Animal by-products play a crucial role in various industries, from food production to pharmaceuticals. However, the handling and disposal of these materials are strictly regulated due to potential risks to human and animal health. Understanding the categories of animal by-products is essential for compliance with regulations and ensuring public safety. In this blog post, we will explore the three categories of animal by-products, their associated risks, and the rules governing their disposal.
The Importance of Categorisation
Animal by-products are divided into three distinct categories based on their potential risk to human and animal health: Category 1, Category 2, and Category 3. Each category has specific rules for disposal, and it is critical that materials from different categories are kept separate at all times. If materials from one category are mixed with those from another category, the entire mixture must be treated as if it belongs to the higher risk category. This strict separation helps mitigate any potential health risks associated with these materials.
Category 1 Animal By-Products
Category 1 is designated for very high-risk material. This includes:
- Animals and materials suspected or confirmed to be infected by transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs), such as scrapie in sheep or bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in cattle.
- Animals that have been experimented on.
- Zoo and pet animal carcasses.
- Wild animals suspected of having an infectious disease.
- Catering waste from international transport (e.g., aircraft and ships).
- Specified risk material (SRM), which consists of tissues from cattle, sheep, or goats that may be infected with TSEs or carcasses that have not had SRM removed.
- Animal tissue collected when treating wastewater from Category 1 processing plants.
Due to the high-risk nature of these materials, strict regulations govern their collection, transportation, and disposal. Licensed processors like Martlands ensure that all Category 1 animal by-products are handled in a bio-secure manner.
Category 2 Animal By-Products
Category 2 encompasses high-risk material but is considered less hazardous than Category 1. This category includes:
- Animals that have been slaughtered to prevent the spread of disease.
- Manure and digestive tract contents.
- Animals and parts of animals that die through means other than slaughtering (often referred to as fallen stock).
- Animal tissue collected when treating wastewater from Category 2 processing plants.
While still posing a significant risk if not managed correctly, Category 2 materials can often be processed into useful products under strict regulatory oversight. Proper handling ensures that these materials do not contribute to disease transmission or environmental contamination.
Category 3 Animal By-Products
Category 3 is reserved for low-risk material. This includes:
- Meat and fish from food manufacturers and retailers.
- Former foodstuffs of animal origin or containing products of animal origin—this includes food waste due to manufacturing or packaging defects.
- Catering waste (excluding catering waste from international transport).
- Eggs and other by-products that do not show signs of infectious disease.
- Milk.
- Fish and other sea animals.
- Shells, hooves, horns, and feathers.
Materials classified under this category can often be recycled into finished products for various goods without posing significant health risks. For instance, many food manufacturers utilise Category 3 materials in pet foods or fertilisers after proper processing.
The Role of Licensed Processors
Licensed processors like Martlands Waste Management play a vital role in managing animal by-products across all three categories. We collect your waste using specialised vehicles designed for safe transportation while adhering to environmental guidelines and relevant legislation.
At our dedicated waste processing plant, we ensure that all collected animal by-products are treated professionally according to their respective categories. Our commitment extends beyond mere compliance; we strive for efficiency while maintaining bio-security standards throughout our processes.
Collection Process
When you engage our services at Martlands, you can expect an efficient collection process tailored specifically for your needs:
- Specialised Vehicles: Our fleet consists of vehicles specifically designed for transporting different categories of animal by-products safely.
- Professional Processing: Once collected, your waste is transported directly to our recycling plant where it undergoes thorough processing according to its designated category.
- Zero Waste Philosophy: We take pride in our commitment to sustainability; all Category 3 animal by-product waste is processed into finished products intended for other goods or processes—ensuring nothing goes to waste.
Understanding the categories of animal by-products is essential for anyone involved in industries related to agriculture, food production, or veterinary care. The separation between Categories 1, 2, and 3 ensures public safety while allowing us to recycle valuable resources effectively.
At Martlands, we provide a professional service compliant with all relevant environmental legislation regarding the collection and processing of animal by-products. You can trust us with your waste management needs—ensuring both efficiency and safety every step of the way!
Get in touch today on 01704 776977 for more information or click on one of the links below:-
Category 1 Animal By Product Collection
