Stringent regulations apply to the processing of ABPs. European legislation (1774/2002) sets out for the collection, transport, storage, handling, processing and use or disposal of all ABPs. These rules are administered and enforced in the UK by the Animal By-Products Regulations (ABPR) 2005.

There are three categories of ABP based on their potential risk to animals, the public or the environment. The Regulations clearly state how each category must or may be disposed of. The EU ABP Regulation permits the use of composting for catering waste and Category 3 animal by-products. Category 3 material is the lowest risk category. It includes raw meat that has passed meat inspection, waste from food manufacturers and food retailers, eggs and certain other by-products which do not show signs of transmissible disease. Category 3 material cannot be taken to landfill but can be disposed of via In Vessel Composting (IVC).

Catering waste that does not contain meat and does not come from premises handling meat is not controlled by the Regulation.

Animal by-products: Composting

The ABP Regulation permits the treatment of low-risk (category 3) ABP in an approved composting plant.

EU ABPR Regulation

ABP need to be treated to the EU standard set out in the Regulation, which is treatment at 70°C for 1 hour, with a maximum particle size of 12mm. Alternative treatment standards that differ from the current EU standard have been introduced in 2007. Alternative treatment standards must demonstrate capability to meet a specified level of pathogen reduction.