Off-site Incineration Module 1 | P a g e

Table of Contents

Overview ......................................................................................................................... 2

Objectives ....................................................................................................................... 3

Introduction Lesson Overview ......................................................................................... 4

Introduction Lesson Contents.......................................................................................... 5

Description................................................................................................................... 6

Types of Combustion Units.......................................................................................... 8

Advantages.................................................................................................................. 9

Disadvantages........................................................................................................... 10

Evaluation Lesson Overview ......................................................................................... 12

Evaluation Lesson Contents.......................................................................................... 13

Regulations................................................................................................................ 14

Waste Stream Evaluation .......................................................................................... 16

Incineration Site Evaluation ....................................................................................... 17

Incineration Evaluation Questions ............................................................................. 18

Environmental Impact................................................................................................ 20

Environmental Impact Questions............................................................................... 21

Biosecurity................................................................................................................. 22

Public Health Considerations..................................................................................... 23

Public Health Questions ............................................................................................ 24

Planning Lesson Overview............................................................................................ 25

Planning Lesson Contents ............................................................................................ 26

Personnel .................................................................................................................. 27

Waste Classification and Characterization ................................................................ 28

Identifying Facilities ................................................................................................... 29

Material, Supplies, and Equipment ............................................................................ 30

Temporary Carcass Storage...................................................................................... 32

Secure Transportation ............................................................................................... 34

Off-site Incineration Suitability ................................................................................... 35

Operations Lesson Overview ........................................................................................ 36

Operations Lesson Contents......................................................................................... 37

Incident Management ................................................................................................ 38

Off-site Incineration Preparation ................................................................................ 39

Infected Premises Preparation .................................................................................. 40

At the Incineration Facility.......................................................................................... 41

Summary....................................................................................................................... 42
Off-site Incineration Module 2 | P a g e

Overview

Welcome to the Off-site Incineration Module of the online Carcass Management 

Course. While completing this module, you may encounter references to the Emergency 

Management Tools; Health, Safety, and Personal Protection Equipment; Secure 

Transport; and to Biosecurity, which are broadly covered in their own separate training 

modules. These modules are found in the Introduction Modules, beginning with the 

Orientation Module.

Effective management of animal carcasses and associated materials is a critical 

component of a successful response during an animal health emergency. Carcass 

management measures contain, treat, or destroy contaminated or potentially 

contaminated materials in order to:

 Prevent spread of a disease outbreak to protect the nation’s agricultural industry 

 Protect the environment by preventing carcass waste products from 

contaminating soil, water, and air 

 Protect decaying carcasses from insects and scavengers which can transport 

pathogens to other locations 

 Safeguard public health by removing potentially contaminated food products from 

the human food supply 

 Safeguard animal health by removing potentially contaminated feed from the 

animal feed supply

This training module is presented from the perspective that you have already used 

the MLCh Tool (Matrix, Decision Loop, and Checklist) explained in the Emergency 

Management Tools Module and selected off-site incineration as the preferred 

carcass management option.
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Objectives 

This module presents the material in four different lessons:

 Introduction

 Evaluation

 Planning

 Operations

Upon completing this module, you should be able to:

 Describe off-site incineration as a method for carcass management

 Identify the advantages and disadvantages of off-site incineration

 Consider environmental risks associated with off-site incineration

 Obtain regulations governing incineration by consulting with state officials

 Identify factors used to evaluate off-site incineration as a carcass management

option

 List critical elements when planning use of off-site incineration

 Recognize key components of off-site incineration operations
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Introduction Lesson Overview 

Definition: Off-site incineration is the process of burning carcasses materials at 

temperatures high enough to destroy contaminants and combusting organic material 

into gases consisting nominally of carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H20). It includes 

transporting carcasses to a permitted municipal incinerator, medical infectious waste 

incinerator, hazardous waste incinerator, or pathological waste incinerator, processing 

the carcasses through the incinerator, and subsequent disposal of the residual ash in an 

appropriate landfill.

