The guidance, which was developed with the help of organisations such as the Composting Association, is intended to be used as a key reference document for the promotion of best practice for the operation and regulation of composting facilities.

“Currently, there is no independent and comprehensive guidance of this kind, this new report aims to fill the vacuum,” said Dr Nina Sweet, who is responsible for Environment Agency composting policy. “It provides details on the composting techniques available, the regulatory requirements on operators, the potential health and environmental impacts, and operational requirements, including best practice in design and monitoring.”

As part of the UK Waste Strategy, the Government has set a target of 25% recycling or composting by 2005, rising to at least 33% ten years later.

Responses to the consultation should be sent in writing by 15 February 2002 to: EA Compost Guidance Responses, AEA Technology Environment, Culham Science Centre, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, OX14 3ED.

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