The Scottish Government have released proposed amendments to the MRF Code of Practice (CoP), running from February 2024 – 19 April 2024, aiming to support the rollout of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for packaging from 2025.
Albion has reviewed the consultation and listed some of the main changes below:
Key highlights include:
- Expansion of CoP scope to include bulking facilities, mandating sampling and reporting for MFs handling waste from multiple suppliers.
- Increased sampling frequency for input materials to 60kg per 75 tonnes.
- Introduction of new materials for sampling and reporting.
- Effective date set for October 1, 2024.
- Mandatory retention of sampling data for seven years, with reporting obligations starting October 1, 2024.
- Requirement for separate identification of glass as packaging.
- Refined sampling methodology aligned with England and Wales standards.
Under input sampling and reporting:
- More frequent sampling at once every 75 tonnes.
- Minimum individual sample weight set at 55kg.
- Inclusion of data on weight and type of packaging, categorized by target, non-target, and non-recyclable materials.
- Addition of new material grades such as plastic pots/tubs/trays, plastic bottles, and fibre-based composite material.
Output sampling and reporting:
- Applicable to facilities within the current CoP’s scope.
- New requirement to report packaging separately.
- Addition of fibre-based composite as a material category with specific sampling frequencies.
End destination recording and reporting:
- Extension of obligations to newly in-scope bulking facilities.
These proposed changes aim to enhance waste management practices and align operations with evolving regulatory frameworks, urging stakeholders to provide feedback during the consultation period.
What can Albion do to help?
We are an experienced provider of Compositional Waste Analysis services to Local Authorities and Commercial Waste Companies and can assist operators undertake Waste Sampling in accordance with the CoP.
We have also developed and delivered training courses which provide information and support to MRFs which fall under the Code of Practice.
For more information or an informal chat regarding these changes please contact:
andrew@albion-environmental.co.uk
This consultation has been circulated to interested stakeholders by e-mail, Albion understand that if you wish to review the consultation in full you can contact: