New insights into waste management – Meat industry

Abstract

This paper discusses the effects of changes in the management methods for animal by-products in a meat-processing plant after the implementation of an onsite thermal process waste recycling system and the construction of a production facility for mineral fertilisers. The changes concern cured meat production at a beef, pork and poultry cutting plant with a capacity of 150 tons per day. The remains of the processing comprise 17 tons per day of bones and pulp from meat and bone, which are burnt to ash. The resulting waste (ash) is converted into a new and useful product: mineral fertiliser. This paper details a case study of the first facility in Poland with an animal by-product thermal recycling facility and a plant, located at the meat-processing factory, that produces mineral fertiliser for agriculture and horticulture. The results of this study indicate that the management of animal by-products eliminates some of the negative effects related to their transport to local facilities for disposal. The study also highlights substantial ecological, energy-related and economic advantages.