This document has been written as internal guidance to Environment Agency staff. It is made available to external organisations to provide additional guidance in support of the Assessment Framework for assessing the suitability of wastes for composting and anaerobic digestion, prior to making a permit application. This applies both to new permit applications and variation of existing permits.
Permit applicants will need to include a completed new or novel waste streams assessment form and the necessary supporting information for each distinct new or novel waste stream, as part of their permit application. Additional requirements for waste storage, processing and emission control may be required as part of the permitting process. The operator must also supply a detailed statement of justification for adding the waste to the permit and describe the value that the waste adds to the process; dilution, adsorption and evaporation are not considered adequate justification. The applicant’s revised management or operating system must take into account the new or novel waste/s being applied for.
Composting, thermophilic aerobic digestion (TAD) and Anaerobic Digestion (AD) of source segregated biodegradable waste, should result in the recovery of the waste and the production of an end material which is beneficial soil improver and fertiliser fit for the end purpose. The Environmental Agency wish to ensure that the processed material will not present a risk of harm to the environment or human health including soil and land quality, or compromise or threaten the continued sustainability of food production in England and Wales.
For more information, please follow the next link “Guidance for the assessment of new or novel waste streams for composting and anaerobic digestion facility permits”.
Source: Environment Agency