Safe disposal of dead stock
Stock deaths occur periodically and land managers are responsible for carcass disposal. Off-farm methods of disposal include knackery, rendering services or suitably licensed landfills. If these are not available, alternate on-farm biosecure options may include composting or burial.
In the event of unusual signs or suspected cases of emergency animal disease, please report them immediately to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888. Early reporting increases the chance of effective control and eradication.
Off-farm disposal options
Knackery and rendering services
In areas where knackery or rendering services are available, these are a suitable option for disposal of dead stock.
Suitably licensed landfills
A list of suitably licensed landfills can be found on the Victorian Environment Protection Authority (EPA) website. Biosecure transport is essential when transporting dead stock to prevent any leakage.
On-farm disposal
If on-farm disposal is to be used, then forward planning with appropriate siting, infrastructure and management is critical to minimise any biosecurity, environmental or other risks. The navigating farm developments tool can help locate appropriate sites for burial pits and composting.
On-farm burial
Burying carcasses on the farm may be the most appropriate option, depending on the circumstances.
Stringent EPA guidelines apply to appropriate burial sites so they don’t adversely affect the land, surface or ground waters or the air.
Detailed information on setback distances and other requirements can be found in the EPA document Farm waste management.
On-farm composting
Composting is a natural process whereby beneficial microorganisms decompose and transform carcasses into a useful product. Detailed information can be found in the EPA’s Composting mortalities on farm guidance.
It’s important to realise composting is an active process, not a set-and-forget method. Failing to monitor and follow established composting techniques will result in an increased risk of harm to the land or the environment and a substandard final product.
One point to note is that the compost produced including animal carcasses will be considered a restricted animal material (RAM). RAM material has specific legislated requirements on how to store, handle, apply and graze paddocks where this compost has been applied. Further information on RAM material and biosecurity considerations can be found on the composting and biosecurity considerations page of the Agriculture Victoria website.
Disposal related to agricultural emergencies
Stock disposal during an emergency animal disease (EAD) outbreak
If an EAD outbreak is declared, Agriculture Victoria is responsible for the destruction and disposal of animal carcasses, including those that can be buried on-farm.
Guidance has been developed to help land managers and livestock owners plan for and respond to an EAD outbreak where carcasses may need to be buried and can be done so on-farm. See information on the Agriculture Victoria Guidance for on-farm burial of carcasses in an emergency animal disease outbreak.
Stock disposal after bushfire, flood or drought
A bushfire, flood or drought can result in animal carcasses requiring disposal. Guidance is provided in the Disposing of carcasses after bushfire, flood or drought section of Agriculture Victoria’s website.
Other information
General information on-farm biosecurity and animal disease is available on the Agriculture Victoria website.