Scotland has not, to date, adopted the Compost Quality Protocol, and this is not a requirement for compost producers in Scotland. For compost producers in Scotland the criteria for certification are:
- CCS Scheme Rules – the Scheme Rules show how the Compost Certification Scheme actually operates.
- PAS 100 - the Publicly Available Specification (PAS) specifies requirements for the process of composting, the selection of input materials, the minimum quality of composted materials and the storage, labelling and traceability of compost products. It specifies requirements for a Quality Management System (QMS) for the production of composts to ensure they are consistently fit for their intended uses.
- SEPA’s End-of waste regulatory position statement for compost - this sets out SEPA's requirements for compost to achieve End of Waste. This RPS introduces additional standards reducing the levels of plastic contained within compost, the plastic limit is 50% of current PAS100. This aligns plastic contamination limits with Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) standards.
Fully recovered compost can be supplied, stored, and used as ‘products' in Scotland, however they cannot be supplied for use as a 'product' in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland unless they are also certified compliant with the CQP.
Producers in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland can apply for End of Waste Scotland if supplying to Scotland.