The new resource frameworks came into force today (20 October 2025) and include:
Quality protocols to be withdrawn
The compost quality protocol and AD quality protocol – which set out the criteria under which a specific waste material can be reclassified as a non-waste product exempt from waste management controls have been withdrawn.
The biowaste RFs will replace the quality protocols, serving the same purpose, and operators producing end-of-waste compost or digestate will be required to comply with the new RFs and will be audited against them with immediate effect.
New lower plastics limits
The only auditing exception relates to the introduction of the new, lower plastic contamination limits. The EA has issued a Regulatory Position Statement (RPS 317), which allows composting and AD operators up to two years to comply with the stricter plastics limits.
If operators require additional time to meet the lower plastic contamination limits, they must comply with the conditions set out in the RPS and email [email protected] by 20 April 2026 to operate under its provisions.
Storage of PAS 100 compost and PAS 110 digestate
The publications were originally scheduled for 4 August, but were postponed to allow the EA (Environment Agency) to resolve issues relating to product storage.
The EA has issued Regulatory Position Statement 358 to give time for operators to apply for permits or permit variations to store PAS compliant digestate or compost before dispatch to the customer. If required, operators must email [email protected] by 31 December 2025 to make use of this provision.
Key changes
In addition to stricter plastics limits for both compost and AD, the main changes include:
- waste code changes
- updated references to acceptable standards for compostable packaging and non-packaging products
- the point at which compost and digestate reach ‘end of waste’ status.
- requirement for dispatch paperwork to include information on nutrient management plans, and
- for digestate only, the removal of market restriction, and an additional requirement if supplying to the growing media sector.
There are no significant changes between the biomethane quality protocol and the biomethane RF.
More from NFUonline:
EA consults on quality protocols for compost and anaerobic digestate