Standard Owner Benchmark - Compost Quality Assurance Organisation

The Compost Quality Assurance Organisation (CQAO) is a non-profit organization that provides quality assurance for compost products through certification, testing, education, and outreach. Founded in 1994 and headquartered in the United Kingdom, the CQAO plays a crucial role in setting high-quality standards for compost producers and users.

The main objective of the CQAO is to ensure that compost products meet the CQAO Compost Quality Standard, which includes criteria such as biodegradability and humification standards. By providing third-party certification, the CQAO verifies that composting facilities produce a stabilized end product that meets these standards. This certification gives consumers and users of compost products confidence in their quality and environmental performance.

In addition to certification, the CQAO offers a range of services to support composting businesses. This includes regular and comprehensive analysis of samples to monitor trends in feedstock and compost quality. By providing technical advice and support, the CQAO helps composting businesses troubleshoot issues and solve problems that may arise during the composting process.

The CQAO also contributes to the development of the composting industry through research and development activities. They invest in studies and projects that support innovation, efficiency, and sustainability in composting practices. This research helps to advance the knowledge and understanding of composting techniques and promotes best practices in the industry.

Education and information provision are other important aspects of the CQAO's work. They offer training on compost quality and its control, ensuring that composting businesses and professionals have the necessary knowledge and skills to produce high-quality compost. The organization also conducts outreach activities to raise awareness about the benefits of compost and its proper use in various applications, such as agriculture, landscaping, and soil improvement.

Overall, the CQAO plays a vital role in ensuring the quality and integrity of compost products. Through their certification, testing, education, and outreach efforts, they promote sustainable composting practices and contribute to the circular economy by diverting organic waste from landfills and transforming it into valuable resources for soil health and fertility.