The United Kingdom Government has initiated measures to prohibit the utilization of waste carpets on equestrian surfaces. This is a significant development as new regulations are expected to take effect before the year’s end. This decision comes due to the Environment Agency’s (EA) revaluation of the risks related to the usage of shredded waste carpets in equestrian surfacing, signaling a giant shift in regulatory guidelines.
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The circulation is driven by way of rising worries over the ability of unfavorable influences of chemicals and microplastics normally located in discarded carpets on human and animal health, in addition to the surroundings.
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The issue of materials used on equestrian surfaces, encompassing both arenas and gallops, has raised concerns among regulatory authorities. In response to this, legislation known as the Regulatory Position Statement (RPS) was introduced to govern the incorporation of waste carpets into these surfaces. RPS248 was a dedicated regulation crafted to govern the utilization of shredded or fiber-form waste carpet, encompassing discarded carpet fibers, offcuts from new carpets in both the UK and the EU, as well as post-consumer waste carpet subjected to treatment. This regulation set forth stringent criteria pertaining to the volume and category of carpet permissible, the treatment procedures it had undergone, and the required distance between these surfaces and watercourses
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Use of waste carpet in equestrian surfaces to be banned https://t.co/I9CNRTelY4 pic.twitter.com/4loeE5V8g5
— Horse & Hound (@horseandhound) October 24, 2023
The decision to revoke RPS248 stems from an enhanced comprehension of how carpets are manufactured and their potential environmental implications. The Environment Agency has maintained a close working relationship with the carpet recycling industry, notably with organizations such as Carpet Recycling UK (CRUK), to actively address these concerns. A spokesperson from the Environment Agency has confirmed that owners of equestrian surfaces utilizing waste carpet are not immediately obligated to remove the carpet material.
The choice to retract RPS248 was primarily driven by an extensive review of the evidence related to the presence of chemicals in carpets. Chemicals and microplastics identified in shredded carpets pose a potential threat to human and animal health, as well as the environment. The original ‘low-waste risk position’ established in 2012, which had allowed the use of waste carpets on various surfaces, was replaced by RPS248 due to mounting concerns regarding chemicals, microplastic emissions, and non-conforming material contamination. The decision to repeal RPS248 was further substantiated by subsequent data and insights shared by members of the CRUK working group
As the briefing to CRUK highlighted, “In future, the regulatory discussions will be about whether the level of contamination is so high as to require hazardous waste incineration of waste carpet.” While the proportion exceeding this limit is currently considered too small for such action, it is recognized that the presence of chemicals of concern in carpets necessitates their environmentally sound management. Consequently, using such carpets in equestrian surfacing will no longer be deemed low-risk.
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The Environment Agency does indicate a potential allowance for the use of waste carpets if certain conditions are met. In particular, they might entertain permit applications from facilities with the capability to proficiently identify and exclude carpets containing worrisome chemicals while also managing the release of microplastics. Carpets exclusively composed of natural fibers and known for their benign chemical compositions could potentially continue to be employed on equestrian surfaces.
Mark Gilbert, from Advanced Equine Surfaces, expressed concern about the financial implications of this decision for companies in the equestrian marketplace. He stated that they would work with industry leaders to ensure compliance with the new regulations and the continued safety of equestrian surfaces.
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