Abattoir waste
Solid waste:
- Condemned carcasses Bones
- Condemned organs (livers, lungs, hearts and intestines) Horns
- Condemned hides Hair
- Carcass trimmings Fat
- Undigested feed and dung Unborn foetuses
Liquid waste:
- Blood – the highest pollution load Bile
- Dissolved detergents, chemicals and wash water Urine
Liquid waste normally contains high levels of organic matter and biological nutrients high in alkalinity.
On average, the following waste is generated per beast slaughtered
- Blood = 12.6 kg Intestinal content = 8 kg
- Waste tissue = 6.4 kg Bones = 11.8 kg
Liquid and solid waste disposal
To ensure the safe disposal of liquid and solid waste from the slaughter area, the following actions are important:
- Use high-pressure cold water to wash the blood and solids from the floor and equipment.
- Solids and fat trapped in special filters that cover the waste water outlets must be cleaned by hand, and the fat and solids disposed of in special containers.
- Blood will coagulate into a solid mass which may block up both open and closed drains. It is recommended that the blood is collected and used for stock feed (bloodmeal), and the production of fertiliser.
- Grease traps should be installed in the drains for small amounts of fat (melted fat or small pieces of fatty tissues) in the effluent water. This fat solidifies, rises to the surface, and can be removed regularly.
- Effluent water will end up in the Municipal water treatment plant, and should never be dumped into rivers, streams, or dams.