Transporting animal by-products
How to transport animal by-products, who is authorised to do so and what documentation you need.
You must collect and transport animal by-products (ABPs) in leak-proof, closed containers or sealed new packaging. You must keep each category of by-product separate and clearly labelled to prevent contamination.
Who can transport animal by-products
Only use authorised carriers, registered with the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA), to remove your waste. There are two registration tiers:
- lower tier - carriers transporting ABPs only
- upper tier or broker - carriers transporting ABPs plus other waste types
Always ask for proof of registration (certificate or letter) before using any carrier.
Commercial documents for transporting animal by-product
All movements of ABPs, except manure, need a commercial document. This is different 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 the ABP category
- the date of transport
- the name and address of the carrier and receiver
- end use (composting, pet food, etc
- treatment approval numbers (if applicable)
If you export ABPs or send them to be processed into pet food, you may need a health certificate from your local Divisional Veterinary Office.
All original documents should accompany the ABPs during transit. The receiver of the ABPs must keep the original documents. The waste producer and the waste carrier must keep copies. You must keep all records for at least two years.
The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has guidance on the requirements concerning the transportation, documentary and record keeping requirements for animal by-products.
Loading and unloading animal by-products
Loading and unloading of ABPs should be done inside a building where possible for:
- slaughter and butchery waste
- tipping animal by-products onto the floor or into a hopper
If indoor loading and unloading is not possible, you can 'dock' your vehicle to the building and transfer ABPs under cover directly to or from the building. This is allowed for loading intact animal carcasses.
You may get permission to unload certain ABPs in outside yards in very limited and tightly controlled circumstances.
For more information, read DAERA's guidance note on loading and unloading ABPs.