The Flemish Compost Quality Assurance Scheme explained by demonstrating an average example
About this good practice
Quality Assurance of compost(ing) is required by (Flemish) legislation. In this Quality Assurance System (QAS) the input, process and end product are controlled and audited. This includes sampling and analysis in conformity with recognized methods and ECN-QAS benchmark. Quality Assurance of professional composting plants is based on 3 criteria:
1) Good Practices are followed.
2) Self control by the composting plant: this includes the presence of an internal quality system, a protocol of acceptance for input, a process control, a quality control of the end-products and the submission of a product information document (stating the reasoned use).
3) Independent control (by Vlaco), which includes sampling of the end product, sample analyses (by accredited laboratories), audits (#/year) (pre-, main- and follow-up) and # administrative checks.
When conformity of the criteria above has been verified by Vlaco it will hand out, a Vlaco certificate (1y). This Vlaco certificate confirms the compost now has a product status as a marketable soil improver and no longer a waste status..
A treatment plant can also choose to obtain a so called Vlaco-label (= an additional inspection label for Vlaco-certified compost). The producer then voluntarily commits to stricter process and product standards than the legal standards of the Vlaco certificate (incl more monitoring, more sampling and more administrative checks). Achieving a Vlaco-label has a commercial advantage.
Resources needed
Every year biowaste (produced by 6,5 mio inhabitants) is selectively retrieved and processed. Much of it is (pre-digested/) composted. Vlaco performs the QA. The operating costs for audits, samples, analyses and certification is funded through members (membership and operating contributions).
Evidence of success
Only Vlaco-certified compost is allowed to be marketed in Flanders. In 2023 Vlaco ensured the quality of 443.000 tons of compost. The use of this compost can lead to healthy farmland and gardens, and potting soils that meets legal requirements.
Potential for learning or transfer
When turning waste into compost, a number of steps are needed to ensure a useful and healthy end product. Vlaco's QAS can help with this and has proven in the past to be a good guarantee of developing qualitative products that can be used in gardening, agriculture, public places (e.g. parks)