The general process of Incineration is as follows:

 The carcasses are off-loaded, moved into the incineration plant, reduced in size 

to facilitate processing if necessary, and placed into the incinerator in batches

 Controlled high-temperature flame combustion volatilizes and destroys the 

organic contaminants

 Flue gases may pass through a secondary combustion chamber for further 

heating, depending on the type of incinerator

 Combustion results in a dense white residue or inert ash low in carbon and a 

gaseous emission which is often filtered or scrubbed prior to release to the 

atmosphere

Figure 1. Off-site Incineration Facility
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Introduction Lesson Contents

This lesson is divided into the following sections:

 Description – Presents the key features of incineration as a carcass management

option by using high temperature combustion

 Types Of Combustion Units – Lists several types of combustors that may be 

used to burn waste

 Advantages – Describes the benefits of using off-site incineration

 Disadvantages – Covers the difficulties and possible drawbacks associated with 

use of off-site incineration
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Description

Thermal methods use high-temperature combustion to destroy animal carcasses and 

associated animal materials. Incineration has been used historically as a carcass 

management option and continues to be utilized throughout the world, including the 

Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak in the United Kingdom in 2001.

Combustion is a rapid, exothermic reaction between a fuel and oxygen. In incineration,

the fuel is predominately a waste material and the oxygen source is air. The flame zone 

of a well-designed incinerator is sufficiently hot to break down all organic molecules.

Inorganic molecules may undergo transformations as well (e.g., oxidation) 

(Source: Waste Incineration & Public Health) 

Fixed-facility incineration can include small and large incineration facilities. Fixed-facility 

incineration is wholly contained and, usually, highly controlled. These units are usually 

permitted by the state and must operate in compliance with the Clean Air Act.

Typically fueled by diesel, natural gas, or propane, fixed-facility incinerators are, in 

essence, chambers in which the incineration process is contained.

 Fixed-facility incineration of carcasses has been described as a convection 

process in which carcass material is burned to ash in a controlled atmosphere

 Most designs of fixed-facility incinerators are fitted with afterburner chambers 

designed to completely burn residual hydrocarbon gases and carbonaceous 

particulate matter exiting from the main combustion chamber

Types of incinerators 

 Rotary Kiln

 Fluidized Bed

 Stoker

 Dual-chamber modular units

 Liquid Injection

 Multiple Hearth

 Catalytic Combustion

 Waste-Gas Flare

 Direct-Flame
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Description (cont.)

Of these, Rotary Kiln and Fluidized Bed are the most likely to be used for carcass 

management because of their prevalence in industry, their large scale use, and their 

versatility. Only these two types will be discussed further. Some characteristics of these 

include:

Rotary Kiln:

 Rotates waste in cylindrical container, enabling thorough mixing with air

 Maintains operating temperatures from 1500-3000°F (800-1650°C) 

 Has greatest resistance to high temperatures

 Is flexible - can handle liquid, sludge, solid, or gases in very large quantities

 Can be mobile for onsite treatment

Fluidized Bed:

 Vessel contains inert granular material that acts theoretically as a fluid when 

gases are injected up through the material bed from nozzles

 Operating temps from 1400-1800°F (750 -1000°C)

 Can handle liquid, sludge, solid, or gases

 Waste enters through nozzles

 Offers nearly isothermal operation

 Cannot handle wastes that melt and slag, disrupting fluidization
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Types of Combustion Units

There are several types of combustors that may be used to burn waste. These include: 

1. Large municipal waste combustor.

2. Small municipal waste combustor.

3. Hospital/medical/infectious waste incinerator.

4. Commercial and industrial solid waste incineration unit.

5. Other solid waste incinerator.

6. Sewage sludge incinerator.

7. Hazardous waste incinerators and manufacturing waste incinerator.

8. Boilers and industrial furnaces that burn solid waste.

9. Industrial, commercial, and institutional boilers that do not burn solid waste.

Combustors in categories 1-6 are regulated under Section 129 of the Clean Air Act. 

Combustors in categories 7 and 8 are regulated under the Resource Conservation and 

Recovery Act (RCRA), and the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). Combustors in 

category 9 are regulated under the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air 

Pollutants (NESHAP) program. 

Figure 2. Small Fixed-facility Incinerator
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Advantages 

Incinerators have been used for years to incinerate both whole carcasses and carcass 

material. Incineration plants are capable of taking preprocessed, relatively homogenous

carcass material.

