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[[Category: Legislation & Policy]]
[[Category: Legislation & Policy]][[Category:Targets & Metrics]]
 
The [[MRF Regulations]], sometimes known colloquially as the [[MRF Code of Practice]] (MRF CoP), were published in February 2013 and required all [[Material Recovery Facility|material recovery facilities]] over a certain size to measure the quality of their inputs and outputs<ref name="Lets>[https://www.letsrecycle.com/news/long-awaited-mrf-code-of-practice-unveiled/ Letsrecycle], 2013</ref>. In October 2024 these regulations will be amended and the [[Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2023]] will apply which aim to place a greater onus on the frequency of sampling and the range of materials to be measured<ref name="Update">https://www.gov.uk/guidance/materials-facilities-waste-sampling-and-reporting-from-october-2024</ref>.
The [[MRF Code of Practice]] (MRF CoP) was published in February 2013 and required all [[Material Recovery Facility|material recovery facilities]] over a certain size to measure the quality of their inputs and outputs<ref name="Lets>[https://www.letsrecycle.com/news/long-awaited-mrf-code-of-practice-unveiled/ Letsrecycle], 2013</ref>.  


==Introduction==
==Introduction==
The [[MRF Code of Practice]] (MRF CoP) was published in February 2013 and required all [[Material Recovery Facility|material recovery facilities]] over a certain size to measure the quality of their inputs and outputs. The MRF CoP introduced a new requirement to make all results from these tests publically available, for example to businesses buying the material as well as to [[Local Authority|Local Authorities]] and others who supply material to the MRFs <ref name="Lets" />. It did not set any minimum quality standards.
The [[MRF Regulations]], sometimes known colloquially as the [[MRF Code of Practice]] (MRF CoP), were published in February 2013 and required all [[Material Recovery Facility|material recovery facilities]] over a certain size to measure the quality of their inputs and outputs. The [[MRF Regulations]] introduced a new requirement to make all results from these tests publicly available, for example to businesses buying the material as well as to [[Local Authority|Local Authorities]] and others who supply material to the MRFs <ref name="Lets" />. It did not set any minimum quality standards. A full list of sites can be found on the page [[Qualifying MRFs]]. As of October 2024 the regulations are to be amended to place a greater onus on the frequency of sampling and the range of materials to be measured<ref name="Update" />.


==MRF Code==
==MRF Code==
Line 10: Line 9:


* sample and test the materials they receive and send out
* sample and test the materials they receive and send out
*record the information
* record the information
*report every 3 months to the regulator
* report every 3 months to the regulator


The [[MRF Code of Practice]] applies to any facility (known as 'Qualifying [[MRF]]s') that receive over 1,000 tonnes or more of 'Mixed Waste Material' - the definition of which is [[Waste|waste]] originating from households or [[Waste|waste]] from other sources if it is similar to [[household Waste|household waste]] in terms of its nature or composition<ref name="WRAP"[https://wrap.org.uk/resources/case-study/materials-recovery-facilities-mrfs-sorting-guide/ Sampling and Testing Guidance for Material Facilities] WRAP 2014</ref>.
The [[MRF Code of Practice]] applies to any facility (known as 'Qualifying [[MRF]]s') that receive over 1,000 tonnes or more of 'Mixed Waste Material' - the definition of which is [[Waste|waste]] originating from households or [[Waste|waste]] from other sources if it is similar to [[household Waste|household waste]] in terms of its nature or composition<ref name="WRAP">[https://wrap.org.uk/resources/case-study/materials-recovery-facilities-mrfs-sorting-guide/ Sampling and Testing Guidance for Material Facilities] WRAP 2014</ref>.


Wastes 'similar to [[Household Waste|household waste]]' are those typically found in a [[Household Waste|household waste]] stream such as plastic bottles (typically ≤5 litres), pots, tubs and trays ([[PTT]]s) used for food packaging (typically ≤525cm in their longest dimension), flexible plastic packaging, [[Glass|glass bottles]] and jars, food tins, steel or aluminium drinks cans, [[Paper|newspapers and magazines]] and cardboard packaging<ref name="WRAP" />.
Wastes 'similar to [[Household Waste|household waste]]' are those typically found in a [[Household Waste|household waste]] stream such as plastic bottles (typically ≤5 litres), pots, tubs and trays ([[PTT]]s) used for food packaging (typically ≤525cm in their longest dimension), flexible plastic packaging, [[Glass|glass bottles]] and jars, food tins, steel or aluminium drinks cans, [[Paper|newspapers and magazines]] and [[cardboard]] packaging<ref name="WRAP" />.


