DEFRA unveils MRF Code of Practice consultation
DEFRA has unveiled a new Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) Code of Practice and Quality Action Programme designed to improve the quality of dry recyclates from co-mingled commercial and local waste streams in the UK.
The new code of practice, which was unveiled on 1st February by Resources Management Minister, Lord de Mauley, is now open for consultation. It is hoped the plans will increase quality as well as promote a stronger market for recycled materials.
Commenting on the new MRF Code of Practice, Chris Dow, CEO of Closed Loop Recycling, said the announcement was “the Government’s first major step towards realising its plans to become the greenest government ever.”
He continued: “We at Closed Loop Recycling agree with the ESA and other industry leaders that all aspects of the scheme must be mandatory and enforced via the Environmental Permit regime. It is absurd to believe that the illegal exporters would join the scheme if voluntary. We also believe that independent audits should be unannounced and should include physical sampling by the independent auditor. Without this check, illegal exporters would be able to create false but seemingly compliant sampling documentation. The audit might also include a holistic view of ISO systems documentation and customer feedback regarding quality.
“With a mandatory MRF Code of Practice, greater enforcement of the Trans-Frontier Ships Regulations and a review of the PRN/PERN system, UK re-processors will feel confident to invest in additional capacity which will lead to the creation of substantial numbers of green jobs and will reduce the UK's imports of virgin raw materials.”