ofgorganic.org

Compost Scheme Application Pack

! OF&G ! 01939 291 800 ! Twitter @ofgorganic Old Estate Yard Shrewsbury Road | Albrighton ! [email protected] ! Facebook /organicfarmers Shrewsbury | Shropshire SY4 3AG ! www.ofgorganic.org

Thank you for your interest in OF&G. To help you make your decision on whether we might be a suitable fit for your certification needs, I'd like to give you some brief information on the company and how it operates.

• OF&G aims at all times to provide a practical service, recognising that you have a business to run. To this end we work to be thoroughly efficient and provide a friendly, responsive service. • As an organisation the company aims to maintain its own profile within the sector and among opinion formers and decision makers, as we feel this brings its own benefits to licensees and enables us to represent their interests as regards compost certification. • Each licensee is allocated a single point of contact in the form of their Certification Officer, for whom they will have a direct phone number and email address. • OF&G aims to serve the interests of its licensees in as many ways as possible, including keeping them in touch, profiling them on our extremely popular website and providing tools such as free classified advertising etc. I hope these points help to highlight the strengths of OF&G as a suitable certifier for your compost business. If you would like to discuss any points in greater detail or ask any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us.

I look forward to hearing from you and wish you every success with your business.

Yours sincerely,

Richard Thompson Chairman

Contents:

1. An Introduction to the Compost Certification Scheme (PAS 100 and the Compost Quality Protocol) 2. Charges Sheet 3. Application Form 4. Pre-requisites 5. Declaration

Issued: 01/12/17 Page 2 of 12

An Introduction to the Compost Certification Scheme (PAS 100 and the Compost Quality Protocol)

Why certify with OF&G? OF&G provides compost certification on behalf of Renewable Energy Assurance Ltd (REAL). As the first organisation approved by the Government to inspect and licence organic food and farming we have many years of certification experience. OF&G is renowned for its efficient and friendly service.

Why should I get my compost certified? Compost can now be certified to the Publicly Available Specification (PAS) 100 and the Compost Quality Protocol (see below for definitions). When approved under these standards compost is no longer considered and is therefore not liable to the same restrictions and financial penalties as waste material. This is important because it makes the product far more marketable and allows for certified compost to be spread on land without the need for spreading licenses or deployments.

Compost complying with PAS 100 but not complying with the Compost Quality Protocol will still be considered a waste and relevant laws and controls will apply to its handling, transport and application. This applies to England, Wales and Northern Ireland, in Scotland PAS 100 alone may be sufficient, for the full position in Scotland consult SEPA.

Composters complying with PAS 100 can use REAL’s Quality Mark. This assists buyers in determining a product that is safe, reliable and produced in line with the key requirements of the standard.

Purchasing compost accredited to PAS 100 and the Compost Quality Protocol assures the user that the compost conforms to a recognised and approved standard designed to protect the environment (including soil) and human health.

PAS 100: 2011 PAS 100 has been sponsored by Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) and developed by AfOR (now REAL). Accreditation to PAS 100 ensures composters are able to demonstrate proper procedures and practices in the recovery of bio-degradable materials and that the resulting compost is ‘fit for purpose’. The PAS is a non-statutory document, therefore all composters must comply with the existing statutory requirements (see below).

PAS 100 specifies the requirements for the whole composting process including: the feedstock (input material), process record keeping, minimum quality of the finished compost, labelling, storage and traceability of compost products. PAS requires the establishment of a Quality Management System (QMS) which includes Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP).

The Compost Quality Protocol The Compost Quality Protocol has been developed by the Business Resource Efficiency and Waste Programme (BREW), WRAP, the Environment Agency and AfOR (now REAL). It is applicable in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. It sets out the criteria for the production of quality compost from source separated bio-degradable waste. The certification bodies which independently audit composting sites that comply with PAS 100 and the QP are themselves audited annually by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS). This ensures that there is high level of impartial assessment by an approved accreditation body.

Quality compost will normally be regarded as having ceased to be a waste and therefore no longer subject to waste regulatory controls when it has been dispatched to the customer, provided that it meets the following criteria:

i) The compost is produced using only source separated input materials, listed in the Protocol. ii) The compost meets the requirements of an approved standard (e.g. PAS 100). iii) The compost is destined for appropriate use in one of the designated market sectors, i.e. land restoration and soft landscape operations, horticulture, agriculture and soil-grown horticulture.

