Setting up a composting facility
The Composting Association will guide you through all the necessary steps required to achieve British Standard certification using BSI PAS 100
Why set up a composting facility?
Perhaps the most compelling reason is that there is money to be made.
There is a rapidly expanding market for compost as we, collectively, wake up to the many benefits of using it and this is being fuelled by the UK's waste management strategy. This, in turn, is being driven by the EU directive on landfill, which specifies very challenging targets for the reduction in the burying of biodegradable waste.
In other words, the country is being compelled (with good reason) to take composting seriously and this will create spiraling demand in a number of sectors - particularly horticulture, agriculture and landscaping. To satisfy this demand, the UK needs to ensure that there are sufficient producers of quality compost. Get involved now and you have the opportunity to establish your business in this new market.
What is 'quality' compost?
In the past, the definition of quality compost was open to interpretation. This makes it difficult for good products to be identified in the market place and hard for local authorities to be sure they are outsourcing their projects to organisations that are adhering to best practice. WRAP has worked in partnership with the Composting Association to address this.
Getting certified - what's in it for me?
Compost is no different from any other product in a free market economy: consumers and clients will be prepared to pay a good price for it if they feel it is of good quality. This is not some meaningless certificate.
It is an effective means of demonstrating to everyone that yours is a well-run site that produces a top quality, reliable and safe product. Consequently, you will be attractive to local authorities (who need their organic waste composting) and to clients who want to buy good compost. BSI PAS 100 commands respect, so if you're certified, you will gain respect.