Advantages of fixed-facility incineration include:

 Fueled by readily available diesel, natural gas, or propane

 Process is controlled and contained

 Carcasses become an inert ash that is acceptable for landfill disposal

 Newer incinerators have afterburner chambers to reduce hydrocarbon gases and

particulate matter

 Destroys almost all pathogens including those that are difficult to destroy, such 

as prions and bacterial spores

 Facilities dedicated to the incineration of animal remains generally have the 

capacity to accommodate volumes up to as much as 625 lbs. /hr.

Figure 3. Private Facility Incinerator
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Disadvantages 

Disadvantages of fixed-site incineration include:

 Limited ability to process larger animals, which may have to be reduced in size 

for processing. The size restrictions are due to both feed door size limitations and 

the improved combustion that can be achieved by size reduction of the animal 

carcass material

 The incinerator must be permitted as a commercial operation to accept infected 

material from off-site sources

 Commercial medical/infectious waste incinerators typically require waste to be 

packaged in specific containers

 There are a limited number of commercial medical infectious waste incinerators 

in the U.S. A map of commercial/industrial solid waste incinerator locations can 

be found at this EPA website.

 Hazardous waste incinerators typically require waste to have a heating value of 

at least 5000 BTU/lb. Animal waste usually has a heating value of approximately 

1000 BTU/lb. and requires substantial fuel to maintain an appropriate

temperature.
Off-site Incineration Module 11 | P a g e

Disadvantages (cont.)

 Carcasses are approximately 70% water but the preferred waste is around 25% 

water, so waste incineration facilities may refuse them

 This is an important system parameter that affects the burn chamber 

temperature and fuel use rate together

 Carcasses with high water content may lead to low burn temperatures and 

high smoke emissions

 High moisture content has a major effect on chamber temperatures and 

load cycle time

 Cleaning and disinfection of a fixed incineration facility presents a considerable 

challenge and it is essential for operators to be trained in biosecurity procedures

 Small animal carcass incinerators, which may be used on farms for fallen stock, 

may reach a throughput of only 110 lbs. per hour and would not be permitted to 

take waste from off-site

 Overloading can contribute to smoke and odor problems and potentially result in 

non-compliance with permits

 Overloading can cause temperatures to drop below optimal levels to achieve 

destruction of pathogens and fully combust the animal carcass material

 Air pollution is a concern; emission control devices such as afterburners and 

scrubbers can reduce air pollution by providing secondary combustion of the 

resulting smoke and capturing particulate matter and acid gases

 Only properly permitted and sized incinerators should be used during an animal 

health emergency to ensure all pathogens are inactivated

 Municipal waste incinerators may not have the capacity to accept waste from an 

outbreak response because of the amount of routine waste they are required to 

process
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Evaluation Lesson Overview 

This lesson contains information to help assist you in determining if off-site incineration 

is a suitable method for disposing of carcasses following an animal health event. For 

purposes of incineration, carcasses are considered pathological waste. As defined by 

federal regulation, pathological waste includes waste material consisting of only human 

or animal remains, anatomical parts, and/or tissue, the bags/containers used to collect 

and transport the waste material, as well as animal bedding.

Factors in the evaluation include: 

 Knowing and understanding applicable regulations

 Identifying the waste stream

 Evaluating the fixed-facility incineration site

 Recognizing the environmental impact
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Evaluation Lesson Contents

This lesson presents the following information: 

 Regulations – Covers many of the key regulations governing operations of fixedsite incinerators

 Waste Stream Evaluation – Contains questions one can use to assess the 

material on the infected premises to determine suitable management options

 Incineration Site Evaluation – Has information including questions to assess 

whether or not off-site incineration is suitable for carcass management

 Environmental Impact – Includes a discussion of potential environmental 

impacts, important biosecurity considerations, and public health considerations

 Biosecurity – Lists a series of measures and considerations to keep disease 

agents out of healthy livestock and poultry populations and prevent the spread of 

disease agents from infected groups to uninfected groups 

 Public Health – Includes a brief discussion of public health considerations and 

questions associated with use of incineration facilities
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Regulations 

All waste materials slated for carcass management and/or transport must be correctly 

classified by an experienced waste manager prior to carcass management to assure 

that appropriate carcass management and transportation methods are selected. The 

classification of the waste will depend upon the specific type of incident and the federal 

agency with primary authority. The Secure Transport Module has additional information 

regarding transport regulations.

