Applying for initial certification

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Guidance from the Environment Agency on the use of wood waste as animal bedding. The EA have been working with the wood waste sector to ensure consistency of regulation across, reduce the potentiality of harm to livestock and minimize the subsequent contamination of land.

>> New inquiry launched on green finance

The Environmental Audit Committee is today launching a new inquiry into Green Finance. This inquiry follows on from the Committee's previous inquiries on a green economy, environmental taxes and environmental aspects of Autumn Statement 2012. The Committee held a joint seminar with the City of London on green finance to help scope this inquiry.

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>> European Commission starts review of waste management and recycling targets

The European Commission has started a review of the legally-binding targets set out in the Waste Framework Directive, the Landfill Directive and the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive.

>> Effects of chemical fertiliser and animal manure on soil health compared

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Applying for initial certification - key steps

Welcome to the Association for Organics Recycling's Certification Scheme for quality composts!

1) If you wish to apply for initial certification, you should:

download REAL's Compost Certification Scheme Rules from HERE;
download a copy of BSI PAS 100 from HERE. This is the specification which REAL's Certification Scheme is aligned to, so it is crucial that you are aware of its requirements; and
download copy of the Compost Quality Protocol, if you are planning to supply your compost as product for use in England, Wales or Northern Ireland.

2) You should then read carefully the documents above and check whether you meet all the relevant pre-requisites for applying (see section of the Scheme Rules).

3) Then, download the certification scheme templates from HERE or request a copy from REAL (qualitycompost@r-e-a.net). Read the documents in the pack. Many of the documents are templates in which you should insert your composting process and compost details where prompted (please note that it is not obligatory that you use these templates, you can adapt your own documents if you wish).

4) Develop and implement your quality management system including the HACCP plan and the Standard Operating Procedures.

5) Start validating your composting process by sampling and testing batches of the compost grade(s) under assessment until three passes for the PAS 100 obligatory parameters have been obtained for the three most recent samples.

6) When you have done so, apply by filling in then posting or faxing your application form to your choice out of one of the two certification bodies named below.

You can discuss your prospective application with one or both of these organisations before deciding which certification body you apply to. Please note by signing the form, you confirm that you have read and agree to all the terms and conditions and requirements specified in REAL's Compost Certification Scheme Rules (Issue 1, Revision 6).

Please check with the relevant certification body what records and documentation you are required to provide the CB with in advance of the inspection and what will be checked directly on the day of the inspection.

Certification body

NSF-CMi Certification Ltd

Organic Farmers and Growers Ltd

Person responsible for
enquires & applications

Katie Evans

M: 07769 317201

E: compostenquiries@nsf-cmicertification.com

Roy Lawford
Tel: 01939 291800 ext 241

Fax: 01939 291250
E:roy.lawford@organicfarmers.org.uk

Forms to download

application form & fees structure