Waste Quality Protocols

A quality protocol sets out how to fully recover waste and turn it into a quality product. It defines the point at which waste ceases to be waste and can be used as a product without the requirement for waste management controls.  By following quality protocols, producers can create sustainable resources in which end users can have confidence.

The project is a partnership between the Environment Agency, WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme), NIEA and Welsh Government.

The benefits of Quality Protocols are significant.  We estimate that by 2020 the first 12 Quality Protocols will create around £1 billion in business savings and increased sales of waste-derived products; divert 17 million tones of waste from landfill;  and avert 2.1 million tonnes in carbon dioxide equivalent emissions (CO₂).*

Compliance with Quality Protocols is voluntary. If producers do not comply with the quality protocol in full, the waste will still be regarded as waste and the onward transfer and use of the waste will be subject to the requirements of the Waste Management Licensing Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2003 and Amendments.

We launched the first in a series of protocols covering particular streams in July 2010.  Published protocols are listed below.  Other materials being considered are tyres, poultry litter ash, incinerator bottom ash and waste wood.  We are currently engaging with Northern Ireland businesses on the Quality Protocol for anaerobic digestate..

The Quality Protocol for Gypsum from Waste Plasterboard (March 2011)

• The Quality Protocol - End of waste criteria for the production and use of recycled gypsum from waste plasterboard (.PDF 1.34Mb)
• Regulatory Position Statement describing how we will regulate the use of the quality protocol for Gypsum (.PDF 107Kb)

The Quality Protocol for Biodiesel (March 2011)

• The Quality protocol for  the production and use of biodiesel derived from waste cooking oil and rendered animal fat (quality biodiesel) (.PDF 625Kb)
• Regulatory Position Statement describing how we will regulate the use of the quality protocol for Biodiesel (.PDF 110Kb)

The Pulverised Fuel Ash / Furnace Bottom Ash (PFA/FBA) Protocol (October 2010)

• Pulverised Fuel Ash (PFA) - End of waste criteria for the production of pulversied fuel ash (PFA) and furnance bottom ash (FBA) for use in bound and grout appilcations in specified construction and manufacturing processes (PDF 1.71Mb)
• Regulatory position statement describing how we will regulate the use of the Quality Protocol for PFA / FBA (.PDF 180Kb)

The Anaerobic Digestate (AD) Protocol (July 2010)

• Anaerobic Digestate - End of waste criteria for the production and use of quality outputs from anaerobic digestion of source-segrated biodegradable waste (PDF 182Kb)
• Regulatory Position statement describing how we will regulate the use of the Quality Protocol for anaerobic digestate (.PDF 147Kb)
• Anaerobic Digestate Quality Protocol Workshop 31st March 2011(PDF 2.64Mb)

The Compost Protocol (July 2010)

• The production and use of quality compost from source-segregated biodegradable waste (.PDF 180Kb)
• Regulatory Position statement describing how we will regulate the use of the Quality Protocol for compost (.PDF 134Kb)
• Compost Quality Protocol Workshop 31st March 2011 (PDF 1.79Mb)

The Processed Fuel Oil (PFO) Protocol (July 2010; Updated February 2011)

• Processed Fuel Oil (PFO) - End of waste criteria for the production and use of processed fuel oil from waste lubricating oils (PDF 1.84Mb)
• Regulatory Position statement describing how we will regulate the use of the Quality Protocol for processed fuel oil (.PDF 115Kb)

Draft Quality Protocol for Poultry Litter Ash (PLA)

The consultation on the draft Quality Protocol for PLA has closed - For further information on this protocol, please visit the Environment Agency PLA webpage.

For further information on our position on Quality Protocols please email betterregulation@doeni.gov.uk or call  028 9056 9443

Further information on the quality protocols programme can be found on The Environment Agency's website and also on the WRAP website.

* The above figures are based on Financial Impact Assessments (FIA’s) conducted on the first 12 Quality Protocols over a 10 year period UK wide. The FIA’s are conducted in accordance with the Department for Business Innovation and Skills (BIS) and HM Treasury guidelines and are conservative.