Below are some of the considerations for classifying and transporting waste:

 Solid Waste - Most animal related waste generated during a response to an 

animal health incident will be classified as “solid waste” for management 

purposes 

 Medical And Infectious (solid) Waste - A portion of the waste material associated 

with a response to an animal health emergency may be classified as medical 

and/or infectious waste, such as used sharps or needles, and will be subject to 

state regulations

 Hazardous Materials - If carcasses are moved under US Department of 

Transportation authority, infectious waste (including carcasses, bedding, etc. 

which can cause disease or death in animals or humans) is classified as 

hazardous material unless a special classification is obtained

 Hazardous material will require special packaging, manifesting, and 

transport to an appropriate facility approved to accept the materials. 

 It is important to note that the hazardous material classification for 

transportation is not the same as hazardous waste under RCRA

 Permitted Movement – When infected carcasses are permitted to move under 

APHIS/state authority, they will require DOT designation as hazardous material 

 In compliance with 49 CFR 105.5 and 49 CFR 173.134, as well as, other 

related 49 CFR requirements, and

 In compliance with incident-specific state and federal requirements for 

biosecurity, transport method, chain of custody, and cleaning/disinfection 

(e.g., using VS Form 1-27) 

 Refer to the NAHEMS Guidelines: Quarantine and Movement Control for 

additional information
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Regulations (cont.)

The EPA defines a hazardous waste as: “waste that is dangerous or potentially harmful 

to our health or the environment”. Planning and response efforts for waste classification 

should include consultation with a certified waste management professional, familiar

with all disposal regulations in the affected areas. Additional regulations include:

 Clean Air Act for air emissions 

 The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has set 

requirements and recommendations for those engaged in hazardous waste 

operations involving disease-causing organisms

 Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) for solid waste processing 

 Use of personal protective equipment in hazardous waste operations can be 

found at 29 CFR 1910.134 and 29 CFR 1910.156

 Title 40 CFR 262.11 requires any person generating waste must determine if that 

waste is hazardous and follow strict protocols if it is

 The EPA Hazardous Waste site provides guidance on medical-infectious waste, 

which includes all materials generated at health care facilities, such as hospitals, 

clinics, physician’s offices, dental practices, blood banks, and veterinary 

hospitals/clinics, as well as medical research facilities and laboratories

 State Departments of Health and Environmental Quality issue regulations that 

determine which wastes are considered ‘regulated’ or require special handling.

Check the Regulated Medical Waste RMW State Locator to find the 

classifications.
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Waste Stream Evaluation 

Different facilities may only be able to process certain materials and not others. The 

sooner carcasses are managed following the death of the animal; the easier they will be 

to transport. The following are issues one should consider before contacting the 

incineration facilities.

 What types of affected material?

 Carcass: type, size, number and condition 

 In-barn manure/litter: type, volume, moisture content, density 

 Stored manure/litter: type, volume, moisture content, density 

 Feed? Quantity and location

 Eggs? Quantity and condition

 Bedding? Non-infected manure compost? 

 Paper products? Other debris? 

 In what physical state are the materials? 

 Putrefaction results in the gradual dissolution of tissues into gases and 

liquids 

 How much material needs to be disposed? 

 If you have more material than incinerators within a control area are able 

or willing to take, you may have to locate other facilities outside the control 

area

 The material from a large outbreak may have to be sent to multiple 

facilities as capacities are reached
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Incineration Site Evaluation

Hazardous waste, municipal solid waste, pathological waste and medical/infectious 

waste incinerators are highly regulated and may be suitable for emergency carcass

management.

 When considering using an off-site facility, evaluate the distance of the 

incineration site to the affected premises

 The closer the proximity, the less risk of spreading disease and more trips 

between premises and the incineration site that can occur per day

Even though carcass management by incineration may be an allowed option, and a 

suitable facility may be located in close proximity to the affected premises, incinerator

operators may not be willing or able to accept animal carcasses due to operating permit 

restrictions, facility limitations, and concerns about public perception or legal liability.

