Guidance

Waste quality protocols review

Updated 4 August 2025

Applies to England

Waste quality protocols (QPs) are end of waste frameworks that industry can volunteer to follow. They set out the requirements for when certain wastes can become non-waste once they’ve been fully recovered.

This means that you can use the waste-derived material without waste regulation controls.

There are 13 QPs for a range of waste-derived materials. However, these may now be out of date – for example, they might not:

• meet current technical standards
• include latest best practice

For each QP, we will decide if:

• we will continue to support it and republish it as a resource framework on GOV.UK, if it meets current standards
• it needs revising before we can republish it as a resource framework
• we will withdraw support because it no longer meets current standards

We will update this page with the outcomes of completed reviews.

How we will revise QPs

We will do an initial review of each QP to find out:

• if there are any issues that need to be addressed
• what the new resource framework should include

Revising each QP:

• involves setting up a ‘task and finish group’ with industry
• involves a comprehensive technical assessment of what is required to ensure that end of waste is met
• takes into account current information, technologies, scientific evidence and legislation

If the task and finish group is not set up by the date listed in the completed QP reviews section, we will withdraw support for the QP. If this happens, industry can still ask us to set up a task and finish group, but they will not be able to use the original QP as an end of waste framework.

Even if we start to revise a QP, we do not guarantee that we will agree and publish a new resource framework on GOV.UK.

If the review ends without agreement between us and industry, we will withdraw support for the QP.

Agreeing costs and funding

We will invite industry to work with us to set up a task and finish group to review each QP. Industry must meet the cost of this.

We will follow the definition of waste charging scheme to work out the costs that industry need to pay. We will charge an initial fee to assess the scope of the project.

We will not start revising a QP until:

• we have agreed the cost estimate for the full project
• we have agreed the contract that sets out the roles and responsibilities of the task and finish group
• the contract is signed

When you can still use a QP

While a QP is being revised, industry can continue using it until either:

• a new resource framework is agreed
• the revision concludes without resolution and the QP is withdrawn

When a new resource framework is published

We have the final say on whether a revised resource framework will be published.

Once a new resource framework has been published, industry can use it to achieve end of waste.

If a revision is agreed, we will support the transition from the original QP to the new resource framework.

You must comply with full waste regulatory controls if you want to use the original QP after we have published a replacement resource framework.

Completed QP reviews

We have completed reviews of the following QPs.

Anaerobic digestate

Review outcome

Needs revising.

Current status

The review identified a number of elements that needed to be revised. Due to length of time needed to produce a new risk assessment, it was decided that the revision would be split into two phases.

The first phase of the revision process is now complete, and the new anaerobic digestate resource framework will be published soon.

In the first phase of updates, we:

• updated the waste inputs with ‘99’ codes to the correct waste codes, and improved the description of the approved waste inputs
• removed waste inputs where elements of contamination can arise to ensure end user confidence
• reduced the plastic limits
• now require the producer to ensure that there is a confidence of end use
• clarified the point where the end-of-waste test is met

The second phase will start in summer 2026 to conclude the review of the risk assessment. The summer 2026 review will consider the latest research and findings.

Compost

Review outcome

Needs revising.

Current status

The review identified a number of elements that needed to be revised. Due to length of time needed to produce a new risk assessment, it was decided that the revision would be split into two phases.

The first phase of the revision process is now complete, and the new compost resource framework will be published soon.

In the first phase of updates, we:

• updated the waste inputs with ‘99’ codes to the correct waste codes, and improved the description of the approved waste inputs
• removed waste inputs where elements of contamination can arise to ensure end user confidence
• reduced the plastic limits
• now require the producer to ensure that there is a confidence of end use
• clarified the point where the end-of-waste test is met

The second phase will start in summer 2026 to conclude the review of the risk assessment. The summer 2026 review will consider the latest research and findings.

Poultry litter ash

Review outcome

Needs revising.

Current status

The poultry litter ash quality protocol has been withdrawn.

The only operator who used it decided not to proceed with a revision and applied to the definition of waste service for a case by case opinion for their material. No one else came forward to revise the quality protocol.

Aggregates from inert wastes

Review date

October 2020

Review outcome

Needs revising.

Current status

The task and finish group is set up and the revision process is ongoing.

Processed fuel oil

Review date

January 2021

Review outcome

Needs revising.

Current status

The task and finish group has been set up and the revision process is ongoing.

Tyre-derived rubber material

Review date

May 2021

Review outcome

Needs revising.

Current status

The task and finish group has been set up and the revision process is ongoing

Pulverised fuel ash and furnace bottom ash

Review date

October 2022

Review outcome

Needs revising.

Current status

The requirements will be republished as a resource framework.

During the call for evidence, industry showed an interest in adding more product inputs to this framework.

If you want the resource framework revised to include new products, contact resourcesframeworks@environment-agency.gov.uk to work with us to set up a task and finish group. Opening this framework up to revision will not put the framework at risk of withdrawal.

Biomethane from waste

Review date

July 2023

Current status

The requirements will be republished as the biomethane resource framework soon.

During the call for evidence, industry showed an interest in adding more product inputs to this framework, including carbon dioxide and hydrogen.

If you want the resource framework revised to include new products, contact resourcesframeworks@environment-agency.gov.uk to work with us to set up a task and finish group. Opening this framework up to revision will not put the framework at risk of withdrawal.

Ongoing QP reviews

Non packaging plastics: review starting with a call for evidence to industry due at the end of June 2025.

QP reviews that have not started

The following QPs still require review:

• biodiesel
• recycled gypsum from waste plasterboard
• aggregate from steel slag
• flat glass

Contact us

If a QP has been reviewed and needs revising you can apply to be part of a task and finish group to revise it. Please either:

• liaise with the relevant industry body or certification scheme
• email the Environment Agency resource frameworks team at resourcesframeworks@environment-agency.gov.uk