Waste management - England Golf

Waste Management 

Best Practice Approach for 

English and Welsh Golf Clubs 

The Sports Turf Research Institute 

St Ives Estate 

Bingley 

West Yorkshire BD16 1AU 

Tel: 01274 565131 

Fax: 01274 561891 

Email: info@stri.co.uk 

www.stri.co.uk

This publication has been produced by the English Golf Union (EGU) 

in conjunction with the Sports Turf Research Institute (STRI) 

The English Golf Union Limited (EGU) has served as the governing body of male 

amateur golf in England since it was founded in 1924. Based at the National Golf 

Centre in Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire the EGU is one of the largest sports governing 

bodies in England looking after the interests of over 1,900 golf clubs and 740,000 

club members. It is a non-profit organisation run for the benefit of the game and its 

players. 

STRI is the independent market leader in turfgrass research and agronomy. It is the 

UK's national centre for consultancy in Sports & Amenity Turf and a recognised world 

centre for research. 

STRI’s Ecological and Enviromental Services for Golf: 

The Ecological and Environmental Department forms an integral part of the STRI’s 

Development Services and Europe’s leading environmental consultants specialising 

within the golf industry. The expertise within the department is wide ranging and our 

consultants are constantly involved with projects outside of golf covering a number of 

different issues. 

Funding partner: The Welsh Golfing Union (WGU) 

The Welsh Golfing Union was established in 1895. The objects of the Union as set 

out in the “Rules and Constitution” are: 

To take any steps which may be deemed necessary to promote and further the 

interest of the amateur game in Wales. 

To hold a Championship Meeting and other Individual or Team Meetings every 

year. 

To encourage, financially and/or otherwise, Inter-Club, Inter-County and 

International Matches and such other events as may be authorised by the Council. 

To assist in setting up and maintaining a uniform system of Course Rating and 

Handicapping. 

To assist in the establishment and maintenance of high standards of 

greenkeeping. 

Written by 

Lee Penrose & Bob Taylor, STRI 

Proof read by 

Paul Keeling, EGU 

Designed by 

Ann Bentley, STRI 

Disclaimer 

This publication is intended for use as a general guide only, and is not intended that any 

reliance be placed on it, nor on any information, advice or opinions contained in it. It is 

recommended that specific professional advice be sought in all circumstances before 

action is taken. The English Golf Union accepts no liability in respect of any event, 

matter, act or omission arising directly or indirectly in consequence of this publication 

unless expressly agreed in writing by the English Golf Union in any specific instance.

Contents 

4 

11 

17 

26 

39 

Introduction 

The Legal Framework 

The Golf Course 

The Maintenance Facility 

Glossary 

WASTE MANAGEMENT 

Best Practice Approach for English and Welsh Golf Clubs 

3

Introduction 

5 

6 

6 

7 

8 

9 

10 

Why bother 

Golf—the potential for waste 

Understanding waste 

A hierarchical approach 

Dealing with waste 

How big is your COW 

Planning for sustainability 



4

Introduction 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On average, each person in the UK 

throws away seven times their own 

body weight in rubbish every year. 

Recycling two glass bottles saves 

enough energy to boil water for five 

cups of tea. 

Every year, around 17 1 /2 billion plastic 

bags are given away by supermarkets; 

this is equivalent to 290 bags for every 

person in the UK. 

1 litre of spilt oil can pollute 1 million 

litres of fresh drinking water. 

Around a third of the contents of the 

average business waste basket 

contains paper and card. 

In 2001 UK businesses produced the 

equivalent weight of 245 jumbo jets per 

week in packaging waste. 

Why bother 

What is waste and why does it matter 

Waste or rubbish is what people throw away because they no longer need it 

or want it. Almost everything we do creates a waste, and as a society we are 

currently producing more waste than ever before. The problem is that when 

something is thrown away, we lose the natural resource, energy and the time 

which have been used to make the product. This process of using up the 

earth’s natural resources to make products which we then throw away in an 

“out of sight out of mind” fashion is not sustainable, in other words it cannot 

continue indefinitely. 

Around 434 million tons of solid waste is produced annually within England 

and Wales. Around 6% of this waste arises directly from office premises, 

which includes golf clubs (the remainder is made up from commercial, 

domestic and industrial waste). Most, if not all, of this 6% (equivalent to 26 

million tons) could be eliminated at source through following best practice, 

based upon the waste management hierarchy, outlined on Page 7. 

Waste has become an increasingly significant environmental and economic 

problem, one which affects us all and which we can all contribute both good 

and bad. Population growth, combined with an increasingly complex and 

technology-based society, centred around consumer-driven and disposable 

lifestyles, has led to a massive increase in the generation of solid waste over 

the last few years. 

However, the tide is beginning to turn with individuals, companies and entire 

sectors, recognising the unsustainable management operations of the past 

and considering their affects on the local and global environment. 

Furthermore, the production of waste is being seen by shrewd individuals 

within business as an inefficient use of resources. It is estimated that waste, 

in one form or another, typically costs the average UK business 5% of its 

annual turnover. 



5

Introduction 

Golf—the potential for waste 

The c.2,100 golf clubs throughout England and Wales represent a significant land 

use. Within the wider countryside they are an influential business in the leisure 

sector. As such, the industry as a whole generates large amounts of waste, but, 

therefore, provides significant potential for adopting best practice and making a 

tangible difference to the environment in which we all live. 

The carrot or the stick 

The waste generated from the average golf club can be 

extensive in amount and varied in nature 

Waste is generated in many 

different forms. It arises from 

every operation we 

undertake, be it on the golf 

course, in the clubhouse or 

maintenance facility. In 

order to make a real 

difference to both our local 

and global environment, 

and also economic 

improvements within the golf 

club, a holistic and 

combined approach must be 

adopted. 

The legal framework for waste management will be discussed within the following 

section of this publication, however it should not simply be read as a guide to the 

minimum requirements or “what can I get away with” Instead, the reader should 

view this section with the point of view “why is the legislation in place”, and realise 

that only by following best practice guidance can sustainability and long-term 

compliance ever be achieved. We should think of this as a ‘carrot or stick’ approach, 

with the unsustainable and undesirable management method of awaiting changes 

within legislation prior to improvements in operation being ‘the stick’, and adopting 

up-to-date best practice methodology, in order to bring about financial and 

environmental benefits, being ‘the carrot’. 

Understanding waste 

A lack of thought into “what is waste” is often behind unsustainable and potentially 

illegal waste management procedures. Once we begin to appreciate that every 

operation in life does give rise to a waste, then policies can be created and 

improvements made to the way we operate. When we think of waste, we may 

immediately conjure up images of the day-to-day refuse we place in dustbins, but it 

needs to be recognised that the issue is far wider reaching than this. 

This principle applies throughout the golf facility, including the maintenance 

compound and clubhouse, and thought therefore must be given to any potential 

waste arising from the day-to-day procedures associated with the running of a golf 

club. 

Simple course maintenance operations, such as greens mowing, woodland thinning, 

or bunker revetting, all give rise to waste materials, which should be considered prior 

to the operation itself. Equally, inappropriate day-to-day management of course 

maintenance machinery can result in the rapid wear of parts or oils, etc. which must 

be replaced on a more regular basis, thus creating unnecessary waste. 

Every member of society has a responsibility to address sustainable waste 

management, and nowhere is this as important than within the golf industry which 

has previously been viewed with scepticism from the wider public as a sector with 

poor environmental credentials. The good news is that the benefits of adopting waste 

management best practice at an individual golf club can not only play a small part in 

the global picture, but also provide real tangible and significant benefits on a local 

level. 



6

Introduction 

Considering holistic waste management not only fulfils the primary objectives of 

improving the environment but also, through simple and realistic changes to 

procedures, can reap financial benefits on a club level through reductions in time, 

energy and other purchases. 

A hierarchical approach 

Cost savings 

Eliminate 

Minimise 

Re-use 

Recycle 

Dispose 

Environmental benefits 

The issue of waste management should be addressed long before the arising 

waste actually requires handling. Adopting the principles of the waste management 

hierarchy (left), in all golf club operations, will ensure that waste is minimised and 

appropriately managed at every stage. 

Eliminate—Considering the packaging associated with a purchased product could 

eliminate the need for handling of waste at the golf club. Utilisation of re-usable 

packaging fits into this model at almost every stage, and can again eliminate the 

need for disposal of waste at the golf club. 

Minimise—Adopting sound ecological management of the golf course can 

significantly reduce the amount of grass waste which requires disposal. Efficient 

care and servicing of machinery will also prolong the life of perishable parts, once 

again reducing the need for frequency of management. Careful use of 

consumables, such as water and energy, also reduces waste management on a 

national and global level. 

Re-use—End of life machinery parts, tyres or oils can be re-used, either within the 

golf club or collected by external commercial organisations. Waste paper from 

within the clubhouse again can be re-used within the club, and there are numerous 

more examples readily available throughout this publication. 

Recycle—Recycling essentially means the re-use of a product in a different form. 

Composting of greens cuttings and other organic waste arising from the golf course 

is a commonly utilised form of recycling. Recycling can also take the more obvious 

forms of separating of glass bottles and tin cans prior to collection by an external 

agent. 

Dispose—If all avenues in the above four points have been explored and 

exhausted, then the final option in the waste management hierarchy is to 

appropriately dispose of the waste in question. Increasing landfill charges and an 

increased public awareness of waste management means that disposal of waste 

will become less desirable and unsustainable over time. Golf clubs also give rise to 

numerous hazardous wastes, which often incur charges for their disposal and thus 

elimination, reduction, re-use or recycling will often be the most cost-effective and 

environmentally sound method of management. 



7

Introduction 

Dealing with waste 

On a national level 

England 

The National Waste Strategy 2000—England can be viewed on-line at DEFRA’s 

website (www.defra.gov.uk). The strategy describes the vision for managing waste 

and resources and sets out the changes needed to deliver more sustainable 

development. The government has set challenging targets to increase the recycling 

of municipal waste, to recycle or compost at least 25% of household waste by 2005, 

30% by 2010 and 33% by 2015. 

Wales 

“Wise About Waste”: the National Waste Strategy for Wales, published in June 2002, 

can be viewed on-line at the National Assembly for Wales’ website at 

www.wales.gov.uk. The strategy sets the direction for developing sustainable waste 

management practices in Wales. Minimum targets have been set to increase the 

recycling and composting of municipal waste to 25% by 2007 and 40% by 2010. 

On a local level 

Remember, waste is an issue 

that affects us all and every 

individual has a 

responsibility to take action 

to deal with their own 

contribution. This is not a 

problem which should be 

dealt with by “the club down 

the road” or somebody else in 

general. 

Golf is a game which is inherently played in natural and beautiful surroundings. If the 

environment in which a golfer plays his or her round is degraded by local or 

widespread tipping and inappropriate waste management, then the quality of the golf 

course will rapidly decrease, giving rise to knock-on effects, such as loss of revenue 

and reputation within the industry. Unfortunately, the member in question, whose 

enjoyment of a game may have been spoilt by the sight of decomposing grass 

clippings or litter strewn within the rough, will often point the finger squarely at the 

greenkeeping team. It is imperative, therefore, that waste management is given 

consideration at all levels of the golf club, including the members and visitors 

themselves. 

Embedding the culture of sustainable waste management operations is often the 

most difficult task facing the waste manager at a golf club. A top down approach 

must be adopted as only by the club owner/secretary, chairman of the green, etc. 

setting an example will the remainder of the golf club take the movement seriously 

and adopt best practice themselves. 

