ABSTRACT
The wastes from a meat slaughtering complex processing lambs, cattle and pigs have traditionally undergone primary treatment consisting of screening, settling and flotation. The solids removed by the
primary processes were disposed of by land burial, but this is no longer environmentally or economically acceptable. Evaluation of solid waste treatment systems indicated that thermophilic aerobic composting was the most appropriate treatment method. The process, based on the Beltsville static pile method, has proved simple to operate and control, does not involve high technology or high capital cost, and is environmentally
acceptable. It has provided a means for resource recovery, with a finished product for which there is a defined market. In considering facility design, process development, operating procedures and end product use it has been necessary to evaluate raw material characteristics, maintain satisfactory aeration conditions
and provide adequate disinfection and odour control. Overall process management and quality control testing is important to ensure a fully stabilized end product.
