I sent as below to the local MP`s........
Dear Sir/Madam,
Contaminated "Green Compost" usage in the UK National Overview.
As a hobby metal detectorist and Committee member of the National Council for Metal Detecting (NCMD) I am writing to highlight the ongoing issue of Contaminated Green Compost (CGC) being spread across prime arable land across the UK.
Whilst the majority of people understand the need for composting,as opposed to landfill,there seems to be a serious failure in the proper implementation & enforcement of product screening. This maybe because of a grey area between Domestic Compost covered by BSI PAS 100 (source;
http://www.wrap.org.uk/content/bsi-pas- ... ty-compost ) and product provided to Farms on industrial scales at little or no cost, this can vary from mashed MDF crumbs (produced from old kitchen units) used as animal bedding/absorbent through to shredded,composted park/domestic recycling waste both of which have a high content of alloys and mixed metallic waste within.
The primary concern is that there is a high level of possibility that as these products break down in the soil the base chemicals will be absorbed into crops & subsequently enter the food chain.
An example of a non-metallic product that will decay quickly is that of Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF) this contains Formaldehyde which is classified in the UK & Europe as a Category 3 Carcinogenic.
Similarly metal detecting finds in fields across the country have included batteries, alloy fittings,alloy foil,needles and similar waste metal which is a matter of great concern for the future.
We understand that in small quantities these metals may cause little or no harm but, if the practice is not better controlled soon then the potential for large build ups of Heavy Metal contamination could spiral out of control with potentially harmful effects on public health as these waste products break down.
Metal detectorists throughout the UK are raising awareness to a number of MP`s & Organisations that CGC is not acceptable without an improved & properly enforced screening system to remove a greater percentage of physical contaminants.
Contaminated "Green Compost" usage in Leicestershire/Nottinghamshire.
I have taken the opportunity to conduct an experiment on a farm that my Club have permission to detect on, the location is on the Leicestershire/South Nottinghamshire border. I marked an area of 10 metres by 10 metres and removed all non ferrous metal items. Whilst, as detectorists, we expect a certain level of metallic waste such as mastitis tubes etc the result was horrifying. 80 items of scrap alloy, plastic waste lying on the surface and large, undegradable alloy items were found. It would not be unreasonable to extrapolate these finds across the entire 45 acre field. The results, pictures and an article by John Wells, NCMD President can be found from page 25 at en.calameo.com/read/000121606025da29e897
The countryside is something we should all be proud of and care for, not only that it is the garden that provides us with food for the nation.
We ask that you, as our elected MP`s,ensure awareness is raised about this issue through Parliament and positive, proactive action is taken to remove a higher percentage of physical contaminants prior to composting.
Yours Sincerely
I shall wait & see the rtesponse....