A revised end of waste Quality Protocol (QP) for the production of aggregates from inert waste has been published.
Put together by WRAP and the Environment Agency, the new document updates the original QP first published in 2004 and is designed to reflect the latest approved industry standards including factory product control and incorporates other improvements and clarifications.
It is applicable immediately in England, Wales and Northern Ireland with a transition period for existing QP producers and users until 1 January 2014.
Important changes include the resquirements that aggregates:
- Are produced under Factory Production Control as set out in the new European Standard BS EN 16236 Evaluation of conformity of aggregate – Initial Type Testing and Factory Production Control
- Conform with CE marking requirements contained in the Construction Products Regulations, which apply to all aggregates placed on the market conforming to harmonised European Aggregates Standards from July 2013.
Key improvements within the revised QP include the addition of:
- A comprehensive appendix listing all currently approved industry standards, specifications and quality controls
- A definitive list of acceptable waste input materials
- Improved guidance on testing procedures and requirements
- Good practice for the transport, storage and handling of recycled aggregates.
WRAP special adviser – aggregates John Barritt said: “The aggregates QP has been a major success story for business resource efficiency. Early and wide take-up across the construction and demolition sectors has created quality recycled products from waste, and the reduced use of primary materials by more than 200 million tonnes.
“The document is now an established reference tool. At least 62 per cent of recycled aggregates in the UK are now produced to QP criteria.”
