If you are considering improving the bio-security on your site by investing in an incinerator, it's useful to have up-to-date information on the regulations and legislation set by the bodies who oversee safe, ethical and efficient incineration.
Follow our step-by-step guide for everything you need to know.
Who's who in the world of incineration?
First things first, here are some handy acronyms:
- DEFRA - The Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
- APHA - Animal and Plant Health Agency
These are the two key players in incineration regulation in the UK, and they work together to ensure owners of incinerators meet particular standards.
DEFRA are a governmental department responsible for developing regulations. APHA are a national agency responsible for enforcing these regulations and carrying out nationwide inspections.
The requirements for owning an incinerator
Anyone wanting to operate an incinerator for the disposal of Animal By-Products (ABPs), carcasses, innards, entrails and any other material from a dead animals must submit an application and inspection form for approval by APHA.
The form is easy to complete and asks for a few key details about your incineration operation. This includes:
- The type and quantity of waste you will be burning
- Where your incinerator is installed
- What drainage system(s) you have in place
- How much ash you will generate
- The temperature of the incinerator you'll be using
We know this can sometimes be a little daunting which is why our experts are on hand to help you through the process.
Considerations when completing your application
While the application form itself is a simple piece of paperwork, there are some other factors to bear in mind...
Costs
Payment is required when submitting your application to operate an incinerator. Costs across different regions of the UK (England, Scotland and Wales) are similar but differ slightly, so check the APHA Fee Guidance links below relevant to your region.
- England & APHA England Fee Guidance
- Scotland & APHA Fee Guidance Scotland
- Wales & APHA Fee Guidance Wales
Environment
Both the EU and DEFRA have set out particular standards for incinerators to ensure that they comply with environmental standards so farming is a sustainable industry with animal welfare at its fore.
When making your application, ensure the information you're providing relates to one of our DEFRA-approved products, all of which meet the latest EU legislative requirements.
Talk to a member of our sales team for help with our product range and the information you'll need.
Planning Permission
Depending on the size of the incinerator you are looking to install, you may require planning permission.
An incinerator disposing of less than 50kg of Animal By-Products (ABPs) per hour typically won't t require planning permission. Anything above this size is classified as high-capacity and would be subject to planning permission. Further regulations may also apply. The requirements may also differ depending if you are registered as commercial premises.
You can contact our team who will explain more about your preferred incinerator and whether or not it's likely to require planning regulations.
Next steps
Once permission is granted and your Inciner8 product is installed, a duty vet will visit your site to ensure that the incinerator conforms to all the required standards, including relevant operating temperatures. They may provide guidance on the location of your incinerator, any necessary alterations, and advice on best practices.