REA Organics promotes the benefits of composting, aerobic and anaerobic digestion, and other biological treatment techniques and the use of biologically treated materials for the enhancement of the environment, business and society. A diverse range of subjects is covered, from the collection and quality of source segregated biodegradable and mixed waste feedstocks through to use of composts, digestates and stabilised organic materials (the last of these being derived from mixed waste arisings).

The Organics forum was originally The Composting Association and then the Association for Organics Recycling and have been representing the sector for over 25 years. REA Organics works with the Government and regulators with the aim of evolving policies and regulations which support the circular economy and encourage the recycling of organic waste and returning the organics to soils. It also works closely with the Green Gas Forum, and many companies are members of both.

About the REA Organics Forum

The forum is comprised of over 250 members, including operators (composting and anaerobic digestion sites), service providers, consultants and companies recycling organics to land.

The Organics forum deals with a diverse set of issues but always works to ensure that our Organics members are able to lead the way in creating a sustainable and circular economy. Consultation responses play a crucial role and feedback from members helps to inform a collaborating and constructive response.

 

Key work streams include:

  • Quality assurance and end of waste status for composts and digestates
  • Quality of biowaste feedstocks
  • Plant operations and environmental emissions
  • Use of composts and digestates and derived products on land
  • Compostable packaging and non-packaging products
  • Optimising business opportunities for members by networking between then, with Government and other trade associations

 

Governance of the forum

The REA Organics forum has an elected chair and steering group

Chair: Graeme Kennett – Principal Consultant, Mabbett & Associates Ltd.

Steering Group members:

  • Andy Sibley – Managing Director, Envar
  • Ben Brown – Director, WRM
  • Dr Becky Wheeler, Head of Business Development at Future Biogas
  • Charlie Trousdell – Charlie Trousdell Associates
  • Ged Denny – Technical Director, Allium Energy
  • Declan Barlow – Biosolids and Trade Waste Lead, Severn Trent
  • Iain Cameron – Operations Manager, Enva
  • Justin Dampney – COO, Eco Sustainable Solutions
  • Kristy Blakeborough – Head of Biogenics, BioCapital Ltd
  • Malcolm Marshall – General Manager – Compost, Veolia
  • Robert Benford – Partner, G K Benford & Co
  • Tony Breton – Market Specialist, Novamont
  • Stuart Hayward-Hingham – Chief Technical Development & Innovation Officer, SUEZ Recycling and Recovery UK.

 

Member and External Engagement

The REA Organics forum hosts four meetings per year, sometimes overlapping with the Green Gas Forum meetings. Additional topic-specific meetings are held when required. The Organics Steering Group also meets four times a year.

The REA Organics Forum  communicates as needed via the Organics Newsletter and website updates, in addition to a biannual Organics & Biogas Magazine. Communications highlight key policy developments for our members, success stories from our members, and opportunities for engagement and business development.

The REA Organics’ Scottish branch engages with members and stakeholders who are interested in or affected by policies, regulations and other issues that are relevant in Scotland.

REA Organics has working groups on Digestate and Soil Carbon. We also work on compostables in various different areas, including working with the Bio-based and Biodegradable Industries Association (BBIA) and sitting on the European and BSI committees reviewing standards for compostable items.

 

For further information about the Organics forum activities or about joining, please contact Jenny.

Related Resources

CONSULTATION RESPONSES

Mar 11, 2024

Government publishes the Future Biomethane Framework Call for Evidence – Post GGSS

Government publishes the Future Biomethane Framework Call for Evidence – Post GGSS

REPORTS AND PUBLICATIONS

Feb 27, 2024

Compostable Coalition UK unveils successful consumer behaviour trial with compostable packaging

The Compostable Coalition UK, with advisory board members including the REA, M&S, Ocado Retail and WWF, has reported a 5-fold increase in consumers disposing of their compostable packaging in the food waste bin, in a first-of-its-kind consumer behaviour trial.

REPORTS AND PUBLICATIONS

Feb 27, 2024

Recent Research on Physical Contaminants in MSW Compost

Environmental Advances recently published an article that covers the management of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) through composting and the challenges posed by physical contaminants in MSW feedstocks.