For non-household waste to fall under the definition of Mixed Waste Material the two or more fractions of [[Glass|glass]], [[Metal|metal]], [[Plastic|plastic]] or [[Paper|paper]] that make up the largest proportion (≥50%) of the waste should be similar in composition to those wastes described above.
For non-household waste to fall under the definition of ''Mixed Waste Material'' the two or more fractions of [[Glass|glass]], [[Metal|metal]], [[Plastic|plastic]] or [[Paper|paper]] that make up the largest proportion (≥50%) of the waste should be similar in composition to those wastes described above.


==Facilities which are in scope<ref name="WRAP" />==
==Facilities which are in scope<ref name="WRAP" />==
The facilities that are likely to be within the scope of the regulations are:
The facilities that are within the scope of the regulations include:


* Material Recovery Facilities ([[MRF]]s) sorting household dry [[Recyclables|recyclables]]
* Material Recovery Facilities ([[MRF]]s) sorting household dry [[Recyclables|recyclables]]
* [[Commercial Waste]] sorting operations and [[Transfer Station|transfer stations]] where materials similar to household wastes are sorted into two or more Specified Output Materials (e.g. a MF sorting [[Plastic|plastics]] and [[Metal|cans]] would be in scope although one sorting a single stream such as [[Paper|paper]] and card would not)<ref name="WRAP" />.
* [[Commercial Waste]] sorting operations and [[Transfer Station|transfer stations]] where materials similar to household wastes are sorted into two or more Specified Output Materials (e.g. a MF sorting [[Plastic|plastics]] and [[Metal|cans]] would be in scope although one sorting a single stream such as [[Paper|paper]] and card would not)<ref name="WRAP" />.


==Facilities whcih are out of scope<ref name="WRAP" />==
==Facilities which are out of scope<ref name="WRAP" />==


* [[Transfer Station|Waste Transfer Stations]] acting only as bulking points (with no sorting activities)
* [[Transfer Station|Waste Transfer Stations]] acting only as bulking points (with no sorting activities)
* [[Transfer Station|Waste Transfer Stations]] that sort [[Commercial and Industrial Waste]] ([[C&I Waste|C&I]]) wastes unless the [[Commercial and Industrial Waste|commercial waste]] meets the definition of ''Mixed Waste Material''. industrial derived material does not fall under the scope of the REgulations.
* [[Transfer Station|Waste Transfer Stations]] that sort [[Commercial and Industrial Waste]] ([[C&I Waste|C&I]]) wastes unless the [[Commercial and Industrial Waste|commercial waste]] meets the definition of ''Mixed Waste Material''. industrial derived material does not fall under the scope of the REgulations.
* [[Household Waste Recycling Centres]]
* [[Household Waste Recycling Centres]]
* [[commercial and Industrial Waste]] [[MRF|MRFs]] ([[C&I Waste|C&I]]) ([[MRF|MRFs]]) unless the [[Commercial and Industrial Waste|commercial waste]] meets the definition of ''Mixed Waste Material'.
* [[commercial and Industrial Waste]] [[MRF|MRFs]] ([[C&I Waste|C&I]]) ([[MRF|MRFs]]) unless the [[Commercial and Industrial Waste|commercial waste]] meets the definition of ''Mixed Waste Material''.
* [[MRF|MRFs]] sorting only residual waste ('Dirty' MRFs)
* [[MRF|MRFs]] sorting only residual waste ('Dirty' MRFs)
* [[Mechanical Biological Treatment]] ([[MBT]]) plants including those used at autoclave facilites unless ''Mixed Waste Material'' is accepted for any [[MRF]] operations that form part of the process.
* [[Mechanical Biological Treatment]] ([[MBT]]) plants including those used at autoclave facilites unless ''Mixed Waste Material'' is accepted for any [[MRF]] operations that form part of the process.
* [[Refuse Derived  Fuel]] production facilities
* [[Refuse Derived  Fuel]] production facilities
* [[WEEE]] management facilities
* [[WEEE]] management facilities
*[[MRF|MRFs]] seperating materials from [[Construction  
* [[MRF|MRFs]] seperating materials from [[Construction and Demolition Waste]]
 
If any of the aforementioned facilities accept ''Mixed Waste Material'' for sorting, even for a limited period, above the thresholds, then the Regulations apply<ref name="WRAP" />.
 
