Many operators of UK MRFs could be failing to sample and measure their mixed waste streams correctly, according to Axion Consulting.
This could result in the potential loss of value from the many thousands of tonnes of materials being processed.
According to Axion Consulting director of resource recovery Keith Freegard, poor understanding of the tools and techniques involved are possible reasons why medium-sized and smaller plants in particular are not implementing adequate testing regimes.
Speaking at Axion’s Science of Sorting event in Birmingham, he said: “While most of the bigger players have sampling regimes in place, many smaller ones haven’t. Meaningful statistics on inputs and outputs are essential if MRFs are to reduce contaminants at source and satisfy rising demand for reliable supply of quality end products into secondary reprocessing markets.”
He warned that future legislative changes could make sampling mandatory as part of the proposed Code of Practice for MRFs that will require all operators to implement some form of statistical control and measurement of material composition.
While he also added that sampling enables the modern multi-million pound MRF to do its job properly and should be built into contracts to provide consistency, reliability and instil confidence in customers.
