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Facilitating the Production of Clean and Safe Compost and Mulch Products for Use by the Landscape Industry

Facilitating the Production and Use of Clean and Safe Compost & Mulch Products

 

The Federal Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water has recently engaged a consortium* led by Dr Kevin Wilkinson, Frontier Ag & Environment, to consider revising the Australian Standard for Composts, soil conditioners and mulches (AS4454-2012) in order to facilitate the production of clean, consistent and safe urban-derived compost and mulch products, which users can trust and use with confidence. One of the key objectives of this work will be to markedly reduce physical contaminants, particularly soft plastics. “We aim to achieve this by minimising their presence in composting feedstock and by imposing more stringent maximum levels in compost products ready for use”, Johannes Biala from The University of Queensland elaborated.

“We will also address chemical contaminants, but due to the lack of data on the possible presence and impacts of chemicals of concern and the difficulties of establishing ‘safe’ threshold limits, we will seek alternative approaches for the management and reduction of chemical and biological contaminants”, said Dr Wilkinson. He added that this project will not be just a desktop study, but that much time and effort will be spent engaging and consulting with key industry and government bodies along the organics recycling supply chain, which of course includes the landscaping industry. This will ensure that views, ideas and opinions of all key stakeholders are captured and inform the outcome, which will be a pathway towards the production of quality-assured clean and safe urban-derived compost and mulch products, which the landscaping industry can trust and use beneficially. “In fact”, Kevin added, “the compost standard may not be the best tool to address every issue, so we will also be assessing other options for the management and reduction of physical, chemical and biological contaminants in urban-derived compost products, so they are more attractive for use in the amenity horticulture sector”.

Please note that this review does not cover the Australian Standard for Soils for landscaping and garden use (AS4419-2018).

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* Partners: Science into Action, Murrang Earth Sciences, The University of Queensland – CROWN

Contact:

Dr Kevin Wilkinson, Project Leader & Director, Frontier Ag & Environment Ph: 0421 959 960 E: admin@as4454review.com.au

Project website: www.as4454review.com.au

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