All animal-derived residues that are not suitable for or intended for human consumption are considered animal by-products. These must be utilized and safely disposed of in a manner that does not endanger human or animal health or the environment. To this end, animal by-products are classified into three risk categories based on the level of risk they pose to human and animal health, with different requirements for their processing and disposal (Articles 7–14 of Regulation (EC) No. 1069/2009).

Certain activities involving the handling of animal by-products require a permit. If you wish to carry out any of the following activities, you must first obtain a permit from the competent authority:

Processing animal by-products by pressure sterilization, by processing methods in accordance with Article 15(1), first subparagraph, letter b of Regulation (EC) No. 1069/2009, or by approved alternative methods in accordance with Article 20 of Regulation (EC) No. 1069/2009

Disposal as waste through incineration of animal by-products and derived products, except for facilities or establishments that hold an operating permit in accordance with Directive 2000/76/EC

Disposal or recovery of animal by-products and derived products, when they constitute waste, by co-incineration, except in the case of facilities or establishments holding an operating permit 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 conditioners

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

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

Storage of animal by-products

Storage of by-products that

• are to be disposed of by landfilling or incineration
• are intended to be used as fuel
• are intended to be used as animal feed, unless the facility is already authorized or registered in accordance with Regulation (EC) No. 183/2005
• are intended to be used as organic fertilizers or soil conditioners, except when stored at the site of direct application