Incineration plants could lack the capacity to handle large numbers of carcasses, in 

addition to the plant’s routine processing obligations.

 There is often reluctance by facility owners/operators to accept infected 

carcasses, even when the waste is within the scope of their permit

 Also, off-site incineration facilities that accept animal carcasses, may not be open 

for access when needed or when convenient

 Off-site incineration facilities may already have contractual obligations to receive 

waste from other sources, which may impact their available surge capacity for 

use during an animal health emergency
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Incineration Evaluation Questions 

The next few questions can help you evaluate the suitability of facilities for disposing of 

infected carcasses:

 Can a vehicle C&D station be constructed at the site?

 How far is the incineration facility from the infected site? Optimally, any carcass 

management operation will be located within the designated control zone.

 Does the facility have all of the permits required to dispose of this type of 

material? If not, can waivers or emergency exemptions be safely used?

 Does the facility have a good history of compliance with its permits?

 Does the facility typically handle carcasses and byproducts? Do these materials 

need to be processed in any fashion before the facility will or is able to accept 

them? If so, can it be done without spreading contamination?

 What are the incinerator operator's perceptions of an animal disease? Will it 

accept diseased carcasses? 

 Can a contract be negotiated between the company and the government for 

carcass management services?

 What surrounds the incineration operation? Are there any surrounding livestock 

farms or residential neighborhoods that would be vulnerable to exposure? 

Knowing this would aid in developing a transport route to the site and help limit 

public resistance to the process. 

 Are the operators trained and medically cleared to wear any required personal 

protective equipment?
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Incineration Evaluation Questions (cont.)

 Is the site completely secure at all times? What security measures are in place? 

Procedures must be in place to prevent the disturbance of animal carcasses 

received at the carcass management facility. Examples could be fencing 

surrounding the facility or some means of preserving the waste through 

refrigeration.

 What actions does the facility take to reduce nuisance odor and vermin? 

Ensuring that the operation is following through on their stated procedures, and 

that these procedures are effective, may reduce any negative publicity 

surrounding the carcass management activities. 

 How are records kept at the incineration facility? It is important that the facility 

track the amount of waste incinerated, and that the material was maintained at 

the appropriate temperature for the required time to ensure pathogen 

inactivation.

 Does the facility have a means of establishing the weight and/or volume of the 

materials being delivered? Since any carcass management effort will involve 

monitoring the total amount of diseased material being disposed of, it is 

imperative that a facility have accurate and easily accessible truck scales or 

some other means to determine how much material is being processed. 

 Is an agreement already in place with the incinerator company to accept infected 

carcasses during an emergency? This will help speed up implementation of the 

carcass management process. 
Off-site Incineration Module 20 | P a g e

Environmental Impact

Fixed-facility incineration generates air emissions and ash. Both waste streams can be 

harmful to human health and the environment if not managed properly. Operation of the 

fixed-facility incinerator by knowledgeable and trained personnel is critical to reduce 

negative environmental impacts. 

 Scrubbers or other emission control devices may be required to control 

particulates and other air pollutants

 The ash must be disposed in accordance with all solid and hazardous waste 

requirements

 Cleaning and disinfection of a fixed incineration facility presents a considerable 

challenge so it is essential for operators to be trained in biosecurity procedures

 Fixed-facility incineration may take place on an affected premises if an

incinerator has been installed. This decreases disease transfer associated with 

transportation of waste material. 

 The high temperature of incineration is capable of destroying prions but the unit 

must not be overloaded because it can cause temperatures to drop below 

optimal levels and contribute to increased smoke and odor 

Figure 4. Incinerator Potential Risks (Click on Image to Enlarge It)
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Environmental Impact Questions

 Does the incineration facility operator have a plan in place to dispose of ash 

generated through the incineration process? 

 Will ash be considered contaminated or hazardous waste? 

 Can the ash be contained at a municipal solid waste landfill?

 Are air emission control devices and afterburners installed on the incinerators to 

process the smoke? 

 Is the facility in compliance with all permit requirements?

 Does record keeping meet the regulatory requirements? 

