31 May 2011

Composted and fermented household waste is to be allowed for use as fertiliser in organic farming and horticulture for the first time, in a significant development for the sector. image expired

However, Mr Jacobs cautioned that this was not a green light for the use of household waste. Jacobs warned, “We must stress though that it is not a blanket go-ahead for the use of source-separated household waste. The PAS 100 and PAS 110 standards allow for approximately twice the level of heavy metals than is permitted in the organic regulation, so farmers using these inputs will need to ensure they have the results of analysis on any supply they take and share those with us before applying the fertiliser or soil conditioner.”

OF&G has said it will be requiring its licensees to obtain approval before taking compost or digestate from source-separated waste. This will allow the control body to double-check the source for its licensees which will protect them from any mistake which could result in de-certification of their land. The organisation said it welcomes this new opportunity to tap into a resource that will provide nutrients for soils from what would otherwise be considered waste.