Mr John Gormley T.D., Minister for Environment, Heritage and Local Government has launched the EPA funded research report “Development of an Industry-led Quality Standard for Source-Separated Biodegradable Material Derived Compost”.

Speaking at launch the Minister said the development of a compost quality standard will help to develop and stimulate markets for compost-based products. "All of us here understand that waste can be turned into a resource," said the Minister. The establishment of an industry-based compost standard supports the long-term growth of the industry and ensures product satisfaction to maintain and grow consumer confidence.

The Compost Standard was developed by Cré (Composting Association of Ireland) as part of the Science, Technology, Research and Innovation for the Environment (STRIVE) Programme 2007 – 2013 and funded by the Environmental Protection Agency. The aim of this project was to collate the compost quality databases from Irish compost samples and compare them with databases and standards from other European countries to develop an Irish industry compost standard for source separated biodegradable materials.

The purpose - says Environmental Protection Agency - was also to offer a quality standard for compost derived from source-separated biodegradable materials in order to promote the development of markets for compost-based products on the island of Ireland. Other EU countries with an established composting infrastructure show that successful biowaste treatment must include meeting quality standards in order to control the use and guarantee the environmental safety of compost application within agricultural, horticultural and landscaping industries, by home gardeners and local authorities.

The establishment of an industry-based compost standard supports the long-term growth of the industry and ensures product satisfaction to maintain consumer confidence. The market development process will lead to the overall expansion of the composting industry in Ireland by developing other means of revenue generation apart from gate fees. This, in turn, contributes to developing a sustainable compost industry, that can effectively compete on a cost basis with other waste management technologies, and disposal facilities such as mechanical biological treatment (MBT), incineration and/or landfilling.

The data in this report provides important information that can help us tackle environmental problems. “Quality is the key and customers must be satisfied that they a getting an excellent product. In practical terms, the standard that is being launched today will provide compost users with the clarity and certainty they demand for such products.” Minister Gormley stated.

More information under epa.ie.

Quelle: Ministry for Environment, Heritage and Local Government

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