 Who will keep the records?

 This is important to identify who may be legally liable, in case there is an 

environmental release in the future 
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Biosecurity

Biosecurity is a series of management practices designed to prevent the introduction 

and spread of disease agents on an animal production facility. During an animal disease 

emergency, biosecurity measures are necessary to keep disease agents out of healthy

livestock and poultry populations and prevent the spread of disease agents from 

infected groups to uninfected groups within the same population.

Below are some biosecurity considerations. For more comprehensive biosecurity 

information, refer to the Biosecurity Module.

 Plans must be in place to prevent disease spread during transportation. For more 

information see the Secure Transport Module.

 Workers who handle infectious carcasses need to take proper precautions and 

should be equipped with appropriate PPE in accordance with site-specific plans.

Refer to the Health, Safety, & PPE Module.

 In cooperation with appropriate public health agencies, personnel should be 

monitored afterward for signs of illness if pathogen of interest may be or has the 

potential to be zoonotic 

 Cleaning and disinfection of a facility after it has processed infectious material 

presents a considerable challenge

 Proper storage for carcasses awaiting management should prevent scavenging 

by wildlife and access by other vectors

 A certain degree of site security would likely be inherent to an incineration facility 

(e.g., fencing, central entrance, vermin/pest control, etc.) 

 The incinerator must reach adequate temperatures to inactivate pathogens of 

concern (for prions, at least 1560°F or 850°C for a minimum of 15 minutes. If

possible, a higher temperature of 1,830° F (1000°C) should be reached to 

optimize the likelihood that TSE agents are rendered noninfectious).

NOTE

The agent causing the disease may not be the only agent that poses a risk to 

personnel. Other potential risks may occur from Salmonella, Campylobacter, Q 

fever and coliforms.
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Public Health Considerations

During an animal disease outbreak, there is a possibility of generating massive amounts 

of contaminated biomass which can have a severe impact on public health and/or the 

environment.

A comprehensive understanding of the type and strain of disease and pathogen 

associated with the decision to depopulate and dispose of animals is essential. This will 

prevent further spread of the disease and will safeguard human and animal health. 

Biosecurity and cleaning and disinfection protocols will be largely based on the type and 

strain of pathogen present.

Care must be taken to conduct operations in such a manner that public health is 

protected.
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Public Health Questions

The next few questions can help evaluate public health concerns when using 

incineration facilities: 

 Are the operators familiar with environmental regulations managed at the state 

level? 

 Will air pollution become a problem?

 Is the ash generated by this method managed in a manner that avoids water 

pollution?

 Does cleaning and disinfection of the fixed incineration facility meet biosecurity 

measures? 

 Are personnel trained to reduce environmental impacts, such as preventing 

overloading of the incinerator that can contribute to odor problems?
Off-site Incineration Module 25 | P a g e

Planning Lesson Overview

This lesson contains information to help you plan for off-site incineration of carcasses 

resulting from an animal health emergency. Planning is essential to ensure that the 

carcass management task is carried out efficiently and unimpeded by lack of resources. 

Successful management of a large number of contaminated animal carcasses requires 

proper planning to protect workers, the general public, and the environment.

Important considerations include:

 Properly classifying and characterizing the waste material 

 Identifying and contacting facilities and owners having suitable fixed-site 

incineration capabilities

 Finding adequate carcass storage facilities

 Assessing availability of secure transportation
Off-site Incineration Module 26 | P a g e

Planning Lesson Contents 

The material in this lesson is divided into the following sections:

 Personnel – Highlights personnel planning requirements and related issues such 

as health, safety, and biosecurity

 Waste Classification – Discusses waste characterization and factors necessary 

to determine whether a facility can accept the waste stream

 Identifying Facilities – Describes planning considerations for selecting and using 

an off-site incineration facility 

 Materials, Supplies, and Equipment– Provides a list of equipment and supplies 

which might be needed for off-site incineration 

 Temporary Carcass Storage – Provides several considerations for temporary 

carcass storage until carcass management can commence 

 Secure Transportation – Presents important questions to consider before 

transporting carcasses 

 Off-site Incineration Suitability – Lists considerations to determine the suitability 

of an offs-site incineration facility 

Figure 5. Briefing the Carcass management Team
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Personnel

There are certain personnel planning aspects that are common to all carcass 

management options. Those aspects include human health and safety, biosecurity, and 

physical security, as described below.