Issued: 01/12/17 Page 3 of 12

Additional criteria to PAS 100 include: ensuring all feedstocks are of a type listed in the Protocol’s input list, for each consignment of compost dispatched a ‘Contract of Supply’ must be issued and records must be kept of compost being spread on agricultural or soil-grown horticultural land. This can be carried out using an online web-tool to which licensed composters are given access.

Composters complying with the Compost Quality Protocol can use the REAL’s Quality Mark and will also be given a unique Certification Number to use on ‘Contracts of Supply’ to aid traceability.

What is compost/composting? The terms 'compost' and 'composting' have different meanings in different situations.

For the purposes of certifying compost to PAS 100 and the Compost Quality Protocol, compost can be defined as a stable, sanitised solid that is the result of composting. Compost confers beneficial effects when added to soil and/or used in conjunction with plants.

Composting is the process whereby biodegradable materials are decomposed, under managed aerobic (in the presence of oxygen) conditions. These conditions allow for the multiplication of micro-organisms which break down the material, producing carbon dioxide, water and heat energy. Through controlled management practises this heat is used to sanitise the material.

Composting may take place in a variety of systems, including turned windrows, aerated static piles and in- vessel systems. The systems vary to suit the feedstock (material to be composted) but the principles remain the same.

For more information and the WRAP definitions of compost and composting, please refer to the documents listed in the 'References' section of this document.

Where can I get help and advice on composting?

• OF&G can provide guidance on matters relating to compliance with the composting standards and assistance with finding further information; please feel free to phone us for a chat.

• Renewable Energy Assurance Ltd (REAL) owns the PAS 100 Compost Certification Scheme. They have developed the rules, procedures and documentation. They produce a range of technical guides and can provide advice on compost and compost certification.

• WRAP has been established to promote resource efficiency particularly in the area of creating stable markets for recycled materials.

Certification OF&G are one of the approved certification bodies contracted to operate the compost certification scheme. We assess compliance to PAS 100 and the Compost Quality Protocol.

If you are interested in applying for compost certification please complete the application forms at the end of this leaflet and forward to OF&G.

Why choose OF&G as your Certification Body? OF&G was the first organic certification body to be accredited by the Government in the UK and has long experience in the certification sector.

OF&G also inspect and certify the Biofertiliser Certification Scheme (PAS 110 and the AD Quality Protocol) and are the only certification body to certify both the Compost and the Biofertiliser schemes.

OF&G also inspects and certifies:

• All organic agricultural sectors including: arable; dairy; beef; sheep; pigs; poultry and horticulture; • All organic food processing sectors including: abattoirs; food manufacturers; importers: retailers and wholesalers; • Organic animal feed compounders; • Approved farm inputs;

Issued: 01/12/17 Page 4 of 12

• Approved food processing inputs such as non-organic ingredients; • Organic cosmetics and bodycare products; • Organic textiles.

All of our technical staff have many years experience in the relevant industry and can speak with knowledge and confidence on a variety of issues. All of this is under-pinned by our excellent administration team with considerable experience in handling enquiries and sourcing relevant information.

References WRAP (Jan 2011) PAS 100:2011 Specification for composted materials : BSI WRAP (March 2007) Compost. The quality protocol for the production and use of quality compost from source segregated : Environment Agency

Relevant Legislation The following legislation must be considered when dealing with waste and compost.

This is not a definitive list.

• Acts of Parliament and Regulations are published by Her Majesty’s Stationary Office. More information is available from Public Sector Information: www.opsi.gov.uk; • The Licensing Regulations 1994 (as amended), especially Schedule 3, paragraphs 7 and 12; • The Environmental Protection Act 1990; • The Animal By-Product Regulations 2005; • Environmental Protection, The Packaging (Essential Requirements) Regulations 1998.