Nominating responsibility and development of policies based upon well-researched 

information and advice will provide a sound basis for sustainable operations in the 

future. Imagine the difference the golf industry could make if each of the 2,100 golf 

clubs in England and Wales took it upon themselves to take action on one waste 

management issue, by developing a policy for recycling of glass bottles for example. 



8

Introduction 

How big is your COW 

One of the most important steps in initiating a waste minimisation and management 

programme is to conduct an audit to measure the usage of consumables and types 

and amounts of waste produced. In other words, what is the true size of your ‘Cost 

Of Waste’ (COW). 

A waste audit will provide a base line from which to measure the effectiveness of 

your waste minimisation and management policy, and also provide realistic targets 

which the entire club can work towards. This process, in itself, can be significant in 

terms of motivation, as many waste management measures can, on the face of it, 

seem quite trivial. Only when the cumulative results are calculated can significant 

cost-saving benefits be realised, which will allow the financial resources of the club 

to be reallocated into more “important” operations, such as greens management, 

etc., thus providing a strong motivation for the members to get involved. 

The basic role of a waste audit is to 

identify:– 

all points at which waste is 

generated 

the origin of each type of waste 

the quantity of waste 

cost of current disposal (including 

treatment, handling, storage and 

transport). 

Undertaking a waste management audit will immediately flag up opportunities for 

waste minimisation and cost reduction, and these will form the basis of the club’s 

long-term waste minimisation strategy. 



9

Introduction 

Planning for sustainability 

Following the nomination of responsibility and successful completion of a waste 

management audit, there will no doubt be a number of obvious steps which can be 

taken to reduce the size of your COW. It will now be time to begin formulation of a 

waste minimisation and sustainable management strategy. Each different waste 

stream arising from the golf club should be thought of in terms of the waste 

management hierarchy, with a few key underlying principles, i.e. 

1. Durability and obsolescence. Product durability and lifespan are key issues 

in ensuring a successful waste minimisation strategy. 

Would a wholesale embargo 

on heavily packaged golf shoes 

by the 2000 or so golf 

professionals in England and 

Wales force the manufacturers 

to review the necessity of the 

copious amounts of cardboard 

and plastic surrounding each 

pair of golf shoes they produce 

Effective maintenance of golf course machinery and electronic equipment will 

demand attention. Simple procedures, such as upgrading old office computers 

and regularly servicing machines will not only reduce waste in the long-run, but 

also save the club money. Seemingly trivial issues, such as the use of a fountain 

pen as opposed to a non-refillable ballpoint pen, the use of a real mug over a 

disposable plastic cup, or low energy light bulbs instead of traditional standard 

light bulbs, if undertaken throughout the club can also make a real difference. 

2. Use your purchasing power to improve waste minimisation. The 1994 

Directive on Packaging and Packaging Waste was aimed at reducing the amount 

of unnecessary packaging associated with products. Unfortunately however, we 

as a society have demanded increasingly flamboyant and colourful packaging, 

and manufacturers have responded by inventing new and ingenious ways to 

ensure their product is chosen over their competitors. 

Legislation alone will never be a sufficient driver to reduce the packaging created 

by product manufacturers, however the real power lies with the consumer. 

3. Communication and involvement. Undertaking small “winnable” projects 

such as installation of glass bottle and aluminium can recycling facilities at a golf 

club can be the first step in engaging the membership in a large scale waste 

minimisation programme. Use of e-mail as opposed to paper newsletters can be 

highlighted as an environmental project, and information on the long-term cost 

savings (and indeed plans for those surplus finances) championed as a 

worthwhile project. 

4. Green procurement. Buying recycled products is not only a method of 

ensuring waste minimisation is effective on a local scale, but also on a more 

national level. Recycling involves four discreet stages—collection, sorting, 

manufacturing and purchasing, and it is only if all four stages take place that 

recycling is successful. If markets do not exist for the collected material it piles 

up, often at great expense, and cannot be used. There are numerous recycled 

products available to both course maintenance and office management that are of 

high quality and competitively priced. The Waste Resources Action Programme 

www.wrap.org.uk is a specialist governmental group that provides advice on the 

purchasing of recycled products and is an exceedingly useful contact. 



10


12 

13 

Legislation affecting waste 

Current overview of acts and directives 


11 

Best Practice Approach for English and Welsh Golf Clubs


Legislation affecting waste 

Useful contacts on 

waste legislation 

www.wasteonline.org.uk 

www.netregs.com 

www.wastewatch.com 

www.envirowise.gov.uk 

www.environment-agency.gov.uk 

The legal framework surrounding waste management, both within and outside of 

the golf industry, is complex, often confusing and sometimes unclear. Outlined 

below are most significant directives affecting waste management, however it 

should be recognised that this list is in no way exhaustive and that other 

environmental and ecological legislation, such as the Wildlife and Countryside 

Act 1981 (as amended) and the Habitat’s Directive, could also impart controls on 

waste disposal if protected species or habitats could be affected. Please contact 

STRI or the Environment Agency if you are unclear at any time regarding your 

waste management responsibilities. 

Numerous individual Acts and Regulations apply for individual waste streams, such 

as oil, batteries, pesticides, machinery, etc., and these will be discussed during the 

Best Practice Guide section within this publication. 

Before disposing of any substance, it is important to determine whether or not it is 

actually waste. Waste does have a fairly clear definition, which is not based on its 

usefulness to the owner or monetary worth. The Environmental Protection Act 

1990 (Section 75-2) defines waste as one of the following categories:– 

Products past their expiry date 

Materials spilt, lost or having undergone mishap including materials, etc. 

contaminated as a result 

Contaminated or soiled materials as a result of planned action 

Contaminated or soiled materials as a result of remedial action (on land) 

Unusable parts 

Substances which no longer perform satisfactorily 

Pollution abatement processes 

Machining or finishing 

Residues resulting from: 

pollution abatement processes 

machining or finishing 

Contaminated materials 

Any substances, products or material banned by law 

Unwanted products 



12


Current overview of acts and 

directives 

Waste offences 

The EPA makes it an offence to:– 

Environmental Protection Act (EPA) 1990 

This is the single most important piece of environmental legislation of recent times. 

It controls many aspects of how the environment is protected and regulated on a 

day to day basis. 

Deposit controlled waste without 

licence 

Knowingly permit controlled waste 

to be deposited on site 

Keep, treat or dispose of controlled 

waste 

Knowingly cause or permit 

controlled waste to be kept, treated 

or disposed of unless a Waste 

Management Licence has been 

issued 

It is also an offence to keep, treat 

or dispose of controlled waste in a 

manner likely to cause pollution of 

the environment or harm to human 

health. (This applies whether a 

Waste Management Licence has 

been issued or not.) 

The EPA 1990 (amended 1995) provides the main statutory framework in relation 

to waste. In particular the document: 

Defines waste 

Outlines the roles and functions of the waste collection/disposal authorities and 

Environment Agency 

Establishes the criminal offences, in relation to waste 

Lays down the waste management licensing system 

Establishes the statutory Duty of Care in relation to waste 

The Waste Management Licensing Regulations 1994 

The Regulations set out the procedure for obtaining a licence and also deal with 

revocations, suspensions, appeals, public registers and the definition of fit and 

proper persons. 

The Regulations underpin the entire waste management licensing system and 

provide details on the key concepts outlined under the Environmental Protection 

Act (EPA) 1990. 

A Waste Management Licence (WML) granted under the Regulations will specify 

the type and quantity of waste that can be received by the licence owner and may 

contain special control conditions. 

A waste holder should always refer to the Waste Management Licensing 

Regulations to ascertain whether a WML is required. Alternatively, advice should 

be sought from the Environment Agency. 

Failure to comply will also lead to a breach of the Duty of Care. 



13


Waste producer’s responsibilities 

Describe the waste fully and accurately 

Store waste safely on site 

Select an appropriate treatment or 

disposal method 

Ensure waste falls within the terms of the 

waste contractor’s Waste Management 

Licence 

Pack waste securely 

Check waste carrier’s registration 

documents 

Make reasonable checks on the waste 

carrier or manager 

Report offences to the Environment 

Agency 

Complete and sign a waste transfer note 

of waste to another party 

You may need a Waste Carrier’s 

Registration if you are moving waste off 

your site of work 

Waste carrier’s responsibilities 

If you (or a third party) wish to transport 

waste from the golf club to a designated 

disposal site you must:– 

Have a Waste Carrier Registration 

Ensure adequacy of containment of 

wastes in your control 

Ensure waste does not escape 

Repack waste if necessary 

Make a visual inspection to check 

accuracy of waste description 

Re-describe waste that is treated or repacked 

Ensure waste is taken to an appropriate 

site with a Waste Management Licence 

or appropriate exemption—make 

reasonable checks on the waste 

manager 

Complete and sign transfer notes on any 

waste transfers to or from another party 

Report offences to the Environment 

Agency 

Environmental Protection (Duty of Care) Regulations 

1991 

This regulation concerns the safe disposal of wastes and places responsibilities 

on both the manufacturer of the waste and the golf club (company producing 

waste). 

The duties and responsibilities laid down opposite are as much to protect the 

producer of the waste from disreputable waste disposal firms as they are to 

protect the environment. This is because the company producing the waste is still 

responsible for the waste even when someone has removed it from their site. If it 

turns up in a ditch, the producer of the waste can also be prosecuted, not just the 

firm fly tipping it. 

The Special Waste Regulations 1996 

Special Waste is essentially any waste on a hazardous waste list that came out of 

the Directive. To be on the list, it must contain one or more of 14 hazardous 

properties, or more than a threshold amount of a “dangerous substance” which if 

simply buried in landfill would cause environmental pollution or negative health 

effects. The specific nature of what is special waste is detailed below. However, 

if in doubt, ask the manufacturer of the product from which the waste arises or the 

Environment Agency. 

The purpose of the 1996 Regulations is to provide control over special waste from 

the time the waste is produced to its final disposal or recovery, the so-called 

‘Cradle to Grave’ philosophy. 

The Special Waste Regulations apply to persons who produce, carry, receive, 

keep, treat (including recovery) or dispose of special waste. 

Waste is defined as ‘Special’ if: 

It is any controlled waste, other than household waste, which is in the list set 

out in the Special Waste Regulations. 

It is any controlled waste (including waste not on the above lists) other than 

household waste, if it is: 

Highly flammable 

Irritant 

Harmful 

Toxic/carcinogenic 

Corrosive 



14


Additional considerations/ 

documentation 

Considerations to be taken when 

determining BATs within the golf club 

include:– 

Use of low waste technology 

Use of less hazardous substances 

Recovery and recycling of waste 

materials/by-products 

Alternative processes, facilities or 

operational methods (successfully 

trialed on an industrial scale) 

Technological changes/advances in 

science 

Nature, effects and volume of 

emissions; commissioning dates for new 

or existing installations 

Time needed to introduce BAT 

Nature and consumption of process raw 

materials (including water and energy 

efficiency) 

Prevention/reduction to a minimum of 

the impact of emissions to the 

environment 

The need to prevent accidents and 

minimise their consequences to the 

environment 

Any information published by the 

European Commission and/or 

International Organisations 

Pollution Prevention and Control Act 1999 

The Act is written so as to enable the prevention or, where not possible, the 

reduction of pollution by means of an integrated permitting process based on the 

application of Best Available Techniques (BAT). The aim is to achieve a high level 

of environmental protection by taking into account pollutant emissions to air, water 

and land; energy efficiency; consumption of raw materials; noise/vibration; heat/ 

light; pollution prevention; waste management; and site restoration. 

Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control is required for all activities listed in 

Annex 1 of the Directive which includes a section called ‘Waste Management’ 

which encompasses any commercial activity that produces waste. 

Clean Air Act 1993 

Urban air quality earlier last century was extremely poor with frequent episodes of 

smog and sulphur fumes from industrial chimneys and stacks. When the London 

Smog Incident occurred in 1952, lasting for five days and contributing to more than 

4000 deaths, the Government appointed a committee to study air pollution. The 

eventual result was the Clean Air Act 1956, extended by the Clean Air Act 1968. 

These Acts constituted the operative legislation against pollution by smoke, grit 

and dust from domestic fires and commercial and industrial processes not covered 

by other legislation. They also regulated the combustion of solid, liquid and 

gaseous fuels and controlled the heights of new chimneys. 

The 1956 and 1968 Acts have now been consolidated and their provisions reenacted 

in the Clean Air Act 1993. 

Groundwater Regulations 1998 

The Regulations complete the implementation of the obligations of the 

Groundwater Directive. The purpose of this Directive is to prevent the pollution of 

groundwater by certain named substances, these substances are on ‘List I’ and 

‘List II’ of the Directive and are available from the Environment Agency at 

www.netregs.com. The Regulations prohibit discharges of List I substances to 

groundwater, and limit the discharge of List II substances so as to prevent pollution 

of groundwater. These requirements apply to all direct and indirect discharges to 

groundwater. They have put a limit on pollution of 1 part of pesticide to 

10,000,000,000 parts of drinking water—equivalent to one drop in an Olympic size 

swimming pool! 

Under the Regulations it is an offence to cause or knowingly permit the disposal, 

or tipping for the purpose of disposal, of any List I or List II substance in 

circumstances which might lead to its introduction into groundwater. 



15


What is groundwater 

Groundwater provides drinking water (both 

public and private supplies), industrial uses 

(such as mineral water bottling) and is 

important for the success and sustainability 

of the wider aquatic environment, including 

wetlands and rivers. 

Groundwater is rainwater that has infiltrated 

and collected in permeable rocks below the 

surface. These bodies of groundwater are 

known as aquifers. Groundwater is water 

below the surface of the ground in direct 

contact with the ground or subsoil. The 

saturated zone is where all the cracks in 

the rock and all the pore spaces between 

the grains of rock are totally filled with 

water. The upper limit of the saturated 

zone may be thought of as the water table. 

Above the water table is the unsaturated 

zone, which is where the cracks and pore 

spaces in the rock are partly and 

temporarily filled with water, depending on 

rainfall patterns. 

The Water Framework Directive (WFD) 

The EU Water Framework Directive came into force in December 2000. It is the 

most substantial piece of EC water legislation to date, introducing far reaching 

implications for all sectors whose activities impact on, or are impacted by, the 

water environment. These include the water industry, agriculture, development 

and all businesses that have discharge consents, trade effluent licences or 

abstraction licences (e.g. golf clubs). The Directive will also be relevant to local 

authorities in their role as planning authorities and other agencies that have a 

direct or indirect role in the management of the water environment. 

The primary objectives of the Directive include:– 

Preventing deterioration of, and enhancing, ecological water quality 

Ensuring reduction/prevention of groundwater pollution 

Aiming to progressively reduce/eliminate pollution especially from priority 

hazardous substances 

Promoting sustainable water use 

Contributing to mitigation of floods and droughts 

The Directive:– 

Adopts an integrated approach 

Adopts River Basin Districts as planning/management units 

Applies to all waters 

Tackles diffuse source pollution 

Requires stakeholder participation/public consultation 

Pollution of groundwater occurs slowly. It is 

often unsuspected and it can be many 

years before the true extent of the problem 

is known. It is important to protect 

groundwater since, once polluted, it is very 

difficult and costly to restore to its natural 

state and may take many years before it is 

suitable for use again—in certain cases it 

may even be technically infeasible to 

reinstate it. 

Both the objectives of the Directive and the timescales for implementation are 

very ambitious:– 

The Directive was incorporated into UK law by the end of 2003 

River Basin Management Plans have to be determined by the end of 2009 

Programmes of measures to be operating by the end of 2012 

Good water status to be delivered for most waters by the end of 2015 

COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) 

Regulations 

The COSHH Regulations concern the listing of all hazardous materials that have 

been purchased, used or sold. Each should be provided with a hazard data and a 

safety data sheet—make sure you have a copy of each. You can use these to 

identify possible concerns about use, disposal or what to do if there is a spillage. 

If you need further information, contact your supplier. This information is needed 

to make sure you comply with Health and Safety legislation, particularly COSHH 

Regulations. 



16

The Golf Course: 

Best practice guide to the 

management of selected 

waste streams 

18 

21 

22 

24 

25 

Fine turf clippings 

Rough grassland 

Dead wood 

Leaf litter 

Soil cores, turf and other sand/soil waste 


17 



Best practice guide to the management of selected waste streams 

Fine turf clippings 

The problem with fine turf clippings 

Collection and disposal of nutrient enriched greens, tees and fairway clippings has 

been an ever increasing problem within golf over the latter part of last century 

through a variety of issues including:– 

poor greens management techniques leading to lush growth 

a demand for wider fairways 

all year round golf 

a changing climate 

a demand for faster greens leading to a reduction in heights of cut 

a significant average increase in the size of tees 

An interesting method of grass clippings disposal! 

Traditionally, fine turf clippings have formed an important part of compost 

manufacture on the golf course and have been considered a valuable commodity. 

With the onset of today’s ‘disposable lifestyles’ and the ability to buy in ready-made 

compost, this practice largely ceased over the past 30 years. Since that time, the 

disposal of this previously useful asset has become a hindrance to the course 

manager. Indiscriminate dumping behind trees, over walls, within the rough, etc. has 

become commonplace. Not only is this bad practice leading to a nutrification of the 

rough, poisoning of the soil and unsightly and foul smelling heaps on the golf course 

but is also potentially illegal dependent on the individual circumstances. Even 

widespread dissemination into the rough will increase the nutrient status of the soil, 

thus leading to the sward becoming dominated by the broader-leaved and 

undesirable grass species which provide a poor golfing hazard and minimal 

ecological and aesthetic interest. 

The amounts of grass clippings produced on a golf course will be determined by:– 

soil nutrient status 

amounts of fertiliser applied 

local climate 

size of greens and tees 

As an approximation, for an 18 hole golf course the total clippings weight per annum 

will be in the range of 8 to 10 tonnes (equivalent to 16,000 to 20,000 litres) of fresh 

cuttings. The greatest production will be between April and September, with peaks at 

either end of this period. On a weekly basis the amounts produced average between 

300 and 500 kg (equivalent to between 600 and 1,000 litres). As the grass 

decomposes, the volume of material is reduced substantially; due to loss of the liquid 

fraction which comprises 70 to 80% of the leaf material. This liquid contains a 

concentrated potassium solution and will kill turf by scorching. Moreover, if this liquid 

enters waterways it is highly toxic to aquatic life. 



18



Best Practice Guidelines 

The best method of ensuring best 

practice and legal compliance is to adopt 

suitable turf management methods and 

reduce the amount of clippings produced. 

Minimal water and nutrient input will 

create sustainable and high quality 

greens. 

Only on golf greens and tees is the 

collection of clippings likely to be 

essential. 

Clippings can be dispersed on fairways— 

dispersal over large areas can be 

achieved using a specialist clippings 

spreader. 

Localised applications can be useful for 

weak or drought-prone fairway areas. No 

more then 500 gm -2 (approx. 1 ml -2 ) 

should be applied at any one time. It is 

also advisable to avoid areas prone to 

worm casting. 

Legislation relating to fine turf 

clippings 

It should be 

noted that 

The Groundwater Regulations 1998 strictly prohibit the 

fresh-cut fine 

polluting of groundwater via organic leaching: “It is an 

turf clippings 

offence for anyone to cause or knowingly permit the 

contain a 

entry into surface waters or groundwater of solid waste 

significant 

matter, or of poisonous, noxious or polluting matter”. 

quantity of 

These regulations are largely associated with the 

plant 

pollution of drinking water and water quality. 

nutrient, at 

approximately 

When fully implemented The Water Framework 

0.75% N, 0.5% 

Directive (WFD) will provide much tighter controls on 

K and 0.05% P. 

the pollution of streams, ditches, rivers and lakes, etc. 

and consider the ecological implications much more. Each area of England and 

Wales has been designated into a ‘River Basin District’ and each will have its own 

management plan. Therefore, the likelihood of an outright ban on the indiscriminate 

dumping of grass clippings will vary from region to region. See www.netregs.gov.uk 

or www.environment-agency.gov.uk for up to date information on the WFD. 

Consider the on-site composting of grass 

clippings (see page 20). 

Clippings can transported to municipal 

recycling facilities for co-composting. 

However, consider the environmental and 

cost implications of transporting large 

amounts of waste over distances. 

Ensure that collected clippings are stored 

on a hard standing or in compost bins 

where effluent can be collected. 

Clippings initially stored on soil or turf 

pile. Effluent absorbed by soil or turf 

which can subsequently be composted. 

Collected effluent contains a high 

concentration of potassium. It can be 

useful as a liquid K fertiliser for turf. Dilute 

1:10 water prior to spraying at 50 ml m -2 . 

Amount of effluent collected from 

decomposing grass clippings 

approximately 20-30 ml per litre of fresh 

grass clippings. 

Potassium enriched liquor leaching from poorly managed fine turf clippings 



19



Composting of grass waste 

Such a scheme may involve the placement of a series of hard based and bunded 

temporary grass storage bays located discretely around the course where 

greens and tees clippings can be stored for a maximum of one month before 

they are collected and relocated to a single composting facility. Alternatively, 

several UK clubs are now seeing the benefits of lightweight trailers which can be 

attached to the back of a greens mower, filled with clippings and collected after 

the work is complete. This method prevents the need for permanent storage 

bays in tight areas of the course where there may be no scope to introduce 

them. 

A well constructed and discrete storage bay 

The central compost facility must be large enough to handle two or three 

compost piles, again on a bunded hard standing with a fall to a collection sump. 

After six to eight months in one position each compost pile can be turned before 

the commencement of a second or third composting pile. Any leachate collected 

can be reapplied to the compost as a wetting agent or dealt with via dilution and 

spraying onto weak areas. The facility should be completely covered to prevent 

the addition of rainwater which will aid the run-off of leachate whilst destroying 

the integrity of the compost. Fine turf clippings alone are poor for making good 

quality compost as air cannot move within them, thus creating anaerobic 

decomposition and subsequently the unmistakable foul odours associated with 

piles of fine turf clippings. It would therefore be beneficial to the golf course that 

all organic waste taken from cut rough grasslands or recently trimmed trees is 

collected and chipped in order to mix with fine turf clippings to create a good 

standard of compost. If worked correctly then a usable compost should be ready 

for use within 12 months. This can then be applied to areas of the course, i.e. as 

a top dressing for tees or in garden-style areas near the clubhouse, or sold to 

members or the general public in order to generate extra revenue for the club. 

Several golf courses in the UK have already established such a project and are 

receiving a sustainable income from it. 



20




Rough grassland 

Produce a management plan so that 

grasslands can be cut in a staged 

manner over an accepted timescale. It 

may be possible to cut certain 

grassland blocks on a three year 

rotation; others may require a summer 

or spring cut, all of which would be best 

indicated on a digital ortho-corrected 

aerial photograph accompanied by 

report of confirmatory 

recommendations. 

All arisings should be lifted following 

cutting and either baled or temporarily 

stored prior to composting. 

