This Methodology Determination (method) provides the rules for crediting the emissions reductions achieved by separating organic material from waste at the point of generation and diverting it from landfill. Under the Emissions Reduction Fund (ERF), emissions reduced by using eligible alternative methods to treat the waste, such as composting, processed engineered fuel manufacture, and biodigestion can receive credits.
Under this method charities can also be credited for collecting and distributing food that would otherwise be sent to landfill.
Using the method
To use this method and take part in the ERF, you need to apply to the Clean Energy Regulator. The Regulator develops the methods and manages project registration, compliance and crediting emissions for projects under the ERF.
Visit the Regulator’s website for:
- information on the method and how to use it
- project planning guidance, including eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Consultation on the method
The Emissions Reduction Assurance Committee (ERAC) conducts public consultation before giving advice about making or varying a method. Once finalised the ERAC advises the Minister on whether the new or varied method meets the offsets integrity standards.
Read the ERAC’s advice to the Minister on making the method in 2016 [379KB PDF].
See the public consultation and method draft on the Australian Government Trove archive.
A 2016 amendment to the Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative) Rule 2015 extended the accounting period for this method to allow project owners to report emission reductions that accrue after the crediting period has ended.
The ERAC undertook a crediting period extension review in 2021. Read the review report [597KB PDF] [1.5MB DOCX] and the ERAC’s advice to the Minister [580KB PDF] [1.6MB DOCX].
Read more
- Read about the Emissions Reduction Fund, including our department’s role.
- Read more about method development and available methods.
Connect with us
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- Read emissions reduction news