Certification applies when an organisation operates an actual, auditable process within the scheme's scope and can demonstrate waste origin, traceability, stream quality and consistent quantity data.
The scheme covers the stage before recycling
Sorting Process Certification focuses on processes in which waste is received, identified, sorted and separated into appropriate streams before the recycling process itself.
Primary sorting
This may involve separating a mixed waste stream into basic material fractions, such as plastics, metals, paper and glass.
Secondary sorting
This involves more detailed separation of the plastics stream, for example by polymer, colour, product type or other requirements of the downstream recycler.
What must the organisation control?
- waste origin and status;
- the collection system;
- incoming delivery documents;
- identification and storage of streams;
- quality parameters;
- input and output quantities;
- rejects and other fractions;
- subcontracting, where applicable.
Waste traders
The scheme also provides an appropriate scope for eligible waste traders. Brokerage or trading activities require the detailed conditions of the current scheme to be checked before eligibility can be established.
Where does sorting end and recycling begin?
The boundary depends on the actual operations. If a process starts transforming waste into recycled output, the scope of Recycling Process Certification needs to be considered.
Key point
Sorting Process Certification is suitable for organisations that can demonstrate control over the origin, quality and flow of waste before the recycling stage itself.