Carpet Recycling UK (CRUK) has been instrumental in helping the recycling sector to be awarded a Regulatory Position Statement (RPS248) for the use of carpet waste into the equine sector. This will be reviewed by 30th June 2022.
CRUK was informed in September 2020 by the Environment Agency (EA) that the previous framework LRWP43 (Low Risk Waste Position), under which the sector was processing for the application of shredded carpet waste into the equine sector, was being reviewed. The review by the EA was with a view to removing LRWP43, as in their opinion, it was no longer fit-for-purpose and didn’t provide adequate safeguards in protecting the environment. CRUK has been proactively working with the EA, NRW (Natural Resources Wales) and the UK recycling sector to develop a way forward.
In 2019 we reported that circa. 51,100 tonnes of carpet/textile flooring waste are processed for this sector which is around 14% of the total annual carpet waste recorded (430,000t). This is a significant amount and something CRUK needed to get involved with to ensure that the tonnage does not find its way to landfill. With its wide-reaching network (UK and abroad), it was able to communicate and coordinate responses between the policy advisors and industry.
As of the 17th June 2021 the EA published its RPS248 (issued for a 12 month period and to be reviewed on 30th June 2022) , which allows the sector to continue albeit, with a number of constraints and terms and conditions.
The key areas are:
- The removal of all possible contamination from the waste streams.
- Continuing to test for POPs (persistent organic pollutants) within the waste stream.
- Secure containment of the surfaces / fibres to prevent leakage into water courses and neighbouring fields.
- What happens to the surfaces at the end of life i.e. how are they disposed of or reused?
CRUK shares the concerns relating to the above highlighted points and is working with the carpet industry, recycling sector and the EA on addressing these points.
In Wales, NRW withdrew their LRWRO (Low Risk Waste Recovery Operations – similar framework to the EA’s LRWP43) in June. NRW decided to go down a separate route to the EA, which means that all recyclers who supply into Wales and surface users based in Wales i.e. ménages, arenas, gallops etc. must have a permit issued by the NRW before they can use the fibres as surfaces. Natural Resources Wales / Permanent deposit of waste for recovery. As part of any permit application, NRW expects an Environmental Management System to identify and manage any risks posed by the activity, which could include measures such as limiting the waste types used and containment of the material. The sector feels let down by this decision as it was led to believe that the NRW would follow the same path as the EA.
In Scotland, SEPA (Scottish Environment Protection Agency) didn’t have the same or equivalent framework to a LRWP43 and is considering if it will adopt the new RPS248.
CRUK supports the government agencies in helping to address the environmental concerns it has within the RPS248 and will work with the recycling sector to create standards and best practice to ensure compliance to its requirements.
Included within CRUK membership are several equestrian companies and they are working with the EA, NRW, CRUK and the equestrian sector to improve standards and comply as above.
The equestrian sector has been kept informed of the changes and a recent article was included in the Horse and Hound.
For any questions, please contact info@carpetrecyclinguk.com
Image courtesy of member Valley Equestrian