Baling—a number of golf courses are 

producing good quality hay from baling. 

An assessment should be undertaken 

to determine the quality of the hay— 

even poor quality hay may be collected 

and used for animal feed or bedding. 

Communicate with local farmers or 

private composters, local authorities, 

etc. to source opportunities for retrieval 

and collection of grass waste (collection 

may be cheaper than landfill). 

Composting—the longer stems of 

rough grassland waste, if layered with 

other materials, help to aerate the 

compost heap. They could be mixed 

with grass clippings or other more 

concentrated materials to open them 

up, thus improving compost potential. 

Maintenance of the rough relevant to its relationship with play not only gives aesthetic and strategic 

interest but also aids waste management 

Unnecessary cutting of out-of-play 

rough will create additional waste 

The problems with rough 

grassland 

The grassland rough varies considerably 

from golf course to golf course in terms of its 

vigour and density of growth and of the 

types of grasses represented. This not only 

causes problems to golfers playing a shot 

from the rough, but also to the greenkeeper 

in his endeavours to manage it. Grass 

waste arises following cutting and through 

techniques such as scarification which is 

aimed at thinning the rough. 

Other options 

Burning 

This should only be considered as a last 

resort. Grass waste can be stockpiled, 

providing it does not impact in any way on 

ground or surface water regimes or any 

underlying aquifers or indeed on any 

adjoining habitat type. 

Well managed rough adds to the 

character of any golf course 

Legislation 

No specific legislation is in place covering 

grassland waste, although the polluting 

effects of any organic waste could constitute 

a breach of the Water Framework Directive 

and the Ground Water Regulations 1988. 



21




Dead wood 

Brash (small branches and twigs) 

Care will need to be taken as to how brash 

is redistributed within the woodlands, or 

indeed stockpiled. Brash could constitute a 

fire hazard on certain courses, particularly 

where vandalism may be a problem. Brash 

is useful in certain woodland areas for 

controlling and reducing grazing pressures, 

so encouraging natural regeneration to 

establish. It will also contribute towards the 

conservation of woodland wild flowers if 

spread thinly over the ground (again, to 

reduce grazing and other disturbance). 

Large quantities of brash not being used as 

above would best be chipped and the 

chippings scattered over larger areas within 

the existing woodland block. Woodchip 

should not be stockpiled as this is likely to 

kill any underlying woodland flowers—it may 

also alter the fungal relationships within the 

soil. Woodchip scattered to depths not 

exceeding 100 mm will help to perpetuate 

the woodland cycle. 

Burning should only be considered as a last 

resort and local bylaws must be adhered to. 

Any burning should be undertaken in a 

designated area rather than using temporary 

burn areas within woodland blocks. 

Tree stumps 

Tree stumps close to the playing line will 

remain visible, reminding golfers of the tree 

removal work and they could constitute a 

problem to the playing of a shot should they 

become less visible due to surrounding 

grass cover. Consider a 10 metre band 

width from the playing line through the 

fringing rough where all tree stumps will be 

stump ground to 150 mm below the surface, 

and the surface reinstated with an 

appropriate fill. The surface would either be 

left bare, or oversown with a light grass 

seeds mix at a low seeding rate. 

Stumps should be retained further off line 

and into the woodlands. They are likely to 

break down within three to five years and 

during this period they will provide valuable 

wildlife habitat. 

Standing timber providing ecological and aesthetic interest 

Problems with dead wood 

The only problem with dead wood is that it could be perceived as untidy on many 

of the more manicured golf courses. It is, however, a very valuable resource and 

one that is in short supply throughout the wider countryside. Dead wood is 

required for a great diversity of invertebrate species, many of which are totally 

dependent upon this type of resource. 

Dead wood encompasses both brash through to larger branches, trunks and 

stumps. 

Legislation relating to dead wood 

Although there is no specific legislation relating to dead wood, there is legislation 

covering tree removal and tree felling (further information can be sourced through 

the Forestry Commission—www.forestry.gov.uk). Trees may be given statutory 

protection through a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) under the Town & Country 

Planning Act 1997. The burning of dead wood may be controlled in certain areas 

through local bylaws, particularly where airports or major roads run in close 

proximity to the golf course. 



22



Note: 

On many golf courses, including heathland 

golf courses, tree stumps may be providing 

valuable winter hibernacula for reptiles. 

The removal of stumps in highly sensitive 

areas, i.e. where snakes are known to 

exist, may result not only in the loss of the 

hibernacula but also all populations of 

hibernating snakes should these be 

brought up with the stumps. This has 

occurred on several occasions due to 

indiscriminate stump removal—a practice 

that can have quite a devastating effect 

over large areas of the countryside (all 

snakes tend to come back to a few areas 

to over-winter). 

Larger dead wood 

Many of our wood-loving invertebrates are declining within the countryside. Some 

are on the endangered listings due to our misconceived ideals on tidiness. 

Invertebrates require standing timber just as they require timber lying on the ground. 

Log piles (eco-piles) of up to 1.5 metres in height and up to 10 metres in length will 

provide a broad range of habitat conditions for a great diversity of wildlife species. 

Do not overlook the creation of vertical log piles. These need not be more than 1 

metre in height. The timber can either be inserted into the ground or leant to a more 

solid start point. 

Standing trees 

Standing trees should be retained wherever possible and providing the risks to safety 

are low. It may be that some judicious and selective trimming may be required simply 

to allay any potential safety concerns. 

A number of more conservation-minded 

golf courses are giving consideration to 

lifting and dislodging stumps immediately 

after felling so as to increase the 

overwintering potential for reptiles. This 

would clearly constitute best practice but 

should only be undertaken where it is clear 

that the stumps provide little means of 

access to reptiles. 

If stumps do need to be lifted and 

removed, then these should be taken to a 

designated burn area and stockpiled for no 

more than a few days before burning. 

Wherever possible, aim to relocate stumps 

within areas of woodland below the playing 

line. 

In summary 

Aim to retain as many dead trees as possible on the course. If they cannot 

be left standing, fell and stockpile, preferably in a vertical manner. 

Leave all dead fallen timber as close as possible to the tree from which it 

came. 

Small branches/brash could be retained within the woodlands, preferably 

scattered, to protect the ground flora rather than to smother it. 

Burning should always be a last resort and should only be considered if 

other alternatives are not possible. Check for local bylaws before embarking 

on any major burning activity. 



23




Use leaf blowers to remove leaves from 

putting and playing surfaces and for 

directing leaf litter back into the 

woodlands from where it came. 

Each time the wind blows leaf litter is 

likely to migrate back out onto the 

playing zones. This could be contained 

within more problematic areas by the 

temporary use of chicken wire fencing 

(this would save considerably on the 

greenstaff's time). 

Do not stockpile leaves as this will have 

a major smothering impact on the 

surface, affecting soil ecology and the 

wild flowers that may be present. Some 

leaf litter could be used in the compost 

production process if mixed or added as 

layers with other organic materials. Its 

low moisture content makes it 

particularly suitable for composting with 

grass clippings. 

Leaf litter 

The problem with leaf litter 

As with dead wood, the major problem with leaf litter is its perceived untidiness, 

particularly during leaf fall. Look on the back of many leaves that have been on the 

ground for a week or so and you are likely to see galls, the larvae of caterpillars, 

spiders and other invertebrates species. Birds require leaf litter as an important 

forage habitat during the winter months. 

Leaf litter is clearly a problem where it impacts on play—it can have a smothering 

effect on the putting surfaces leading to water retention which in turn could give rise 

to disease. It is therefore important that leaf litter is cleared from these areas and 

that its disposal/conservation thereafter should be given appropriate consideration. 

Legislation 

No legislation is specific to leaf litter. 

Burning, whilst not illegal throughout 

England (local bylaws may exist), should 

only be considered as a last resort. 

Remember that when burning you will kill 

many invertebrates that have come to 

secure a niche on or within the leaves. 



24




Hollow cores 

Hollow cores collected as part of routine 

aeration work could be stockpiled within a 

temporary storage area, preferably near to 

the main compost facility. Integrate cores 

into the main compost heap by layering to a 

maximum depth of 200 mm (the proportion of 

soil to clippings by volume should be about 

1:10). These will be generally left uncovered 

to allow weathering to occur before utilising 

the materials within the compost process. 

Hollow cores can be re-used for general 

repair work, divoting and top dressing of 

fairways or in construction/landscaping 

project work. 

Turf 

Old turf could be used to construct temporary 

storage bays out on the course for grass 

clippings. Turves could be used to form the 

base and walls. Note, these will capture any 

leachate and so will need to be replaced on 

occasion—the frequency will depend upon 

how long grass clippings are left before 

collection. 

Turf stacks could be produced at suitable 

locations on the golf course to aid their 

natural decomposition. Do not dump turves 

indiscriminately as this will lead to nutrient 

enrichment and a change in local vegetation 

conditions. 

Sand/soils 

Sand/soil materials can be stored on a 

temporary basis close to the composting 

facility for inclusion in the compost process. 

Add to the compost heap at a rate of 1:10 by 

volume. Bunker sand mixed with compost at 

around five parts sand to one part compost 

would form good quality general use, divoting 

and top dressing material. Under no 

circumstances should sand/soils be stockpiled 

or scattered on a random basis into 

woodland areas as this will alter the woodland 

condition. Localised stock piles of sand 

may be valuable heathland or links sites, 

particularly if reptiles such as sand lizard, 

common lizard or snakes are represented. 

Larger stockpiled heaps carefully located 

could be of particular value to mining bees 

and certain species of subterranean fungi. 

Soil cores, turf and other sand/ 

soil waste 

Unwanted 

turf can be a 

significant 

issue 

The problem with soil cores, turf and other sand/soil waste 

The basic problem with general organic waste is that over time they can accumulate 

into large piles and become increasingly difficult to deal with. They may leach, 

changing the composition of the surrounding vegetation; they can have a negative 

visual impact and, importantly, they may be sited in areas of high ecological interest, 

destroying habitat quality. 

These wastes, however, represent quite a valuable resource that can be used to 

good effect in many applications. 

Legislation 

Old turf used 

to construct 

temporary 

storage bays 

No specific legislation is relevant to sand or soil wastes other than that applying to 

special waste and contaminated land waste. 



25

The Maintenance Facility: 

Best practice guide to the 

management of selected 

maintenance streams 

27 

30 

32 

33 

35 

37 

Pesticides 

Tyres 

Oil 

Batteries 

End of life machinery 

Waste water following machinery washdown 


26 



Best practice guide to the management of selected maintenance streams 


Minimise the amount of pesticide/ 

containers that require disposal via: 

Order enough product to do the job in 

hand and no more. 

Buy products in the largest practical 

container sizes. 

Store products in good order. 

Use internal sprayer, tank-cleaning units 

and container rinsing devices. 

Choose products which minimise or 

eliminate contaminated packaging waste 

such as returnable packs. 

Keep careful records of the movement of 

stock in and out of the agrochemical store; 

rotate stock on the "first-in, first-out" 

principle. 

Carefully calculate required quantities 

needed and mix just enough to complete a 

task, no more. 

Ensure long-term weather forecasts are 

checked in advance of works in order to 

plan accordingly. 

Disposal of surplus spray and washings 

via: 

In the crop/grass area—Groundwater 

Authorisation required. Find a suitable 

area of zero wildlife interest or a previously 

underdosed area and spray during 

appropriate weather conditions. 

Fully contained washdown area with 

collection facility—Groundwater 

Authorisation not required. All washings/ 

surplus spray collected into a secure tank 

and collected by licensed carrier. 

