Waste stream(s) permitted
The waste types you can use are listed in Table 6, Schedule 2 of the Waste Management Licensing Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2003 (as amended).
Quantity
The total quantity of waste treated or stored, at the place where composting is to be carried out, must not exceed 200 tonnes at any one time. The 200 tonne limit includes all wastes onsite prior to treatment.
The quantity of waste stored, at a place other than the place where composting is to be carried out, must not exceed 10 tonnes.
Storage
All waste must be stored securely on an impermeable pavement(2).
Waste may be stored for a period not exceeding 48 hours at a place other than the place where the composting activity is to be carried out. Such storage must be part of a scheme for the collection of waste from groups of premises and the waste must be taken directly from the place of storage to the place where the composting activity is to be carried out.
Additional conditions
In the case of biodegradable waste containing animal by-products, including gut contents, the waste must have been treated in accordance with The Animal By-Products Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2003.
Interpretation
- “Composting” means the autothermic and thermophilic biological decomposition and stabilisation of biodegradable waste under controlled conditions that are aerobic or anaerobic and results in a stable sanitised material that can be applied to land for the benefit of agriculture or ecological improvement.
- “Impermeable pavement” means a pavement in the area where a waste recovery or storage operation takes place which is capable of containing any spillage of waste received and is connected to a drainage system with impermeable components, which does not leak, and which will ensure that:
- no liquid will run off the pavement otherwise than via the drainage system; and
- except where they may be lawfully discharged, all liquids entering the drainage system are collected in a sealed sump.
What the legislation says
The full wording of the paragraph 13 exemption can be found in Schedule 2 to the Waste Management Licensing Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2003.
Relevant Objectives in relation to the disposal or recovery of waste are given in paragraph 4 of Schedule 3 to the Regulations.
More detailed information on this exemption can be found in the guidance documents below.
Should you have any queries in relation to your application please contact:-
Forms and guidance
- Paragraph 13 specific guidance
- General guidance
- you can also apply online here