compost query

[rackie]

We're in the process of putting together our raised beds for our polytunnel and are now looking at filling them.The ground itself is pretty much solid clay with couch and reed so we've put down mypex and have raised to a height of 16 inches with an option to add a further 4 inches.We've sourced some local screened topsoil to which we're going to add compost,screened to 8mm, at a ratio of 1 part compost to 2 parts soil. The compost comes from a local environmental compost facility and the process is well explained on their website,65%green waste to 35% food waste,blended,shredded,heated,open air maturation followed by screening. Does anyone have any experience of using compost from the same type of set up as this? are there any issues?any thoughts welcome. Thanks

[debbie henri]

Strangely enough, the Environment Agency has just stepped in at my former place of work to say that new regulations are in place to govern the 'purity' of compost made from collected greenstuffs. Beforehand, we used to collect and compost garden refuse from the gardens where we worked, and when we thought it was ready we delivered it to allotments around London. But no more! Regulations are now there to make sure everything is properly screened before it is delivered.
In theory, the compost made by your local authority should be all well and good. As far as I know, any authority selling recycled greenstuff should be lincensed/registered with the Environment Agency. Should there be any complaint as to the purity of compost afterwards, you could contact the Agency if you got no joy with your authority.