Health and safety, emissions and emissions control
issues for composting of mixed and separately collected MSW fractions have
been extensively reviewed (e.g. CIWM 2002, Deportes et al. 1995, Efstathios
and Stentiford 2004, Epstein 1996, Forster et al. 2001, Gillett 1992,
Newport 1990).
In 2004 the Composting Association produced a
Guide for Site Managers on Health and Safety at Composting Sites,
which provides comprehensive guidance. Also in 2004 Defra released a detailed
Review of Environmental and Health Effects of Waste Management: Municipal
Solid Waste and Similar Wastes. This describes in detail the possible
health effects that might be attributable to composting operations. In 2001
the Environment Agency released Technical Guidance on Composting Operations,
