Resource Framework
Resource Frameworks and Quality Protocols (QPs) explain when a waste derived material can be regarded as a non-waste product and no longer subject to waste controls.
They aim to produce high quality products from waste materials to promote greater recovery and recycling.
There are 13 QPs for a range of waste derived materials which are currently undergoing review (Apr 2026) [1].
Using a QP whilst it is being revised
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- the revision concludes without resolution and the QP is withdrawn [1]
When a new resource framework is published
Once a new framework has been published it can be used to achieve end of waste.
For those businesses wanting to use the original QPs after a new resource framework has been published then they will need to comply with full waste regulatory controls [1].
Individual Quality Protocol Status
The 13 QPs are:
- Anaerobic digestate - first phase of revision process complete; new anaerobic digestate resource framework published
- Compost - first phase of the revision process complete - compost resource framework published.
- Poultry litter ash - withdrawn
- Aggregates from inert wastes - revision on-going
- Processed fuel oil - revision on-going
- Tyre-derived rubber material - awaiting re-publication to a resource framework
- Pulverised fuel ash and furnace bottom ash - awaiting republication as a resource framework.
- Biomethane from waste - republished as biomethane resource framework
- Non-packaging plastics - needs revising
- Aggregate from waste steel slag - rreview has begun
- biodiesel - requires review
- recycled gypsum from waste plasterboard - requires review
- flat glass - requires review