Contact List

For information regarding the certification scheme, to apply to the scheme (PAS 100 and the Quality Protocol) or to request an application pack please contact OF&G:

Tel: 01939 291800 Website: www.ofgorganic.org

For further information on the scheme and composting in general you can contact REAL

Tel: 020 7925 3570 Website: www.r-e-a.net

For composting and in general, contact WRAP:

Tel: 0808 100 2040 Website: www.wrap.org.uk/composting

Waste Management Licences or Exemptions. Environment Agency:

Tel: 08708 506 506

Website: www.environment-agency.gov.uk/business/topics/permitting/default.aspx

Northern Ireland Environment Agency:

Tel: 0845 302 0008 Website: www.ni-environment.gov.uk

Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA):

Tel: 01786 457700 Website: www.sepa.org.uk

For the policy position of Sepa regarding when compost is no longer a waste:

Website: www.sepa.org.uk/guidance/index.htm#waste

Issued: 01/12/17 Page 5 of 12

OF&G Quality RD233 Compost PAS 100 and Compost Quality Protocol – Manual Inspection and Certification Fees

The Table below gives the inspection and certification fees for the principle grade only.

PAS100 & QP PAS100 & QP inc PAS100 Only PAS100 Only inc Band Input Tonnage VAT VAT 1 ≤3000 £966 £1,159.20 £853 £1023.60 2 3001 - 6000 £1,227 £1,472.40 £1,115 £1,338.00 3 6001 - 12000 £1,605 £1,926.00 £1,481 £1,777.20 4 12001 - 20000 £1,869 £2,242.80 £1,752 £2,102.40 5 20001 - 50000 £2,164 £2,596.80 £2,041 £2,449.20 6 >50000 £2,484 £2,980.80 £2,365 £2,838.00

Band Input Tonnage Annual Research Fee Fee Fee Incl. VAT 1 ≤3000 £100 £120.00 2 3001 - 6000 £300 £360.00 3 6001 - 12000 £600 £720.00 4 12001 - 20000 £800 £960.00 5 20001 - 50000 £1200 £1440.00 6 >50000 £1500 £1800.00

Additional Fees Cost Inc VAT Additional Grade per Grade £148 £177.60 Bagging per Grade £148 £177.60 Additional / Spot / Extension Inspections. £506 £607.20 Inspection Cancellation Charge. £395 £474.00

Payment Methods BACS Triodos Bank, Deanery Road, Bristol. BS1 5AS. Account No. 20605153. Sort Code 16-58-10. Please inform OF&G when payment has been made. Credit or Debit We can also take payment by Credit or Debit Card. Please contact us for further details. Card Direct Debit A Direct Debit scheme is available at an extra charge for amounts over £250. Please ask for further details. Cheque Cheques should be made payable to OF&G. Please write your invoice number on the back of the cheque (if known).

RD233 Compost Scheme Charges Rev: R Lawford App: S Clarkson Iss: 3Jan19 Page 1 of 2

Transferring from another certification body If you would like to switch from your current certification body, we will discount your fee by 10% for the first year. We will work with you to manage the transition smoothly, so if you are thinking of doing this, please call us for a confidential chat. We are always happy to help, so if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us using the details below. In addition, all of our documents, including our standards, technical leaflets, application forms and fee sheets are available to view and download from our website. www.ofgorganic.org Valid from 3/1/2019. Fees are under review and may be revised at any time. The fees relate to inspection and certification charges but do not guarantee that a Certificate of Compliance will be issued. For operators registering an Organic, Compost or unit with us we would be happy to discuss a discount for registering all the units with OF&G. The fees above cover all costs for the year for the inspection and certification of sites within mainland Great Britain. For sites outside mainland Great Britain (including Northern Ireland, Scottish Islands, Channel Islands and the Isle of Man), additional charges will be applied to cover travel and accommodation. Enquiries to: OF&G, Old Estate Yard, Shrewsbury Road, Albrighton, Shrewsbury, Shropshire. SY4 3AG Tel: 01939 291800 Fax: 01939 291250 or by e-mail to: [email protected]

RD233 Compost Scheme Charges Rev: R Lawford App: S Clarkson Iss: 3Jan19 Page 2 of 2

OF&G Quality Manual RD262 Compost Scheme Application/Renewal Application Form

Documents referred to RD276, RD233

Operator Details:

Company Name:

PR Code (this is filled in by the certification body)

Contact Name: Title: First name: Surname:

Job Title:

Address:

Tel No: Fax No:

Mobile No:

E-mail:

I/We have chosen to apply for: (Tick boxes that apply) Quality Assurance (PAS + Scheme Rules)

End of Waste (PAS + Quality Protocol + Scheme Rules)

End of Waste Scotland (PAS + SEPA’s Regulatory Position Statement + Scheme Rules)

For a Certificate of Compliance in respect of: Organisation Name

Composting Site Address

Telephone (site) Fax (site)

Input tonnage per annum (actual not site maximum capacity) This is used to calculate your annual fee.

