Waste biomass type guidance

A accredited AWT facility may use waste biomass type to produce biochar.

Accredited AWT facility operators are required to obtain information, maintain records, and report on the source and supply of waste biomass type to the accredited AWT facility to ensure it complies with relevant requirements of the PyCCS method.

The Technical Governance Committee has assessment sheets to assist nominated persons to apply requirements relevant to waste biomass type prescribed by the Biomass Energy (Biochar Production Systems ) Specifications (the Requirements). These assessment sheets can be used to demonstrate the eligibility of waste biomass type in support of an application for AWT facility accreditation.

Waste biomass type

The following waste biomass types can be processed into biochar:

■ energy crops;

■ wood waste;

■ agricultural waste;

■ waste from processing of agricultural products;

■ food processing waste;

■ bagasse;

■ biomass-based components of municipal solid waste.

Energy crops

Biomass from plantations is eligible as a raw material source, if it meets requirements prescribed under section 10 of the BPS Specifications.

Wood waste

Wood waste is eligible as a raw material source if it meets requirements prescribed under section 9 of the BPS Specifications. 

The assessment sheet covers the 4 categories of wood waste:

■ non-native environmental weeds harvested for control or eradication

■ manufactured wood product or by-product from a manufacturing process

■ waste products from the construction of buildings or furniture

■ sawmill residue.

Agricultural waste

Agricultural waste is eligible as a raw material source, if it meets requirements prescribed under subsection 7 (1) of the BPS Specifications.

About these assessment sheets

These assessment sheets must be completed and uploaded in the System Registry in support of your application for AWT facility accreditation.

If an assessment sheet does not cover your particular circumstances, contact us for help.

Nominated persons must maintain records relevant to the waste biomass type for the production of biochar for a period of five years.

Suppliers of waste biomass type to accredited AWT facility

Suppliers of waste biomass type are not required to register in the scheme but should provide the AWT facility operator with specified information or documents upon request.