A briefing note to help wood recyclers and processors understand RPS 352 and their waste wood storage options has been issued today (July 11) by the Wood Recyclers’ Association.
The note was produced following ongoing discussions between the WRA and the Environment Agency about RPS 352 and outlines key points and recommendations.
First introduced on June 16 following calls from the WRA and wider waste industry, RPS 352 allows permitted sites to apply to exceed their permitted storage limits in certain circumstances. The RPS was introduced in response to current issues with the offtake for wastes including wood and was updated following discussions with the WRA on June 26th.
The briefing note addresses previous concerns over the timeframe of the RPS and also looks at alternative routes to extending waste storage, such as Local Enforcement Pathways (LEPs) and Exemptions.
Among the WRA’s recommendations are that those applying must ensure their case demonstrates environmental responsibility and includes clear evidence of demand reduction.
Although sites which supply the panel board industry are not included within the RPS’s scope, it is recommended that if wood recyclers/processors who supply this end market have evidence that they have been impacted by the current supply situation, they should look at applying under RPS 352 or for a LEP or exemption.
Vicki Hughes, Technical Lead on the WRA board, said: “While any application must follow legal requirements, the Environment Agency has said it is encouraging creative, compliant proposals and will aim to be supportive where possible.”