Tick all Main input types that apply

Open air, turned windrows

Aerated static piles 4

In-vessel composting 4

Process type Turned continuous blocks 4

Eco-pods 4

Enclosed Composting 4

Other (please specify) 4

Already certified (please tick) By OF&G 4 Other CB 4 No 4

RD262 Compost Scheme Application/Renewal Form Rev: R Lawford App: S Clarkson Iss: 3/1/2019 Page 1 of 4

Mailing address (if different from applicant’s name and contact details above) Contact Name: Title: First name: Surname:

Job Title:

Address:

Tel No: Fax No:

E Mail:

Sales Contact (if different from applicant’s name and contact details above)

Contact Name: Title: First name: Surname:

Job Title:

Address:

Tel No: Fax No:

E Mail:

Please return the completed Application/Renewal Form, signed RD276 Declaration and Licensing Agreement for Compost Certification Scheme and supporting documentation: by e-mail to: [email protected]

Payment Methods. See RD233 for current certification fees. BACS Account No. 20605153. Sort Code 16-58-10. Triodos Bank, Deanery Road, Bristol. BS1 5AS. Please inform OF&G when payment has been made. Credit or Debit Card We can also take payment by Credit or Debit Card, please contact us for further details. Direct Debit A Direct Debit scheme is available at an extra charge for amounts over £250. Please ask for further details. Cheque Cheques should be made payable to OF&G. Please write your account number and invoice number on the back of the cheque.

For office use only Date application received: Fees due: £ Fees paid: £ Fees owing: £

RD262 Compost Scheme Application/Renewal Form Rev: R Lawford App: S Clarkson Iss: 3/1/2019 Page 2 of 4

Pre-requisites (clauses 5.1.2, 5.1.6, 5.1.7 and 5.1.8 of REAL Scheme Rules) Planning Consent Code and Date of Issue: Please specify if the planning consent is not required by the planning authority or if it is and consent has been obtained, write the code/unique reference code in the box, or enclose a copy with your application/renewal. Planning Authority contact details:

Approved under National ABP regs. Tick all that apply Catering waste meat included 4

Animal by-products: Catering waste meat excluded 4 (please fill in this part only if your Approved under EU ABP regs. input types include animal by- products). Category 3, specify types: 4

Category 2 rendered, specify types: 4

Animal Health Officer’s contact details: Tick all Authorisation type Reference number Issue date that apply Please describe Bespoke permit for composting 4 the type of authorisation to Waste Management License 4 composting Other (please specify) 4 (authorisation name given by the regulator)

Regulatory local officer’s name and contact details

Documents enclosed or otherwise supplied with this application/renewal form. Tick all that apply. Quality Policy and Management.

Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point Assessment.

Standard Operating Procedures

Copy of Pollution Prevention Control Permit / Waste Management Licence / Environmental Permit or Exemption (whichever is applicable)

Copy of Animal Health approval in principle or full approval to process animal by-products / catering .

Compost test results (must demonstrate 3 passes in a row for each obligatory parameter, for batch samples taken at correct age).

Compost Quality History Template.

RD262 Compost Scheme Application/Renewal Form Rev: R Lawford App: S Clarkson Iss: 3/1/2019 Page 3 of 4

End market: land Approx restoration and soft tonnage Bagged landscaping, Product Product type: e.g. soil Particle size produced in grade, tick horticulture (incl. grade conditioner, mulch… grade last 12 if yes. domestic), months agriculture and soil grown horticulture or forestry.

Principal grade

Add’l grade i

Add’l grade ii

Add’l grade iii

Add’l grade iv

Tick if yes.

Does the certified process accept compostable packaging? Does the certified process accept compostable liners? Do you wish these details to be entered onto the CCS website?

Additional criteria subscribed by compost producer for this compost grade e.g. QMS, Product grade SQC (please name).

Principal grade Add’l grade i Add’l grade ii

By signing this form, I/we confirm that we have read and agree to all the terms and conditions and requirements specified in REAL’s Compost Certification Scheme Rules.

Applicants Name: Signature:

On behalf of: Date:

RD262 Compost Scheme Application/Renewal Form Rev: R Lawford App: S Clarkson Iss: 3/1/2019 Page 4 of 4

OF&G Quality Manual RD276 Declaration and Licensing Agreement for Compost Certification Scheme

Linked documents: TL301 Docs referred to: PAS100, Quality Protocol for Compost, REAL Scheme Rules.