==Materials to be sampled - Incoming==
Incoming mixed waste material must be sampled to identify [[Target Material]], Non-Recyclable Material and [[Non-Target Material]]. The [[Target Material]] must as a minimum be separately identified by reference to [[Glass|glass]], [[Metal|metal]], [[Paper|paper]] and [[Plastic|plastic]]. Cardboard and cartons that include cardboard as a composite material should be included in the [[Paper|paper]] category.
 
From 1st Oct 2016 a sample of ''Mixed Waste Material'' must be taken every 125 tonnes from each supplier.
 
The minimum required sample weight for ''Mixed Waste Material'' inputs is 55kg and the average weight of all samples of ''Mixed Waste Material'' in a reporting period must be 60kg or more. A full sample must be collected in one go and it is not acceptable to take smaller sample sizes at more regular intervals in order to collect a sample<ref name ="WRAP" />.
 
From October 2024 this frequency will increase to 60kg for every 75 tonnes received<ref name="Update" />.
 
From October 2024 the range of materials will expand to 10 to include<ref name="Update" />:
* [[Glass]]
* [[Metal|Aluminium]]
* [[Metal|Steel]]
* [[Paper]]
* [[Card]]
* [[Plastic|Plastic bottles]]
* [[PTT]]s
* [[Plastic|Film or other flexible plastic]]
* [[Plastic|Other plastic]]
* Fibre based composite material.
 
 
 
==Materials to be sampled - Outgoing==
Sampling of ''Specified Output Materials'' must be undertaken with consideration given to the grade of material output from the [[MRF|MF]]. Example grades might include clear PET bottles and green [[Glass|glass]]. The frequency of sampling is as follows<ref name="WRAP" />:
 
{| class="wikitable"
|+ Sampling Frequency and Size
|-
! Material  !! Sampling frequency from 1st Oct 2016 !! Sample size (kg)!! Change from October 2024<ref name="Update" />
|-
| [[Paper]] || Every 60 tonnes produced || 50 || Unchanged, but measured by grade and proportion of packaging and DRS material
|-
| [[Glass]] || Every 50 tonnes produced || 10 || Unchanged, but measured by grade and proportion of packaging and DRS material
|-
| [[Metal]] || Every 20 tonnes produced || 10 || Unchanged, but measured by grade and proportion of packaging and DRS material
|-
| [[Plastic]] || Every 15 tonnes produced || 20 || Unchanged, but measured by grade and proportion of packaging and DRS material
|-
|Fibre-based composites|| from October 2024 ||from October 2024 || every 60 tonnes, 50kg sample, Umeasured by grade and proportion of packaging and DRS material
|}
 
==Sampling Planning==
[[MRF|MFs]] should develop a quarterly plan for sampling of input materials from different suppliers and for ''Specified Output Materials'' based on the requirements set out in the Regulations. Sampling should be scheduled so it is as representative as possible i.e. arranging for the incoming material to be undertaken at different times and on different days and for ''Specified Output Material'', samples should be taken at different times and on different days as well as taken from all shifts including night and weekend shifts if possible <ref name="WRAP" />.
 
A review of the overall sampling approach was published in July 2023 and the approach was found to be satisfactory<ref>https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/environmental-permitting-regulations-2016-material-facilities-rpc-opinion-green-rated</ref>.
==Record Keeping and Reporting Requirements<ref name="WRAP" />==
 
The Regulations require reports to be submitted to the [[Regulator]] every 3 months. The four reporting periods each year are:
* 1 January to 31 March. Returns due by 30 April.
* 1 April to 30 June. Returns due by 31 July.
* 1 July to 30 September. Returns due by 31 October.
* 1 October to 31 December. Returns due by 31 January
 
Reports must be submitted to the [[Regulator]] electronically within one month of the end of the Reporting Period.
 
For an incoming ''Mixed Waste Material'' the following information is required<ref name ="WRAP" />:
 
*The total weight in tonnes of ''Mixed Waste Material'' received at the [[MRF|MF]] from each Supplier requiring sampling under the Regulations.
* The total number of samples taken for each of these Suppliers.
* The total weight in kilograms of all samples taken for each of these Suppliers.
* The Average percentage composition of target [[Glass|glass]], [[Metal|metal]], [[Paper|paper]] and [[Plastic|plastic]] in ''Mixed Waste Material'' delivered by each of these Suppliers, based on all applicable sample results.
* The Average percentage composition levels of [[Target Material]], [[Non-Target Material]] and Non-Recyclable Materials delivered by each of these Suppliers, based on all applicable sample results.
* The standard deviation of the Average percentage composition level of Target Materials for each of these Suppliers, based on all applicable sample results.
 
