The Wood Recyclers’ Association (WRA) has called for clarification on what grades of wood are acceptable for small scale biomass boilers, after finding “inconsistencies” in guidance.
The concerns surround potential inconsistencies in guidance on exactly what grade of wood is acceptable for small scale Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) biomass boilers which don’t have to comply with the Waste Incineration Directive (WID).
The WRA has called for clarification on what grades of wood are acceptable for small scale biomass boilers
Environment Agency guidance, said the WRA, states only clean ‘grade A’ wood can be used in non-WID boilers. The Waste Incineration Directive (WID) aims to protect the environment from harmful emissions from thermal treatment.
Guidance
However, local authority guidance, said the association, can allow a mix of grade A and in certain circumstances grade B, to be used in non-WID boilers processing less than three tonnes an hour, under a ‘B Permit’. And, some local authority guidance refers to a further description of Grade B, which the WRA says needs to be explained more clearly.
The trade body said confusion has resulted in some boiler manufacturers being able to sell non-WID compliant boilers on the basis that lower grade woods can be burnt in them.
Andy Hill, chair of the WRA, said that while the trade body awaits clarification it has decided to adopt an interim position of only recommending to its members the use of virgin or untreated pre-consumer waste wood for small scale RHI (non-WID compliant) boilers.
‘Ambiguous’
“We know there are situations where lower grade materials have been used in small-scale non WID biomass boilers and that has prompted us to look at exactly what guidance is available for our members. Having done that, it is clear the guidance is inconsistent and ambiguous which is totally unacceptable,” Mr Hill said.
“We will be working with the Environment Agency, OFGEM, the Biomass Suppliers List and local authority representatives to ensure that there is consistency on this issue in the future.”
The WRA has also temporarily stopped taking on any new biomass boiler manufacturers to its membership until the situation is clarified.
“We will be working with the Environment Agency, OFGEM, the Biomass Suppliers List and local authority representatives to ensure that there is consistency on this issue in the future.”
Andy Hill
WRA
The move is part of the trade association’s drive to raise standards across the waste wood industry as it develops a Code of Practice which it will expect all members to sign up to in the future.
Consistency
The WRA has already called for T6 exemptions for wood recycling to end and is now working closely with the Biomass Suppliers list, the Environment Agency, OFGEM, local authorities and others to ensure consistency on this issue.
The T6 exemption allows waste wood and waste plant matter to be chipped, shredded, cut or pulverised, to make it easier to store and transport, or to convert it into a suitable form to use.
Mr Hill added: “We have to lead the way with this and other similar issues and our position is clear. We need clarification and consistent guidelines from the bodies who regulate this industry and we will be strict with our membership to ensure that guidance is followed by anyone within our organisation.”
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Source: letsrecycle.com Waste Managment