Fully contained washdown area with 

treatment plant—Groundwater 

Authorisation required. A treatment plant 

for machinery washdown can take the 

form of one of the commercially available 

‘closed loop’ systems or a reedbed 

complex prior to discharge. 

Continued... 

Pesticides 

The problem with pesticides 

Using pesticides according to the label instructions and following best practice 

should ensure their impact on the environment is minimised or even negated 

entirely, however there is clear evidence that poor practice when handling and 

mixing pesticides, cleaning up and disposing of wastes after spraying can pollute 

surface and groundwater. To protect the environment, more legal controls are 

being introduced. Since 1999 any disposal to land of surplus spray and washings 

that does not take place “in the crop” (i.e. turf) requires a “Groundwater 

Authorisation” from the local office of The Environment Agency. 

From a purely commercial point of view, all pesticides must be removed from 

drinking water (in accordance with 0.1 ppb EU Drinking Water Standards) before it 

is passed for human consumption and this is an expensive process—estimated to 

be 30 pence for every £1 spent on pesticides. Furthermore, peaks in pesticide 

loading can often compromise the ability of the water companies’ ability to remove 

the pesticide and thus the water can be rendered unusable. 

Perhaps more importantly, pesticides entering our fresh water matrix do cause 

serious damage to local wildlife. Those specialist aquatic organisms that are 

surviving in water bodies at the very limits of their tolerance can be wiped out 

entirely by even a small influx of pesticides. It should be noted that it is not just the 

large and obvious spills that cause damage to the ecosystems but also low level 

and long-term background levels. 

0.1 parts per billion is the level of pesticides allowed to be 

in drinking water for it to be passed for human 

consumption. This is also the amount that the 

Environment Agency can trace back to a polluter and 

prosecute. To put this in context, 0.1 ppb is equivalent to: 

1 second in 320 years 

1 pence in £100,000,000 

1 grass clipping in 390 tonnes 



27



... Continued 

Disposal of unwanted containers/ 

obsolete pesticides 

Always empty and triple rinse containers 

before storage/disposal. 

Store clean containers upright with their 

lids securely on in a dedicated 

compound. 

Properly clean foil seals and store with 

containers. 

Ensure a licensed carrier is used to 

appropriately collect and remove 

unwanted containers. See 

www.wasterecycling.org.uk for your 

nearest company. 

Unwanted/out of date products may be 

collected via the original seller. 

Alternatively a licensed waste handler 

must be brought in to dispose of the 

product. See 

www.voluntaryinitiative.co.uk or 

www.wasterecycling.org.uk for a 

complete list. 

Spillages 

Always keep a spill kit to hand when 

dealing with pesticides. 

Legislation 

The disposal of waste pesticides, the disposal of wastewater from washing down 

and the cleaning of pesticide storage or application equipment require authorisation 

from SEPA in the form of a Groundwater Authorisation Certificate under the 

Groundwater Regulations 1998. The storage and use of pesticides will not 

normally require authorisation if carried out in accordance with any necessary 

product approval under: 

The Control of Pesticides Regulations 1986 (as amended) 

Plant Protection Products Regulations 1995 (as amended) 

Plant Protection Products (Basic Conditions) Regulations 1997 

Biocidal Products Regulations 2001 

Food and Environment Protection Act 1985 (FEPA) 

Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (HSWA) 

Control of Pollution Act 1974 

Environmental Protection Act 1990 

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH) 

Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 

Chemicals (Hazard Information and Packaging for Supply) Regulations 2002 

(CHIP) 

Label instructions 

Relevant Codes of Practice 

Methods of pesticides entering groundwater 

Machinery wheels 

Machinery 

washdown 

Always fill up on an appropriately 

bunded area. 

Crystals or other soaking materials must 

be disposed of via a licensed handler 

after use. 

Spillage at mixing 

Tank washings 

Container 

washings 

Foil seals 



28



The Voluntary Initiative 

The Voluntary Initiative was accepted by 

the Government on 1st April 2001, in place 

of a proposed tax on pesticides used in 

agriculture and horticulture. The initiative 

was put forward by seven signatory 

organisations led by the Crop Protection 

Association. The Voluntary Initiative 

supports the National Register of Sprayer 

Operators (NRoSO) in order to prevent a 

pesticide tax and encourage best practice 

regarding spraying and pesticide 

management. 

NRoSO 

The National Register of Sprayer Operators (NRoSO) is a central register 

of certificated spray operators which uses Continuing Professional 

Development (CPD) as a means of ensuring ongoing training. The scheme 

is administered by the National Proficiency Testing Council (NPTC). It is 

an industry initiative intended to demonstrate to the Government that only 

responsible users apply pesticides and thereby minimise environmental 

risk. By registering on NRoSO, employers and operators are showing their 

commitment to professionalism and ongoing training. It will reinforce the 

responsible image of operators to the regulators and the public. 

Further details of the NRoSO are available from www.nptc.org.uk or via 

the helpline on 024 7685 7300. 

The National Sprayer Testing Scheme 

The NSTS is an independent annual, testing scheme which is supported 

by the Voluntary Initiative. The scheme is open to all users of any spraying 

equipment within the amenity sector including hand held apparatus. 

Compliance with the scheme will ensure maximum efficiency of your 

sprayer, reducing costly downtime whilst aiding traceability and retaining 

second hand value. The cost of replacing worn jets that deliver only 5% 

more than the recommended rate is readily recovered in chemical savings 

and improved efficacy resulting from better and more consistent spray 

quality. The tests can be carried out at the golf club by an approved 

technician (an up to date list can be found at www.nsts.org.uk). There 

may be a small charge, however money will soon be recovered via 

improved efficiency and a reduction in waste. 



29




Tyre storage 

Spare tyres should be stored inside, in a 

secure area in order to prevent health and 

safety issues. 

Storage of used tyres prior to disposal 

should be indoors, on a hard standing 

impervious base and safely stacked in a 

secure area. 

Tyre disposal options 

If you transfer waste tyres to someone 

else, you must be sure they are authorised 

to take them. 

All authorised waste carriers are registered 

with The Environment Agency and have a 

certificate of registration. 

A list of licensed waste tyre handlers is 

available at www.tyredisposal.co.uk. 

Ensure that your waste tyres will be reused, 

recycled or recovered. 

Re-use of part-worn tyres 

Extracting the maximum safe life from a 

tyre saves valuable resources (oil, rubber, 

steel, etc.). Before the tyre can be resold it 

must be checked. Part-worn-tyres must 

have a minimum of 2 mm tread remaining 

and be marked as part-worn on both sides 

at the time of sale. 

Tyres 

The problem with tyres 

Over 50 million tyres (just over 480,000 tonnes) are scrapped in the UK each year 

and around 80,000 tonnes are disposed of in landfill. Although golf clubs are not 

recognised as a major producer of tyre waste, the safe disposal of used mower, 

tractor or other machinery tyres is an important issue, especially given the high 

polluting effect of improper disposal and the new stringent legislation. 

Tyres use non-renewable resources in their production, cause emissions to air, 

land and water as fine particles are worn off during their use, and require 

management at the end of use (Environment Agency, 1998f). It is tyres, rather 

than engines, that are the major source of noise pollution associated with roads. 

Legislation relating to tyres 

The EU Landfill Directive will ban the disposal of tyres to landfill. In brief, whole 

tyres were banned from July 2003 and shredded tyres from July 2006. The ban 

applies to almost all tyres including car, commercial, motorbike, aircraft, and 

industrial (including solid tyres). However, tyres above 1.4 metres outside 

diameter (e.g. larger agricultural and earthmover tyres) will not be subject to the 

ban. 

The Duty of Care is a legal requirement under the Environmental Protection Act 

1990. It applies if you produce, import, carry, keep, treat, or dispose of waste 

tyres. It requires you to take all reasonable steps to ensure that waste tyres are 

not handled illegally and that they are only transferred to an authorised person 

together with a waste transfer note. 

Recycling through re-treading 

Tyre re-treading is a major industry in the 

UK. Re-treading involves either replacing 

only the tread section or replacing rubber 

over the whole outer surface of the tyre. 

Manufacturing a re-tread tyre for an 

average car takes 4.5 gallons less oil than 

the equivalent new tyre and for 

commercial vehicle tyres the saving is 

estimated to be about 15 gallons per tyre. 

Car tyres can only be re-treaded once but 

truck tyres can be re-treaded up to three 

times. 

Continued... 



30



...Continued 

Other uses of waste tyres 

Other uses account for about 20,000 tonnes 

of waste arising. These include: 

Boat and dock fenders. 

Under road surfaces. 

Useful contacts 

Retread Manufacturers Association: www.retreaders.org.uk 

Used Tyre Working Group: www.tyredisposal.co.uk 

Tyre Industry Council: www.tyresafety.co.uk 

WRAP: www.wrap.org.uk/materials/tyres 

Sports tracks. 

Weights on silage sheeting on farms. 

Crash barriers at motor racing circuits. 

Children's play surfaces and furniture. 

Protection for young plants and trees. 

Compost heap containers. 

Roof tiles. 

Noise control products. 

Structural support for earth walls. 

Motorway embankments. 

Artificial reefs and coastal defences. 

Around 10,000 tonnes of tyres are 

exported to other countries for use as 

part-worns or in overseas re-tread 

operations. 

Perhaps the most relevant to golf over the 

years has been the re-use of ground tyres 

as ‘rubber crumb’. 



31




Spillage 

Your golf club should stock a minimum of 

one emergency oil spill kit in an easily 

accessible area close to any part of the 

golf course where oil/fuel is likely to be 

used. 

Following the use of an oil spill kit, the 

crystals/sand used to absorb the oil must 

be treated as hazardous waste and 

removed via a licensed contractor. 

A contingency plan must be put into place 

so that every member of staff is aware of 

the procedure should an oil/fuel spillage 

occur. 

Detergents should never be used to clean 

up oil spills as they reduce the surface 

tension and aid dispersal. 

Storage 

Locate an appropriate storage facility in an 

appropriate area of the golf course in 

excess of 10 metres from a water body or 

50 metres from a well or bore hole. 

Site the storage facility on a bunded hard 

standing area leading to the waste water 

treatment plant. The waste oil storage 

facility should be constructed in exactly the 

same way as the virgin oil/fuel storage 

facility. Empty oil or fuel containers should 

be stored within the waste oil storage 

facility on an impervious base. Any water 

collected within an oil storage bund must 

be treated as hazardous waste and 

collected by a licensed contractor. 

Disposal 

Oil 

The problem with oil 

Oil takes many forms and is used in numerous tasks throughout the golf club 

environment. Petrol, diesel, two-stroke oil, machinery lubricants, etc. are all oil-based 

products and when they become surplus to requirements, must be appropriately 

managed. 

Most golf clubs in the 21st century are aware of the environmental devastation caused 

by inappropriate oil disposal and also equally aware of the potential legal implications 

for uncontrolled dumping. Accidental spillage and leaks of unburned fuel oils, and runoff 

of lubricating oils from washing maintenance machinery, are therefore the most 

significant oil-related pollution incidents on golf courses. 

If allowed to enter the local fresh water matrix, oil will form a film above the water's 

surface thus preventing oxygen from circulating and eventually leading to the death of 

submerged aquatic flora and fauna. Five litres of oil (or an oil-based material) is 

enough to cover and kill a pond measuring 1.5 hectares. Furthermore, mobile animals 

and birds coming into contact with oil will become coated, thus reducing their ability to 

move and feed within the wider countryside. 

