The Quality Protocol

Purpose of the Quality Protocol

The purpose of the Quality Protocol is to provide a uniform control process for producers, from which they can reasonably state and demonstrate that their product has been fully recovered and is no longer a waste. It also provides purchasers with a quality-managed product to common aggregate standards, which increases confidence in performance. Also, the framework created by the Protocol provides a clear audit trail for those responsible for ensuring compliance with Waste Management Legislation.

Checklists and Guidance

To complement the Quality Protocol, WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme) has recently published two new sets of checklists and guidance documents which will help those producing and procuring recycled aggregates to ensure compliance with the existing Quality Protocol for Aggregates.

The Quality Protocol for the production of aggregates from inert waste -produced by WRAP in conjunction with the Quarry Products Association, the Highways Agency and the Environment Agency - set an industry benchmark for recycled aggregate production and for demonstrating the point at which a product may cease to be considered waste.

The new compliance checklists provide further guidance that addresses in more detail the requirements of those producing and specifying sustainable aggregates. The documents provide a roadmap that enables producers to demonstrate their material has been produced in a way that complies with the Quality Protocol for Aggregates. They also provide guidance which will allow end-users to differentiate between suppliers, ensuring the quality of the materials they are purchasing and subsequently determine their own compliance with Waste Management Regulations.

Best practice in the use of the Quality Protocol is currently being promoted through a series of dissemination events, including workshops open to the whole supply chain. More information on dates and booking details is available from this page.