For outgoing material leaving the [[MRF|MF]] in a given Reporting Period the following infomation is required<ref name ="WRAP" />:
 
* The total weight in tonnes of each ''Specified Output Material'' that leaves the [[MRF|MF]]
* The total weight in tonnes of ''Mixed Waste Material'' transferred to other [[MRF|MFs]] for the purposes of separating into ''Specified Output Materials'' and the destination of each [[MRF|MF]] transfer.
* The total weight in tonnes of all other waste that leaves the MRF|MF]] and details of where it has been sent.
* The total number of samples taken for each ''Specified Output Materia''l.
* The total weight in kilograms of all samples taken for each ''Specified Output Material''.
* The Average percentage of all samples by reference to grades of [[glass|glass]], [[Metal|metal]], [[Paper|paper]] and [[Plastic|plastic]]
* The Average percentage of [[Target Materials]], [[Non-Target Materials]] and Non-Recyclable materials by grades of [[Glass|glass]], [[Metal|metal]], [[Paper|paper]] or [[Plastic|plastic]] in the samples
* The standard deviation of the Average percentage composition levels for the [[Target Materials]], based on all of the applicable sample results.


==References==
<references />
<references />

Latest revision as of 11:26, 15 April 2024

The MRF Regulations, sometimes known colloquially as the MRF Code of Practice (MRF CoP), were published in February 2013 and required all material recovery facilities over a certain size to measure the quality of their inputs and outputs[1]. In October 2024 these regulations will be amended and the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2023 will apply which aim to place a greater onus on the frequency of sampling and the range of materials to be measured[2].

Introduction

The MRF Regulations, sometimes known colloquially as the MRF Code of Practice (MRF CoP), were published in February 2013 and required all material recovery facilities over a certain size to measure the quality of their inputs and outputs. The MRF Regulations introduced a new requirement to make all results from these tests publicly available, for example to businesses buying the material as well as to Local Authorities and others who supply material to the MRFs [1]. It did not set any minimum quality standards. A full list of sites can be found on the page Qualifying MRFs. As of October 2024 the regulations are to be amended to place a greater onus on the frequency of sampling and the range of materials to be measured[2].

MRF Code

The MRF Code of Practice is enacted through Sch 9 of the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2014 which has now been transposed into the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016. The requirements took effect from 1 Oct 2014 and required that MRFs to whom the regulations applied must[3]:

  • sample and test the materials they receive and send out
  • record the information
  • report every 3 months to the regulator

The MRF Code of Practice applies to any facility (known as 'Qualifying MRFs') that receive over 1,000 tonnes or more of 'Mixed Waste Material' - the definition of which is waste originating from households or waste from other sources if it is similar to household waste in terms of its nature or composition[4].

Wastes 'similar to household waste' are those typically found in a household waste stream such as plastic bottles (typically ≤5 litres), pots, tubs and trays (PTTs) used for food packaging (typically ≤525cm in their longest dimension), flexible plastic packaging, glass bottles and jars, food tins, steel or aluminium drinks cans, newspapers and magazines and cardboard packaging[4].

For non-household waste to fall under the definition of Mixed Waste Material the two or more fractions of glass, metal, plastic or paper that make up the largest proportion (≥50%) of the waste should be similar in composition to those wastes described above.

Facilities which are in scope[4]

The facilities that are within the scope of the regulations include:

  • Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) sorting household dry recyclables
  • Commercial Waste sorting operations and transfer stations where materials similar to household wastes are sorted into two or more Specified Output Materials (e.g. a MF sorting plastics and cans would be in scope although one sorting a single stream such as paper and card would not)[4].

Facilities which are out of scope[4]

If any of the aforementioned facilities accept Mixed Waste Material for sorting, even for a limited period, above the thresholds, then the Regulations apply[4].

Materials to be sampled - Incoming

Incoming mixed waste material must be sampled to identify Target Material, Non-Recyclable Material and Non-Target Material. The Target Material must as a minimum be separately identified by reference to glass, metal, paper and plastic. Cardboard and cartons that include cardboard as a composite material should be included in the paper category.

From 1st Oct 2016 a sample of Mixed Waste Material must be taken every 125 tonnes from each supplier.

