Code of Practice on Sampling and Reporting at Materials Facilities

Aims

The aims of the Code are to:

• enhance the quantity and quality of waste data, especially packaging data, required to achieve the effective implementation of the packaging Extended Producer Responsibility system and realise the associated environmental benefits;
• increase transparency on material quality in the supply chain, through provision of accurate information on contamination levels, and variances in these levels to the market and to customers;
• demonstrate Northern Ireland’s commitment to deliver high quality recycling;
• improve the contracting environment, for operators of MFs and for all businesses involved in the material supply chain; and
• encourage innovation in the operation of MFs and supply chain dynamics.

Actions

It is suggested that, using the linked documents at the end of this page, you:

1. Read the Material Facilities - Testing and Reporting guidance.
2. Work through the Waste Material Assessment flow chart to see if the waste you are handling or waste operations you are carrying out require you to take action.
3. Work through the Materials Facilities – Self Assessment Process flow chart to see if your facility, or part of it, is now required to sample & report.
4. Consider the detail in the full Code of Practice.

5. Contact MFmail@daera-ni.gov.uk to notify (or de-notify) that your facility qualifies as a MF under the Code of Practice.  

   Then, if required:

6. Download a copy of the guidance on how to develop a suitable sampling methodology.
7. Download a copy of the guidance on how to fill out the MF spreadsheet form.
8. Download, complete and return a copy of the MF spreadsheet form to MFmail@daera-ni.gov.uk.

Contact

If you are still uncertain about what your facility needs to do to comply with the Code, you should contact the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) at the following email address - MFmail@daera-ni.gov.uk.

Documents

• Materials Facilities – Testing and Reporting GuidanceAdobe PDF (103.97 KB)
• Waste Material Assessment - March 2025Adobe PDF (163.59 KB)
• Materials Facilities - Self Assessment Process - March 2025Adobe PDF (207 KB)
• The Code of Practice on Sampling and Reporting at Materials FacilitiesMicrosoft Word (82.44 KB)
• Guidance on developing a suitable MF sampling methodologyAdobe PDF (425.59 KB)
• How to complete the MF Returns spreadsheet formAdobe PDF (308.74 KB)
• MF Returns spreadsheet formMicrosoft Excel (5.73 MB)