹s Special Projects Manager. "The findings will help WRAP to tailor its work on the development of national compost standards, as well as future initiatives to develop end user specifications and improve market awareness and confidence in composted products." The study (ISBN No.1-84405-003-3) is available on the WRAP website at www.wrap.org.uk. Click here then click on Reports to view these publications. |
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