Green Compass

The Green Compass Scheme is applicable to waste management organisations in Wales that process construction, industrial, commercial or household waste, for example, at a transfer station, treatment facility or disposal site.

Established in 2009 PAS402 and the Green Compass Scheme were developed by CEW to provide support to and independent verification of the performance of waste management organisations.

The scheme also provides validated waste data, increases material recovery/tonnes waste diverted from landfill, provides a mechanism for continual improvement within the waste industry, improves business efficiency and heightens customer confidence.

Waste management organisations have seen a direct benefit from achieving inspection to the scheme. Benefits reported from an independent evaluation include:

  • Reduced operating costs as a result of reusing and recycling waste
  • Improved profitability as a result of increasing levels of materials efficiency
  • Improved operating and safety practices
  • Increased levels of business as procurement process especially as the public sector begin to favour those businesses with recognised sustainability credentials and verified performance

To date sixty-six waste management companies have been independently United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) inspected, verifying the diversion from landfill of 2,081,566 tonnes of waste. This has improved the evidence that supports the delivery of waste services and resource efficiency. Since the introduction of the Scheme participating companies have diverted an additional 148,358 tonnes of waste from landfill.

For more information please be directed to the Green Compass Scheme website.