Legislation relating to oil 

The Control of Pollution (Oil Storage) Regulations 2003, The Environmental Protection 

Act 1990, The Control of Pollution Act 1974 (as amended), the Waste Management 

Licensing Regulations 1994, The Special Works Regulations 1996, The Groundwater 

Regulations 1998 and The Water Framework Director all impart stringent controls on 

the appropriate storage and disposal of oil, both virgin and waste. The storage of any 

oil-based product in volumes above 200 litres must comply with the relevant 

legislation, i.e. within a facility sited 10 metres from a water body or 50 metres from a 

well or bore hole with a bund capable of holding 110% of its volume. 

Oil must never be disposed of into drains or other watercourses and only designated 

licensed operators can accept waste oil. Oils must never be mixed with other 

substances, i.e. solvents, paint thinners, etc., and, following appropriate storage, can 

only be removed from site via a contractor with the appropriate licence. 

Given the complexity of oil storage and disposal licensing, and for further information, 

contact the Environment Agency, or visit www.netregs.gov.uk. 

Many oils can be recycled and will be of 

value to licensed collection agents. Only 

use contractors who will recycle the oil 

following collection. 

Small amounts of oil can be taken to a 

local oil recycling depot for treatment. 

Your local oil recycling centre can be found 

by calling 08708 506506. 

On-site oil recycling 

facilities are becoming 

increasingly popular 



32




Use the mains when possible. 

Use rechargeable batteries and a battery 

charger. This saves energy because the 

energy needed to manufacture a battery 

is on average 50 times greater than the 

energy it gives out. However, 

rechargeable batteries are not suitable 

for smoke alarms as they tend to run out 

suddenly, preventing the alarm from 

warning when battery power is low. 

Batteries 

The problem with batteries 

It is estimated that in 2000 almost 19,000 tonnes of waste general purpose batteries 

and 113,000 tonnes of waste automotive batteries require disposal in the UK each 

year. 

Opt for appliances that can use power 

derived from the sun via solar panels or 

from a winding mechanism. 

Participate in local authority battery 

collection schemes where they are 

available. If you Council does not 

provide one at the moment, contact 

them and find out if they are planning to 

do so in future. 

Seek guidance on how to dispose or 

recycle batteries from either the 

distributor who originally supplied the 

battery, the battery manufacturer or the 

appliance manufacturer. 

Send batteries back to manufacturers for 

recycling or reprocessing where such a 

scheme is available. 

Waste batteries must be disposed of via a licensed handler 

Whilst the exact chemical make-up varies from type to type, most batteries contain 

heavy metals, which are the main cause for environmental concern. When disposed 

of incorrectly, these heavy metals may leak into the ground when the battery casing 

corrodes. This can contribute to soil and water pollution and endanger wildlife. 

Cadmium, for example, can be toxic to aquatic invertebrates and can bioaccumulate 

in fish, which damages ecosystems and makes them unfit for human 

consumption. Some batteries, such as button cell batteries, also contain mercury 

which has similarly hazardous properties. Mercury is no longer being used in the 

manufacture of non-rechargeable batteries, except button cells where it is a 

functional component, and the major European battery suppliers have been offering 

mercury-free disposable batteries since 1994. 

Currently, only a very small percentage of consumer disposable batteries are 

recycled (less than 2%) and most waste batteries are disposed of in landfill sites. 

The rate for recycling of consumer rechargeable batteries is estimated to be 5%. 

Automotive batteries, on the other hand, are more routinely recycled in the UK, with 

a current recycling rate of approximately 90%. They are collected at garages, scrap 

metal facilities and many civic amenity and recycling centres. 



33



Types of batteries 

General purpose 

These are the common batteries 

used in many household items such 

as torches, walkmans, etc. They are 

made from zinc, manganese steel, 

carbon, oxygen, water and chlorides. 

Using present technology, about 55% 

of these batteries are ‘recyclable’ and 

65% ‘recoverable’ depending on the 

specific battery. 

Button cell 

These are the small batteries in 

watches, cameras, etc. and make up 

less than 2% of the battery market. 

Rechargeable 

Small rechargeable batteries include 

energy packs for mobile phones, CB 

radios and laptops, whereas larger 

batteries are available for electric golf 

buggies and maintenance equipment. 

Although these are the most 

sustainable form of battery, they 

make up less than 8% of the UK 

market. 

Legislation relating to battery disposal 

In 1991, the EU Directive on Batteries and Accumulators (91/157/EEC) was 

introduced. It requires that batteries containing more than 25 mg of mercury 

(except alkaline manganese batteries), 0.025% of cadmium by weight and 

0.4% lead by weight are to be collected separately from household waste for 

recycling or special disposal. It also sets permissible limits for these heavy 

metals. The directive largely affects lead-acid, NiCd and mercuric oxide 

batteries. 

The 1991 Directive was amended by a 1998 Directive (98/101/EEC) in order to 

adapt the original Directive to technical progress. The amendment further 

reduces the permissible heavy metal limits and prohibits the marketing of 

batteries and accumulators containing more than 0.0005% of mercury and 

button cells containing more than 2% of mercury by weight from 1 January 

2000. 

Currently, the EU and its Member States are negotiating a further amendment to 

the 1991 Directive. The draft Directive is expected to propose the following 

measures:– 

Member States will be expected to ensure that 90% of portable batteries enter 

a recycling process. 

A recycling weight-based efficiency target, i.e. this proportion of materials will 

have to be recovered during the recycling process. This is to be achieved 

within three years of the Directive coming into force. 

A mandatory weight-based collection target per head of population. This 

replaces earlier percentage targets. 

Mandatory collection targets of 80% and a recycling target of 75% (with 100% 

for the cadmium component) for NiCds. 

A ban on landfilling and incineration of all industrial and automotive batteries. 

Producers of all types of batteries will be responsible for treatment and 

disposal costs, except for small household batteries. 

The Directive sets collection targets for portable batteries of 25% and 45% of the 

average annual sales over the past three years. These targets are to be achieved 

respectively four and eight years after the transposition of the Directive. The 

Directive now requires a further reading by the European Parliament and is 

expected to be formally adopted by mid-2006. 

Useful contacts 

British Battery Manufacturers Association: www.bbma.co.uk 

Department of Trade and Industry: www.dti.gov.uk/sustainability/ep/ 

batteries.htm 

European Portable Battery Association (EPBA): www.epbaeurope.net 

REBAT: www.rebat.com 



34




Efficient maintenance of machinery is 

crucial in ensuring sustainability. Waste is 

not only generated by the physical 

disposal of parts but also in the inefficient 

running of the engine. Higher levels of 

waste materials such as nitrogen oxides 

(NOx), carbons (CO, CO 2 ), sulphur dioxide 

(SO 2 ), lead (Pb) and even water (H 2 0) are 

emitted from a poorly maintained engine 

and are all harmful pollutants (yes, water 

vapour is a significant contributor to the 

greenhouse effect). Therefore, regular 

servicing of machinery and sharpening of 

mower blades are crucial elements of 

waste management. 

Investigate the possibility of conversion to 

a cost and emission saving fuel such as 

LPG, bio-diesel or electric. 

Individual components 

Oil filters are predominantly steel and are 

therefore easily recycled 

Remove the filter from the engine to “hotdrain” 

it while the engine is still warm. Hotdraining 

is defined as draining the oil filter 

at or near engine operating temperature 

(i.e. above 20°C). 

Using a tool such as a screwdriver, 

carefully puncture the dome end of the 

filter. Then, turn the filter upside down so it 

can drain completely into your container 

for used oil recycling. Allow the filter to 

drain overnight (or a minimum of 12 hours) 

to remove all the oil. 

Recycle used oil and drained oil filters at 

your local garage or special waste 

recycling centre. Check with your local 

authority for information about collection 

centres. Some auto parts stores also 

accept drained filters for recycling. 

Air filters and water filters are made from a 

variety of materials. 

After removal filters should be stored in a 

covered area. 

Contact your local authority for the location 

of your nearest licensed recycling facility. 

Some auto parts stores also accept 

drained filters for recycling. 

Continued... 

End of life machinery 

The problem with end of life machinery 

There were around 30 million motor vehicles in use within the UK in 2002. Every 

year, approximately 2 million new vehicles are registered and a similar number are 

scrapped. The average lifespan of a car is 13.5 years each year over 2 million 

vehicles reach the end of their useful lives, either because of old age or due to an 

accident. In the golf club scenario, we not only have cars and vans but also more 

specialist machinery including mowers, tractors, flails, etc. All of these machines 

must be dealt with when they no longer become useful to their owners. Given the 

complexity of a vehicle they are obviously difficult to recycle and dispose of with no 

effect on the environment and therefore extending the useful life of such products 

is crucial. 

Legislation relating to waste vehicles 

The complexity of components that are utilised in the construction and running of a 

tractor, mower or van mean that several different laws must be considered before 

disposing of old machinery, they come together under the following directive: 

The European Union End-of Life Vehicles (ELV) Directive 

The End-of-Life Vehicles Directive (2000/53/EC) came into force on 21 October 

2000 and Member States should have enacted legislation to comply with the 

Directive by 21 April 2002. The Directive will require EU Member States (including 

the UK) to: 

Ensure that all ELVs are only treated by authorised dismantlers. 

Provide free take-back of all ELVs for new vehicles put on the market after 2002; 

from 2007 provide free take-back for all vehicles including those put on market 

before 2002. 

Restrict the use of heavy metals in vehicles from July 2003. 

Ensure that a minimum of 85% of vehicles are re-used or recovered (including 

energy recovery) and at least 80% must be re-used or recycled from 2006, 

increasing to a 95% re-used or recovered (including energy recovery) and 85% 

re-used or recycled by 2015. 

It also requires the 'de-pollution' of vehicles before being recycled. This involves 

extracting petrol, diesel, brake fluid, engine oil, antifreeze, batteries, airbags, 

mercury-bearing components and catalysts. 

. 



35



...Continued 

Engine breakdown is usually the fault of only 

one or two parts leaving the remainder in good 

working order. 

Many parts of a broken down engine can 

be salvaged for spares in other machines. 

Salvage merchants may pay for useable 

engine parts—look in the Yellow Pages for 

your nearest dealers. 

Repairing broken machinery is far more 

cost effective than buying new. 

When cleaning any oily machine parts, 

ensure run-off is treated as ‘special waste’ 

and is passed through a water treatment 

area. 

Vehicle operating fluids (see also oil 

management section) 

This is one of the areas of greatest concern 

regarding motor vehicles. Although the 

disposal of fluids from ELVs is a major 

issue, the effects of inappropriate treatment 

of fluids removed during servicing are also 

significant. 

Much of the waste oil collected for recovery 

in the UK is processed (by removing 

excess water and filtering out particulates) 

and used as a fuel burnt in heavy industry 

and power stations. The preferred option 

for lubricating oils is re-refining for re-use 

as a base lubricant, although this doesn't 

currently occur on a large scale in the UK. 

Waste oil from nearly 3 million car oil 

changes in Britain is not collected. If 

collected properly, this could meet the 

annual energy needs of 1.5 million people. 

There are 1,500 oil recycling bins in Britain 

for lubricating oil only. Call the Oil Care 

Campaign on 0800 66 33 66 or use the 

post code search on their website 

www.oilbankline.org.uk to find the 

location of you nearest oil bank. 

Tyres 

See tyre management section. 

Batteries 

See batteries management section. 

Alternative fuels 

A number of machinery manufacturers are now taking their environmental responsibilities 

very seriously and pioneering the use of less environmentally damaging fuels. 

The main alternatives to traditional fossil fuels at the time of writing include bio-diesel, liquid 

petroleum gas (LPG) and electric motors. 