The minimum required sample weight for Mixed Waste Material inputs is 55kg and the average weight of all samples of Mixed Waste Material in a reporting period must be 60kg or more. A full sample must be collected in one go and it is not acceptable to take smaller sample sizes at more regular intervals in order to collect a sample[4].

From October 2024 this frequency will increase to 60kg for every 75 tonnes received[2].

From October 2024 the range of materials will expand to 10 to include[2]:


Materials to be sampled - Outgoing

Sampling of Specified Output Materials must be undertaken with consideration given to the grade of material output from the MF. Example grades might include clear PET bottles and green glass. The frequency of sampling is as follows[4]:

Sampling Frequency and Size
Material Sampling frequency from 1st Oct 2016 Sample size (kg) Change from October 2024[2]
Paper Every 60 tonnes produced 50 Unchanged, but measured by grade and proportion of packaging and DRS material
Glass Every 50 tonnes produced 10 Unchanged, but measured by grade and proportion of packaging and DRS material
Metal Every 20 tonnes produced 10 Unchanged, but measured by grade and proportion of packaging and DRS material
Plastic Every 15 tonnes produced 20 Unchanged, but measured by grade and proportion of packaging and DRS material
Fibre-based composites from October 2024 from October 2024 every 60 tonnes, 50kg sample, Umeasured by grade and proportion of packaging and DRS material

Sampling Planning

MFs should develop a quarterly plan for sampling of input materials from different suppliers and for Specified Output Materials based on the requirements set out in the Regulations. Sampling should be scheduled so it is as representative as possible i.e. arranging for the incoming material to be undertaken at different times and on different days and for Specified Output Material, samples should be taken at different times and on different days as well as taken from all shifts including night and weekend shifts if possible [4].

A review of the overall sampling approach was published in July 2023 and the approach was found to be satisfactory[5].

Record Keeping and Reporting Requirements[4]

The Regulations require reports to be submitted to the Regulator every 3 months. The four reporting periods each year are:

  • 1 January to 31 March. Returns due by 30 April.
  • 1 April to 30 June. Returns due by 31 July.
  • 1 July to 30 September. Returns due by 31 October.
  • 1 October to 31 December. Returns due by 31 January

Reports must be submitted to the Regulator electronically within one month of the end of the Reporting Period.

For an incoming Mixed Waste Material the following information is required[4]:

  • The total weight in tonnes of Mixed Waste Material received at the MF from each Supplier requiring sampling under the Regulations.
  • The total number of samples taken for each of these Suppliers.
  • The total weight in kilograms of all samples taken for each of these Suppliers.
  • The Average percentage composition of target glass, metal, paper and plastic in Mixed Waste Material delivered by each of these Suppliers, based on all applicable sample results.
  • The Average percentage composition levels of Target Material, Non-Target Material and Non-Recyclable Materials delivered by each of these Suppliers, based on all applicable sample results.
  • The standard deviation of the Average percentage composition level of Target Materials for each of these Suppliers, based on all applicable sample results.

For outgoing material leaving the MF in a given Reporting Period the following infomation is required[4]:

  • The total weight in tonnes of each Specified Output Material that leaves the MF
  • The total weight in tonnes of Mixed Waste Material transferred to other MFs for the purposes of separating into Specified Output Materials and the destination of each MF transfer.
  • The total weight in tonnes of all other waste that leaves the MRF|MF]] and details of where it has been sent.
  • The total number of samples taken for each Specified Output Material.
  • The total weight in kilograms of all samples taken for each Specified Output Material.
  • The Average percentage of all samples by reference to grades of glass, metal, paper and plastic
  • The Average percentage of Target Materials, Non-Target Materials and Non-Recyclable materials by grades of glass, metal, paper or plastic in the samples
  • The standard deviation of the Average percentage composition levels for the Target Materials, based on all of the applicable sample results.

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Letsrecycle, 2013
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 https://www.gov.uk/guidance/materials-facilities-waste-sampling-and-reporting-from-october-2024
  3. ↑ Material Facilities:how to report on mixed waste sampling, DEFRA 2018
  4. ↑ 4.00 4.01 4.02 4.03 4.04 4.05 4.06 4.07 4.08 4.09 4.10 4.11 Sampling and Testing Guidance for Material Facilities WRAP 2014
  5. ↑ https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/environmental-permitting-regulations-2016-material-facilities-rpc-opinion-green-rated
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