How may I dispose of biological wastes?

Biological waste is defined in the Resource Recovery and Management Act (RRMA) as including, but not limited to, biomedical waste, diseased or dead animals, and other waste capable of transmitting pathogens to humans or animals. Biological wastes are subject to lower standards of disposal than most other solid wastes. In Florida, special rules apply to dead animals and poultry wastes.

How may I dispose of the carcasses of dead animals?

The carcasses of dead domestic animals may be disposed of as follows:

• burned, if in compliance with the general burning statutes
• buried at least two feet deep
• disposed of by licensed rendering companies
• disposed of in a Class I landfill
• other properties approved by FDEP

Carcasses may not be disposed of as follows:

• dumped on any public road or right-of-way
• left where they may be consumed by animals

The statute defines domestic animals as including horses, cattle, goats, sheep, swine, dogs, cats, poultry, or other domesticated beasts or birds.

How may I properly dispose of poultry wastes?

Poultry wastes and residues may be disposed of as follows:

• burned
• processed by an approved renderer
• fed to swine (after adequate heat treatment)
• buried in sanitary disposal pits
• composted
• placed in a designated landfill

If waste must be transported to a disposal site, it must be placed in sealed containers to prevent spillage.

Acknowledgment

The authors are indebted to the personnel of both state and federal agencies who gave of their time and advice in the preparation of this handbook. The authors are also indebted to the O. R. and Shirley Minton and the James S. and Dorothy F. Wershow Endowments for funding assistance in the development of this handbook, and Andra Johnson, Ph.D., dean and professor, Office of Dean for Extension and the Florida Cooperative Extension Service.