The EA has confirmed that the final version of the Compost and AD Resource Frameworks (RFs) will be published on 20th October. The Compost Quality Protocol and AD Quality Protocol will be withdrawn on the same day. It is our understanding that operators producing end-of-waste compost or digestate will be required to comply with the RFs immediately upon publication and will be audited to the new RFs from the 20th of October (with the exception of new plastics limits – details below).
Below we have provided a summary of the key changes our members need to know about.
Compost resource framework (draft version available here)
The key changes in the Compost Resource Framework (as compared to the Compost Quality Protocol) are:
- Waste code changes and updated references to acceptable standards for compostable packaging and non-packaging products
- The point at which compost reaches end of waste
- Tighter plastics limits (see details on RPS 317 below)
- Requirement for dispatch paperwork to include information on nutrient management plans
- Removal of market restriction
A member briefing which explains all the key changes in greater detail is available here. This document also contains a practical checklist to help you make sure you’re on track to comply with the new framework.
Anaerobic digestate resource framework (draft version available here)
The key changes in the AD Resource Framework (as compared to the Anaerobic Digestate Quality Protocol) are:
- Waste code changes and updated references to acceptable standards for compostable packaging and non-packaging products
- The point at which digestate reaches end of waste
- Tighter plastics limits (see details on RPS 317 below)
- Requirement for dispatch paperwork to include information on nutrient management plans
- Removal of market restriction, and an additional requirement if supplying to the growing media sector.
A member briefing which explains all the key changes in greater detail is available here. This document also contains a practical checklist to help you make sure you’re on track to comply with the new framework.
Biomethane Resource Framework (draft version available here)
It is our understanding that there will be no significant changes between the Biomethane QP and the Biomethane Resource Framework.
Regulatory Position Statement 317 (draft version available here)
RPS 317 (draft available here) gives composters and AD operators two years to comply with the tighter plastics limits set out in the new CRF and ADRF.
If you expect you’ll need time to comply with the lower plastics limits, you may want to consider registering for this RPS. To do so, you’ll need to email [email protected] by 20th April 2026 and comply with a series of conditions set out in the RPS.
Regulatory Position Statement 358 (draft version available here)
RPS 358 will be published to give operators who wish to apply for permits (or permit variations) to store PAS-compliant material prior to dispatch more time to do so. We expect that this will not be needed in the majority of cases as the new Resource Frameworks allow storage of finished compost or digestate for up to 10 months on an unpermitted area under the operators’ control (without the need for waste management controls or a permit), subject to compliance with the conditions in Clause 3.1 of the CRF and ADRF.
If you intend to apply for a permit to store your material, draft RPS 358 can be found here.
Next Steps
The final versions of all documents above are due to be published on 20th October.
Webinars
We are pleased to offer two webinars to talk through the changes and hear from the EA and REAL directly about the changes and implementation.
AD Resource Framework Industry webinar – 22nd October, 11am-1pm.
Compost Resource Framework Industry webinar – 22nd October 2-4pm.
Book your place using the above links.
Contact
If you have any questions about the Resource Frameworks, please contact Jenny, Emily or Megan.
For questions about what the changes mean in terms of CCS and BCS Certification (including audit-related queries), please contact REAL’s Head of Organic Materials Certification Schemes: [email protected].