Bio-diesel is a fuel made from animal or vegetable fats which performs identically to petrol/ 

diesel but produces less exhaust gases. It is also biodegradable and less damaging to the 

environment if spilt. 

LPG is one of the fastest growing commercial fuels in the UK. It is a by-product of North 

Sea oil production and is a mixture of butane and propane. Almost any vehicle can be 

converted to run on LPG and many cars, vans and maintenance machines are now 

constructed with the option of LPG. Its use within an engine gives no discernible 

difference to traditional fuels and emits up to 99.8% less pollutants. 

Electric motors have come a long way over the past few years with ‘hybrid’ cars now 

becoming commonplace on our roads. The use of an electrically powered mower or golf 

cart may at first seem environmentally sound but we must consider how the energy is 

produced in the first instance. If the machine is charged up from mains electricity then we 

are simply moving the pollution to a different source (i.e. the power station). Far more 

desirable than this is the use of small scale generators in-house. Wind turbines and solar 

panels are now available commercially and the technology is now becoming such that 

they are economically viable. 

Engine emissions 

During the combustion process, internal combustion engines of all types generally produce, 

in varying quantities, the following substances: 

Oxides of nitrogen (NOx), a contributor to photochemical smog and to ozone layer 

damage 

Carbon monoxide (CO), a toxic gas (harmful to humans, animals and plants) 

Carbon dioxide (CO 2 ), the most significant cumulative 'greenhouse gas' 

Hydrocarbons (HC), a constituent of photochemical smog 

Sulphur dioxide (SO 2 ), an element in acid rain formation 

Lead (Pb), a toxic heavy metal 

Particulate matter, a potential carcinogen and inhibitor of photosynthesis in plants. 

Water (H 2 0), an important contributor to the ‘greenhouse effect 

Types of engines 

The vast majority of maintenance machinery use one of the following engine types: 

2 stroke engine fuelled by a petrol/oil mix or converted to propane 

4 stroke engine fuelled by petrol, diesel or propane 

4 stroke engines generally produce higher CO, CO 2 , and NOx, but lower HC than 2 stroke 

engines. Two stroke engines emit relatively high levels of HC in both burnt and unburned 

form, but low levels of NOx. Diesel engines are more fuel efficient than 4 stroke or 2 stroke 

petrol engines and therefore emit lower overall CO and CO 2 . However, they produce greater 

quantities of SO 2 , nitrogen dioxide and particulates. 



36




Reduce the amount of water to be 

discharged via appropriately planning for 

machinery usage and subsequent 

washdown on a phased and structured 

basis. 

Waste water following 

machinery washdown 

The use of air hoses where applicable and 

collection of waste arising is a more 

controlled method of machinery cleaning 

that gives rise to zero effluent. 

Install some form of interceptor/recycler/ 

collection unit. 

Following grass cutting, use a return 

maintenance track which will allow the 

majority of green waste to dissipate away 

from machinery wheels (such as over a 

hard standing or buggy path). 

Ensure all green waste is collected 

following machinery washdown in some 

form of grass trap and appropriately 

managed, i.e. composted. 

The problem with waste water 

Appropriate treatment of waste water following the washdown of golf course 

maintenance machinery has been a long-standing and debatable topic within the 

golf industry. The legality surrounding discharge to the local fresh water matrix has 

been considered a 'grey area' with incorrect and even biased information being 

issued in a number of trade publications. 

The legal complications aside, it is the moral responsibility of every golf club to 

appropriately manage washdown water before it is released into the surrounding 

environment in order to reduce impact on ground water and associated ecology, 

and also to provide a healthier and more aesthetically pleasant environment in 

which to play golf. 

A typical washdown area 

If best practice is followed for the disposal of surplus pesticides and fertilisers (see 

Pesticides at the beginning of this section), then the likely potentially damaging 

pollutants arising from discharge of untreated washdown water is moderate to low. 

However, undoubtedly the most problematic waste arising from this operation is the 

large amounts of fine turf clippings which readily stick to course maintenance 

machinery, particularly in wet weather. Grass clippings contain a significant amount 

of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (equivalent to approximately 2.5% nitrogen, 

0.7% phosphorus and 2% potassium in dry leaf material). This equates to 

approximately 24 g/kg nitrogen, 8 g/kg phosphorus and 20 g/kg potassium being 

released following 30 days’ breakdown of grass clippings. 



37



Use of interceptors to treat 

machinery washdown 

water 

At the time of writing there are three 

commercially available closed loop 

recycling systems available on the market 

which will adequately cleanse machinery 

washdown water of all organic and 

inorganic waste prior to its re-use for 

machinery washdown. The Clearwater 

System (available through Highspeed 

Lubricants), the Hydrascape and 

Waste2Water are all available and can be 

installed either in-house or by professional 

contractors. 

The use of a sealed underground 

containment tank is another option. This 

will involve the installation of a 

underground sealed containment tank 

large enough to handle the appropriate 

amount of waste water and this will require 

emptying on a regular basis by a licensed 

contractor. 

The release of organic waste through machinery washdown water into the 

surrounding fresh water matrix will not only raise the biological oxygen demand 

(BOD) of the water body, thus reducing the likelihood of aquatic life, but can also 

result in the retention of partially fermented clippings resulting in high levels of 

potassium leaching into water bodies, thus actively killing invertebrates and other 

aquatic flora and fauna. 

Legal issues surrounding washdown water 

The Ground Water Regulations 1998 (as amended) prohibit the discharge of trade 

effluent to ground or controlled sewer without a discharge licence (available from 

the Environment Agency). Therefore, all golf clubs currently allowing machinery 

washdown water to be discharged without licence are breaking the law. This does 

not mean that a ‘one size fits all’ interceptor or recycling system is required for 

every golf club, however some form of treatment and licence must be acquired. 

The Water Framework Directive (WFD), when fully implemented, will afford the 

Environment Agency stricter controls regarding the pollution of ditches, streams, 

rivers, ponds, etc. in relation to their ecological interest and it will be the WFD that 

eventually forces all golf clubs into installing some form of waste water treatment 

plant prior to re-use or discharge. 

The installation of an appropriately 

designed reedbed system to treat the 

waste water prior to release into the local 

fresh water matrix, or re-use as machinery 

washdown water, is an option which is 

rapidly increasing in popularity. A suitably 

sized and well designed reedbed will not 

only adequately treat and polish arising 

waste water but will also create additional 

ecological habitat and aesthetic interest for 

the golf course. Reedbeds require minimal 

maintenance and will not create 

unpleasant odours, and in most cases will 

be a valuable asset to the golf course. 

Their incorporation into a Sustainable 

Urban Drainage System (SUDS) may bring 

about further aesthetic and strategic 

interest to the golf course, whilst allowing 

for management of all rainwater which falls 

on the golf course and its controlled 

release or storage for re-use. 



38

Glossary 

39 

Glossary 



39

Glossary 

Aerate 

Aerobic 

Aerosol cans 

Aluminium 

Anaerobic 

Anaerobic digestion 

Best Practicable 

Environmental Option 

(BPEO) 

Biodegradable 

Biodegradable 

Municipal Waste (BMW) 

Cardboard 

CFCs and HCFCs 

Climate Change 

Closed Loop Recycling 

Expose to the air. 

Uses oxygen. 

Aerosol cans are made either from steel or aluminium and can often be recycled with 

food and drinks cans. 

Aluminium forms 8% of the earth’s crust and is extracted from bauxite. Aluminium is 

really valuable and can be recycled and used time and time again. 95% less energy 

is used every time an aluminium can is recycled into a new can, compared to 

producing a brand new one. This means that 20 recycled aluminium cans can be 

made with the power it takes to manufacture one brand new one. 

Does not use oxygen. 

The turning of organic waste into a soil conditioner using the process of 

biodegradation without oxygen. 

The outcome of a systematic and consultative decision making procedure that 

emphasises the protection and conservation of the environment across land, air and 

water. The BPEO procedure establishes, for a given set of objectives, the option that 

provides the most benefits or the least damage to the environment as a whole, at 

acceptable costs, in the long term as well as in the short term. 

Material which is capable of being broken down by plants (including fungi) and 

animals (including worms and micro-organisms). In municipal solid waste, the 

property is generally attributed to the following fractions: paper and card, food and 

garden waste, and a proportion of textiles. 

The portion of Municipal Solid Waste which can be broken down by bacteria and 

other micro-organisms. 

Consists of three layers, a layer of corrugated paper between two layers of smooth 

paper. This makes the structure strong so that it can be used to make boxes, etc. 

Cardboard can be recycled but is often recycled separately to other paper as it is of a 

lower quality. 

CFC (chlorofluorcarbon) and HCFC (hydrochlorofluorcarbon) are compounds known 

as Ozone Depleting Substances. They are widely used in industry and manufacture 

as refrigerants and insulating foam. The release of these gases causes a reaction in 

the atmosphere, which breaks down the naturally occurring protective Ozone Layer. 

Scientific evidence is growing that man-made greenhouse gas emissions are having 

a noticeable effect on the earth’s climate. In the future, the UK’s climate could warm 

by as much as 3°C over the next 100 years. The social, environmental and economic 

costs associated with this could be huge. 

Closed loop recycling involves the remanufacture of waste into a new product, which 

is bought back by the initial waste producer. This holistic approach delivers cost 

effective, sustainable product life cycle management that can simultaneously meet 

client’s operational, financial, marketing and environmental objectives. 



40

Glossary 

Commercial Waste 

Controlled Waste 

Duty of Care 

Emissions 

Energy Recovery 

Energy Recovery 

from Waste (EfW) 

EU Directive 

Exemptions 

from Licensing 

Fly Tipping 

Gasification 

Green Waste 

Greenhouse Effect 

Greenhouse Gas 

Waste arising from premises which are wholly or mainly for trade, business, sport, 

recreation or entertainment as defined in Schedule 4 of the Controlled Waste 

Regulations 1992.Compost: To turn organic waste into soil conditioner using the 

process of biodegradation. 

Industrial, household and commercial waste, as defined in UK legislation. Controlled 

waste specifically excludes mine and quarry waste, wastes from premises used for 

agriculture, some sewage sludge and radioactive waste, as set out in the Controlled 

Waste Regulations 1992. 

The Duty of Care (Section 34 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990) places a 

general duty on waste producers (or anyone else with responsibility for waste) to take 

all reasonable steps to keep their waste safe. If they transfer their waste to someone 

else, they must ensure that that person is authorised to take it and can transport (See 

Registration of Waste Carriers), recycle or dispose of it safely. The Duty of Care does 

not apply to waste produced by householders in their own homes. 

Gases, solids and liquids discharged into the air, water or ground. 

The recovery of useful energy in the form of heat and/or electric power from waste. 

Includes combined heat and power, combustion of landfill gas and gas produced 

during anaerobic digestion. 

Includes a number of established and emerging technologies, though most energy 

recovery is through incineration technologies. Many wastes are combustible, with 

relatively high calorific values—this energy can be recovered through (for instance) 

incineration with electricity generation. 

A type of law which is issued by the European Union—all EU countries then have to 

put this into their own legal system. 

Certain waste reclamation and recycling activities (which are not seen as a threat to 

human health or the environment) are exempt from waste management licensing 

requirements. This includes the storage of certain materials for recovery or re-use— 

although limits on quantities of material apply. 

Waste which is deposited illegally by householders or businesses. This can be 

anything from old furniture to bags of waste or even cars. Fly tipping is illegal and can 

carry a fine or, in some cases, a more serious punishment. 

