All residues from animals that are not suitable or intended for human consumption are animal by-products. These should be recycled and safely disposed of in such a way that neither human and animal health nor the environment are endangered. To this end, animal by-products are divided into three risk categories according to the degree of risk they pose to human and animal health, for which there are different requirements for processing and disposal (Articles 7-14 of Regulation (EC) No. 1069/2009).

There is an authorization requirement for certain activities when handling animal by-products. If you wish to carry out one of the following activities, you must first obtain an authorization from the competent authority:

Processing of animal by-products by pressure sterilization, by processing methods in accordance with Article 15 (1) subparagraph 1 letter b of Regulation (EC) 1069/2009 or approved alternative methods in accordance with Article 20 of Regulation (EC) 1069/2009

disposal as waste by incineration of animal by-products and derived products, except in relation to establishments or plants with an operating license in accordance with Directive 2000/76/EC

disposal or recovery of animal by-products and derived products, if they are waste, by co-incineration, except in relation to establishments or plants licensed in accordance with Directive 2000/76/EC

Use of animal by-products and derived products as fuel

Production of pet food

Production of organic fertilizers and soil improvers

Conversion of animal by-products and/or derived products into biogas or compost (biogas plant and composting plants)

Treatment of animal by-products after collection, in the form of activities such as sorting, cutting, cooling, freezing, salting, removal of hides and skins or specified risk material

Storage of animal by-products

Storage of derived products that

• are to be disposed of by landfill or incineration
• to be used as fuel
• to be used as animal feed, unless the plant is already approved or registered in accordance with Regulation (EC) 183/2005
• to be used as organic fertilizers or soil improvers, except for storage at the place of direct application