Transporting animal by-products is a critical aspect of waste management that requires strict adherence to regulations and best practices. This guide will provide you with essential information on how to collect, transport, and manage animal by-products effectively while ensuring compliance with legal requirements.
Importance of Proper Collection and Packaging
Animal by-products must be collected and transported in leak-proof, closed containers or sealed new packaging. This is crucial for preventing contamination and ensuring the safety of the materials during transit. Each category of by-product should be kept separate and clearly labelled to avoid any mix-ups that could lead to contamination or health risks.
Categories of Animal By-Products
Animal by-products are classified into three categories:
- Category 1: This includes high-risk materials such as fallen stock or products from animals suspected of having a disease.
- Category 2: These are materials that may pose a risk to human or animal health but do not fall under Category 1.
- Category 3: These are safe materials suitable for use in pet food or composting.
Each category has specific handling and transportation requirements, making it essential to keep them distinct throughout the collection process.
Documentation Requirements
All movements of animal by-products, except manure, must be accompanied by a commercial document. It is important to note that this document differs from a waste transfer note or hazardous waste consignment note. The commercial document should include:
- A record of the origin and quantity of the material
- A description of the material, including its animal by-product category
- The date of transport
- The name and address of both the carrier and receiver
- If applicable, any approval numbers indicating that the animal by-product has been treated for safe use (e.g., for composting or pet food)
All original documents must accompany the animal by-products during transit. The receiver is responsible for keeping these original documents, while both the waste producer and carrier should retain copies. It is also vital to keep all records for at least two years to ensure traceability.
Loading and Unloading Procedures
Loading and unloading animal by-products require careful consideration to maintain biosecurity standards. Some activities must only occur inside a building; this includes loading and unloading slaughterhouse waste or tipping animal by-products onto floors or into hoppers.
If indoor loading is not feasible, vehicles may dock with buildings to transfer products under cover directly from one location to another; this method is acceptable when loading intact animal carcasses. In very limited circumstances, permission may be granted for unloading certain animal by-products in outdoor yards; however, these situations are tightly controlled due to potential risks.
Food Waste Collection Services
At Martlands, we offer an efficient food waste collection service designed to divert food waste from landfills while promoting sustainability. Our collected food waste is transported directly to our anaerobic digestion facility where it undergoes processing through naturally occurring microorganisms. This process generates biogas—a renewable energy source—and nutrient-rich fertiliser suitable for agricultural use.
The biogas produced can be converted into renewable electricity that feeds into the national grid, contributing positively towards environmental sustainability.
Martlands’ Animal By-Product Collection & Processing
Martlands is a licensed processor of all three categories of animal by-products (ABPs). We utilise specialised vehicles for collection purposes before transporting your waste securely to our dedicated processing plant. Our operations comply with environmental guidelines and relevant legislation ensuring bio-secure handling at every stage.
We take pride in providing an efficient service where all Category 3 ABP waste is processed into finished products suitable for various applications—ensuring nothing goes to waste in our operations.
Comprehensive Waste Management Services
In addition to our ABP services, Martlands offers a holistic approach towards managing other recyclable and non-recyclable waste streams as well. This means we can provide you with comprehensive solutions that protect both your interests as well as those of our planet while keeping costs down.
Transporting animal by-products requires diligence in following regulations concerning collection methods, documentation requirements, loading/unloading procedures, and processing protocols. By adhering strictly to these guidelines outlined above—especially regarding leak-proof packaging and clear labelling—you can ensure compliance while contributing positively towards environmental sustainability through responsible management practices.
For more information about our services or if you have any questions regarding transporting animal by-products safely and legally, please do not hesitate to call us today on 01704 776977!
Category 1 Animal By Product Collection
