Compost – Getting the Quality right!

Here are a few frequently asked questions about compost.

Q: What is compost?

A: Compost is a product derived from the controlled decomposition of organic material.

Q: How is compost produced?

A: The composting operation begins with the lorries bringing in the green waste from either kerbside collection or civic amenity sites in the Colchester area. The material is litter picked to removes contaminates (mainly plastic) and then shredded with a large shredder, similar to a wood chipper. The material is then turned approximately every 10 days to keep it aerobic and to keep the temperatures to around 65 degrees centigrade. This process continues for approximately 14 weeks, during which time there is immense microbial activity which breaks down the material and after this time it is ready to be screened. The oversized material coming over the screen is then re- shredded and put through the system again.

Q: Is using compost safe?

A: Yes.  

The Composting Association have worked with WRAP and the British Standards Institute to develop BSI PAS 100, a Publicly Available Specification for manufacturing compost to help ensure a safe, fit for purpose, good quality product. Birch Airfield Composting Services Ltd is working towards gaining BSI PAS 100. The site we use is fully licensed with the Environment Agency, together with planning permission to carry out the composting operation.

This specification covers the entire process by which compost is produced: from raw materials and production methods, through to quality control and lab testing. It means that the composts certified by The Composting Association are quality assured, traceable, safe and reliable. The Composting Association Certification Scheme is the only UK scheme providing third party assessment of conformity with BSI PAS 100. The process is reassuringly rigorous and compost producers are inspected annually.

For more information on BSI PAS 100, click here to download an introductory guide.