BSI PAS 100 Review Consultation 2009
A review is being undertaken for the nationally recognised specification for compost, BSI PAS 100, to ensure that its contents - from product preparation to monitoring and traceability - are fully up-to-date and reflect recent changes in the fast-moving recycling industry.
The review, which is now out for consultation, is being carried out by WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme), BSI British Standards and the Association for Organics Recycling (AFOR), with support from a steering group comprising regulators (The Scottish Environment Protection Agency and the Environment Agency), technical specialists and industry representatives.
The process has examined all aspects of BSI PAS 100, including its alignment with the Quality Protocol (QP), and has been re-formatted to make it easier to use.
In addition to the overall BSI PAS 100 review, three specific pieces of research were undertaken.
- Review of stability testing: This involved an analysis and evaluation of the current method for testing the stability of compost and a review of emerging methodologies - particularly those used in compost standards elsewhere.
- Review of plant growth test for compost: This included a review of the current method and will make recommendations for the retention, modification or replacement of this test.
- Data analysis testing & recommendations: This involved the collation and analysis of BSI PAS 100 compost quality data, and aims to develop statistically based look-up table(s) for compost batch testing frequency based on compost variability.
The first draft of the BSI PAS 100 review is now available for public consultation on the BSI Website at www.bsigroup.com/drafts with the supporting reports available from the WRAP website at www.wrap.org.uk/composting/compost_specifications/bsi_pas_100/
Following the consultation close on 30th June 2009 all comments will be reviewed and assessed and an updated PAS 100 document is expected to be published in late summer 2009.
Editor's notes
1 WRAP helps individuals, businesses and local authorities to reduce waste and recycle more, making better use of resources and helping to tackle climate change.
2 Established as a not-for-profit company in 2000, WRAP is backed by government funding from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
3 Working in seven key areas (Construction, Retail, Manufacturing, Organics, Business Growth, Behavioural Change, and Local Authority Support), WRAP’s work focuses on market development and support to drive forward recycling and materials resource efficiency within these sectors, as well as wider communications and awareness activities including the multi-media national Recycle Now campaign for England.
4 More information on all of WRAP's programmes can be found on www.wrap.org.uk