On Behalf of (Company name):

Signed:

Print Name:

Date:

I declare that: 1. General 1.1 The information given in the Application/Annual Inspection Questionnaire is, to the best of my knowledge, accurate and forms the basis of an agreement with Organic Farmers & Growers C.I.C. (OF&G). 1.2 I have read PAS100, and the Quality Protocol for Compost (PAS100 only in Scotland) and confirm that the provisions of the relevant standards contained therein have been observed from the date of this application, or the date specified, and will be henceforth. 1.3 I agree to permanently carry out operations in accordance with PAS100 and the Quality Protocol for Compost (PAS100 only in Scotland). 1.4 I understand that Compost Standards do not override statutory regulations but are in addition to them. I undertake to register my enterprise with the appropriate statutory authority (or authorities) and comply with all relevant regulations and codes of good practice. 1.5 I undertake to make available to OF&G, upon request, inspection reports, recommendations, discharge licenses etc. from Statutory Authorities. 1.6 I agree to inform OF&G immediately I become aware of any current, recent (within the last 12 months) or pending investigations or prosecutions. 1.7 I agree to immediately notify OF&G of any changes of ownership or management or changes to the production and storage facilities, products or input materials, which take place after these have been approved as part of certification or re-certification. 2. Data Protection and Use of Information 2.1 I agree, on behalf of my organisation and all associated units and subcontractors, to permit OF&G to hold and supply to government departments and other relevant bodies, information obtained for the purposes of certification. These bodies may publish this data as a Public List. OF&G treats this data in confidence and will not disclose it to any other third party except where required or permitted to do so by law. Your signature on this declaration constitutes consent to this use of data. 2.2 OF&G also maintain a list of operators and their address and enterprise details, which we can supply to enquirers for the purposes of marketing and research. Please tick this box if you DO NOT want to be included on this list. 3. Sub-Contractors 3.1 I agree to provide a list and a description of the activities of all units (including storage) and subcontractors involved in the production or preparation of compost and which are contracted out to third parties, in part or in total. I undertake to ensure that such units agree to have their operations subject to the inspection regime.

RD276 Declaration Compost Scheme Rev: A Withington App: S Clarkson Iss: 23Aug16 Page 1 of 2

4. Access 4.1 I agree to provide access during normal working hours, for either arranged or unannounced visits, to Inspectors appointed and/or contracted by OF&G for the purpose of carrying out surveillance inspections and to provide access to any areas or information deemed necessary for the purposes of the inspection. 5. Sampling 5.1 I agree to permit OF&G to take samples for testing of products or for checking production techniques or for detecting possible contamination by unauthorised products and to submit the results of our own voluntary inspection and sampling programmes where required. 6. Use of Licence and Certification Mark (logo) 6.1 I will make claims regarding certification only in respect of the enterprises and products that comply with the requirements of the Compost Scheme and for which certification has been granted. 6.2 I will not use the product certification in such a manner as to bring OF&G or REAL into disrepute. 6.3 I will endeavour to ensure that no certificate or any part thereof is used in a misleading manner and will not make any statement regarding certification, which OF&G may consider misleading or unauthorised. 6.4 I will ensure that references to certification on packaging and marketing materials, comply with the requirements of the Compost Scheme by submitting them to OF&G for approval before use. 7. Cancellation or Suspension of Certification 7.1 I understand that OF&G will notify REAL and the Statutory Authority if the certificate is terminated or if a Manifest Infringement, which causes a batch of produce/product to lose its status, is identified 7.2 Upon cancellation or suspension of Compost certification, I will discontinue the use of all advertising matter that contains any reference thereto and return my certification documents as required by OF&G. I will not produce or market products as compliant with the Compost Scheme thereafter using the REAL or OF&G logos or any reference to the Compost Scheme without the approval of OF&G. I will inform buyers of the product/s in writing and in good time, in order to ensure that the indications referring to the Compost Scheme compliant production method are removed from them. 8. Payment of Fees 8.1 I will pay all fees and costs related to the Certification Scheme as determined and published by the OF&G Board, in accordance with their credit terms.

RD276 Declaration Compost Scheme Rev: A Withington App: S Clarkson Iss: 23Aug16 Page 2 of 2