Turning into gas; thermal treatment of waste to recover energy—the waste is heated 

to between 800 and 1400 degrees C, in the presence of oxygen. 

Organic waste from the garden and vegetable waste, tea leaves, coffee grounds and 

egg shells. 

A natural occurrence whereby the sun’s warmth is trapped in the lower atmosphere of 

the earth by a number of gases. These gases let solar radiation through but reflect 

back the warmth radiated from the earth. 

These are gases that are found in the atmosphere such as carbon dioxide and 

methane. The presence of these gases allows the greenhouse effect to occur. There 

are however increasing concentrations of these gases due to the activity of humans. 

It is this increase that is having a negative effect by reflecting more heat back into the 

atmosphere and consequently leading to global warming and a change in our climate. 



41

Glossary 

Hazardous Waste 

Heavy Metals 

Incineration 

Inert Waste 

Inorganic 

Integrated Waste 

Management 

ISO 14001 

Landfill 

Landfill Gas 

Landfill Sites 

Landfill Tax 

Leachate 

Leaching 

Waste materials that when improperly managed may pose a substantial threat to 

human health or the environment. Hazardous materials include ni-cad batteries, oilbased 

paint, used motor oil and other automotive fluids, electronics, many pesticides, 

pool chemicals, solvents, fertilisers, fluorescent lamps and wood preservatives. 

Usually referred to as ‘special waste’, it has been controlled in the UK under the 

Special Waste Regulations (1996). These were reviewed in 2001, because the 

definition of special waste failed to meet the requirements of the EC Directive on 

hazardous waste. 

Elements, including cadmium, mercury, lead and arsenic which may be found in the 

waste stream as part of discarded items (batteries, lighting fixtures, colorants, ink). 

Normally refers to the controlled burning of waste in the presence of sufficient air to 

achieve complete combustion. Energy is usually recovered in the form of electric 

power and/or heat. The emissions are controlled under EU Directive 2000/76/EC. 

This Directive also applies to other thermal treatment processes such as pyrolysis 

and gasification, so the term incineration may be applied to a wider range of thermal 

waste treatment processes. 

Waste that is not active, that is, it does not decompose or otherwise change. 

Refers to small molecules that contain no carbon. 

Involves a number of key elements, including: recognising each step in the waste 

management process as part of a whole, involving all key players in the decisionmaking 

process and utilising a mixture of waste management options within the 

locally determined sustainable waste management system. 

The international environmental management system standard. It was published in 

1996 and is designed to help organisations put in place the necessary structures to 

ensure that their operations comply with environmental laws and that major 

environmental risks and liabilities are properly identified, minimised and managed. 

The method of disposing of waste by burying it under the ground. 

Landfill gas is naturally produced by anaerobic processes inside a landfill. Methods of 

collecting landfill gas depend upon the design of a particular landfill. A recent 

alternative to the two methods of deriving energy from waste through the direct 

combustion of the organic material is the collection and combustion of “landfill gas”. 

Each tonne of Municipal Solid Waste produces about 70 cubic metres of landfill gas. 

Areas of land in which waste is deposited and are licensed facilities. Often these sites 

are located in disused quarries or mines. In areas where there are limited or no 

ready-made voids, the practice of landraising is sometimes carried out, where some 

or all of the waste is deposited above ground, and the landscape is contoured. 

A tax intended to address the environmental costs of landfilling by encouraging the 

diversion of waste from landfill. 

Liquid drained from a landfill and collected in a leachate pond. 

Process by which soluble materials are dissolved and carried through the soil by a 

percolating liquid. 



42

Glossary 

LERAP 

Licensed Site 

Life Cycle Analysis/ 

Assessment (LCA) 

Material Reclamation 

Facility (MRF) 

Mechanical Biological 

Treatment (MBT) 

Methane 

Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) 

Mulching 

Non-inert Waste 

Organic Matter 

Ozone Depletion 

Ozone Layer 

Phone Directories 

Local Environmental Risk Assessment for Pesticides. 

A waste disposal or treatment facility, which is licensed under the Environmental 

Protection Act (1990) for that function. 

The systematic identification and evaluation of all of the benefits and dis-benefits 

associated with a product or function through its entire life (‘cradle to grave’). This 

can provide a basis for making strategic decisions on the ways in which particular 

wastes in a given set of circumstances can be most effectively managed, in line with 

the principles of Best Practicable Environmental Option, the waste hierarchy and the 

proximity principle. 

These are places where materials collected together in one bag for recycling are 

sorted for reprocessing. A transfer station for the segregation and storage of 

recyclable materials. Also sometimes known as Material Recycling Facility or 

Materials Recovery Facility. 

Systems consisting of a mechanical stage, where recyclables and rejects (batteries, 

tyres, etc.) are separated to leave an organic fraction. This fraction is then sent, in the 

biological stage, for treatment using composting and digestion techniques. These 

systems provide a new generation of integrated waste management technology able 

to reduce landfill and mass burn incineration and to increase recycling and 

composting. 

CH4, a naturally occurring greenhouse gas. Methane is emitted during the production 

and transport of coal, natural gas and oil. Methane emissions also result from the 

decomposition of organic wastes in landfills. 

Solid waste that is collected by or on behalf of a local authority. 

The natural and gradual decomposition of dead organic matter that has been evenly 

distributed in a thin layer on the ground. 

Waste that is active, that is, it does change or decompose. 

Unwanted food waste, amenity vegetation and other biodegradable material. Organic 

waste can prove very useful in helping fertilise the soil in our gardens by being made 

into compost. By recycling as much organic matter into compost as possible, we can 

dramatically reduce the amount of waste filling up our landfill sites. Organic waste is 

a problem if sent to landfill, because it is impossible to separate from other waste 

once mingled, and will rot producing methane, a greenhouse gas responsible for 

global warming. 

Is caused by the release of Ozone Depleting Substances such as CFCs and HCFCs, 

which are used as refrigerants and insulation foam. 

A naturally occurring layer of gas in the upper atmosphere which protects the earth 

by filtering the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Overexposure to UV rays can lead to 

skin cancer, cataracts and a weakened immune system. 

Phone directories with white pages can often be recycled with your newspapers and 

magazines. Yellow pages however usually cannot be recycled with your normal paper 

as the dyes within the paper are difficult to manage. Civic Amenity Sites will normally 

have a designated point. 



43

Glossary 

Polluter Pays Principle 

Planning Policy 

Guidance Notes (PPGs) 

Plastic 

Pollution 

Processing 

Pyrolysis 

Recovery 

Recyclable 

Recycling 

Reduction 

Re-use 

Salvage 

Soil Conditioner 

Principle by which one who produces pollution (including waste) is made responsible 

for it. 

Government Policy Statements on a variety of planning issues, including waste 

planning issues, to be taken as material considerations, where relevant, in deciding 

planning applications. 

Man-made materials composed of large molecules called “polymers” containing 

primarily carbon and hydrogen with lesser amounts of oxygen and nitrogen. Plastic is 

a difficult material to recycle as there are many different types of plastic (often 

indicated by a number or letters such as PP, PET or PVC). The variation in plastic 

means that different reprocessing techniques are required. The different types of 

plastic therefore need to be collected separately, or sorted after collection, as 

reprocessors will specify which type of plastic they will accept. 

Contamination of air, soil or water with harmful substances. 

The treatment or upgrading of recyclable, compostable or otherwise recoverable 

materials at a Materials Reclamation Facility (MRF) or other facility prior to 

reprocessing. Upgrading operations include sorting, compacting, shredding, bulking. 

Breakdown by heat; thermal treatment of waste to recover energy—the waste is 

heated to between 400 and 800 degrees C, in the absence of oxygen, and a mixture 

of gas, solid and liquid fuel is produced. 

Obtaining value from waste through re-use; recycling; composting; other means of 

material recovery (such as anaerobic digestion); or energy recovery (combustion with 

direct or indirect use of the energy produced, manufacture of refuse derived fuel, 

gasification, pyrolysis and other technologies). 

A material or product that has the potential to be recycled. 

The act of processing used or abandoned materials for use in creating new products. 

Most materials such as paper, glass, cardboard, plastics and scrap metals can be 

recycled. Special wastes such as solvents can also be recycled by specialist 

companies or by in-house equipment. 

Achieving as much waste reduction as possible is a priority action. Reduction can be 

accomplished within a manufacturing process involving the review of production 

processes to optimise utilisation of raw (and secondary) materials and re-circulation 

processes. It can be cost effective, both in terms of lower disposal costs, reduced 

demand for raw materials and reduced energy use. It can be carried out by 

householders through actions such as home composting, re-using products and 

buying goods with reduced packaging. 

Involves products designed to be used a number of times in the same form, such as 

glass milk bottles or returnable plastic crates. In addition, many supermarkets now 

have carrier bags which you can use over and over again, and some businesses 

deliver goods in re-usable plastic crates. The processes contribute to sustainable 

development and can save raw materials, energy and transport costs. 

The act of obtaining a secondary material through collection, sorting, etc. 

A product that improves the condition of the soil. 



44

Glossary 

Special Waste 

Sustainable 

Sustainable Development 

Sustainable Waste 

Management 

Thermal Treatment 

Vermiculture 

Virgin Material 

Volume Reduction 

Waste 

Waste Collection Authority 

Waste Disposal 

Waste Disposal Authority 

Waste Hierarchy 

(Minimisation) 

WISARD (Waste Integrated 

Systems Assessment for 

Recovery and Disposal) 

Waste which, because of the risks posed to human health and the environment (is 

dangerous to life, has a combustion flashpoint of 21°C or less, or is a medical 

product), is subject to additional controls under the Special Waste Regulations 1996. 

A way of life, behaviour or practice that can be maintained indefinitely, i.e. without 

exhausting finite resources. 

Development which is sustainable is that which can meet the needs of the present 

without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. 

Using material resources efficiently, to cut down on the amount of waste we produce, 

and where waste is generated, dealing with it in a way that actively contributes to the 

economic, social and environmental goals of sustainable development. 

Treatment by heat—in terms of waste, this includes incineration, pyrolysis and 

gasification. 

This is the term for worm composting using a wormery. 

Any material which is natural and has not previously been used. Where possible we 

should avoid using virgin products and use a product which has recycled content 

such as glass aggregate or recycled content paper. 

Processing waste materials to decrease the amount of space the materials occupy. It 

is accomplished by mechanical, thermal or biological means. 

The strict legal definition of waste is extremely complex but it encompasses most 

unwanted material which has fallen out of the commercial cycle or chain of utility 

which the holder discards, or intends to/is required to discard. In fact, it has a highly 

negative impact on our view and commitment to re-use and recycle those products 

we may view as waste, many of which can in fact be re-used or recycled. 

A local authority charged with the collection of waste from households or private 

sectors. 

This is defined by the list of operations that constitute disposal (under Part III of 

Schedule 4 of the Waste Management Licensing Regulations). This includes landfill, 

land raising, incineration, permanent storage, etc. 

A local authority charged with providing disposal sites to which it directs the Waste 

Collection Authorities for the disposal of their controlled waste, and with providing 

civic amenity facilities. 

Suggests that the most effective environmental solution may often be to reduce the 

amount of waste generated—reduction. Where further reduction is not practicable, 

products and materials can sometimes be used again, either for the same or different 

purpose—re-use. Failing that, value should be recovered from the waste through 

recycling, composting or energy recovery from waste. Only if none of the above is 

appropriate should the waste be disposed. 

A tool developed by the Environment Agency (in England and Wales) to assist in 

assessing the Life Cycle. 



45

Waste management - England Golf

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