1. Unless an approval specifically permits a different system, catering waste shall be treated by one of the systems specified in the table below. The system shall ensure that the material is treated to the following parameters:
| System | Composting in a closed reactor | Composting in a closed reactor | Composting in housed windrows |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum particle size | 40 cm | 6 cm | 40 cm |
| Minimum temperature | 60°C | 70°C | 60°C |
| Minimum time spent at the minimum temperature | 2 days | 1 hour | 8 days (during which the windrow shall be turned at least 3 times at no less than 2 days intervals) |
The time temperature requirements shall be achieved as part of the composting process.
| System | Biogas in a closed reactor | Biogas in a closed reactor |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum particle size | 5 cm | 6 cm |
| Minimum temperature | 57°C | 70°C |
| Minimum time spent at the minimum temperature | 5 hours | 1 hour |
2. The approval shall normally specify one of the methods in the table, but the Department may approve a different system if it is satisfied that it achieves the same reduction in pathogens as those methods (including any additional conditions imposed on those methods) in which case the approval shall fully describe the whole system.
3. If the approval for a composting plant specifies one of the methods in the table, it shall specify which one and, in addition, shall have as a condition either that –
(a)measures shall be taken at source to ensure that meat was not included in the catering waste and that following treatment the material is stored for at least 18 days, or
(b)following the first treatment, the material shall be treated again using one of the methods in the table and specified in the approval (not necessarily the same method as was used for the first treatment) except that, if the treatment is in a windrow, the second treatment need not be in a housed windrow.
4. The approval for a biogas plant shall specify one of the methods in the table and in addition require that either –
(a)measures were taken at source to ensure that meat was not included in the catering waste; or
(b)following treatment the material is stored for an average of 18 days after treatment (storage need not be in an enclosed system).