 Health and safety – Planning to implement off-site incineration as a carcass 

management option should include measures to protect workers and the public 

from hazards associated with loading infected materials for transport, 

transporting the materials, and disposing materials at the incinerator. Refer to the 

Health, Safety, & PPE Module.

 Biosecurity – Use of an off-site incinerator must include strict biosecurity 

measures to minimize disease spread when transporting and handling infected 

materials. Refer to the Biosecurity Module and Secure Transport Module.

 Physical Security – Planning efforts should consider security of personnel at the 

infected premises, security of infected material during transport, and security at 

the incineration facility. Below are some ideas for minimizing physical security 

risks: 

 Providing a single entry point to the infected premises

 Providing badges to all authorized personnel entering the infected 

premises

 Signing in and out of the premises

 Sealing truckloads at the origin and ensuring the seals are unbroken at the 

destination

 Separating routine incineration operations from emergency operations for 

infected materials
Off-site Incineration Module 28 | P a g e

Waste Classification and Characterization

Classification is a determining factor in considering whether a proposed facility is 

permitted to accept the waste. Because regulations may vary between states, do not 

assume all states’ regulations are similar. This is particularly relevant if waste generated 

during a response is transported across state lines. Consult a certified waste 

management professional when classifying waste for regulatory purposes.

Response personnel should perform the following:

 Identify all waste materials designated for management (in accordance with the 

site-specific carcass management plan, if available)

 Mark waste materials and verify with the Disposal Group Supervisor or their 

designee that all designated materials are to be disposed of

 Sort materials by type (recyclables, putrescible waste, debris, and potentially

hazardous waste)

 Stage the various waste materials in suitable areas and containerize or enclose 

in secondary containment putrescible or wet materials to avoid leaching to the 

environment. Waste materials may require tarp or shelter covering.

 Estimate the quantities of each waste type and record the information 

 Characterize and label each waste type in accordance with all applicable local, 

state, and federal regulations

 Improper waste management can result in criminal penalties for 

responsible parties (includes fines or imprisonment)

 Improper waste management can create environmental contamination, 

can threaten public health, and can result in clean-up liabilities
Off-site Incineration Module 29 | P a g e

Identifying Facilities

For help in locating incineration facilities, you may access the Incident Waste Decision 

Support Tool (I-WASTE DST) to search for carcass management facilities in each state 

and/or U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) region. Contact identified facilities 

to ensure operators will accept carcasses and the conditions of acceptance. Obtain this 

information in writing.

Incineration Site Evaluation – The facility must be constructed and operated in 

accordance with applicable regulations and the conditions of its operating permit.

Cost Considerations – The use of a fixed-facility incinerator may be costly; the charge is 

approximately $460-$2000 per ton of carcass material in the U.S.

Time Considerations – The amount of combustion time required depends on the 

carcass load for each batch and the capacity of the fixed-facility incineration system. For 

example, it may take 10 hours to incinerate 5,000 pounds of carcasses in a fixed-facility 

incineration unit with a throughput of 500 pounds per hour. However, the next batch 

cannot be reloaded until the previous batch has cooled (approximately 10 hours). 

Therefore, the effective throughput would be 10 hours processing time, plus 10 hours

cooling time = 20 hours per 5000 lbs. or 250 lbs. /hr. 
Off-site Incineration Module 30 | P a g e

Material, Supplies, and Equipment

The Disposal Group must identify all necessary materials, supplies, and equipment to 

carry out the chosen site-specific carcass management method(s). 

The list is provided as an example of the types of materials, supplies, and equipment 

which might be needed for off-site incineration:

 Personal protective equipment

 Personnel, supply, and equipment decontamination equipment

 Secure transport equipment (driven by trained drivers) 

 Vehicle cleaning and disinfection equipment

 Vehicle liners, such as plastic sheeting or specialized bags

 Loading equipment

 Absorbent material to prevent leakage

Figure 6. Example Supplies Needed for Cleaning and Disinfection
Off-site Incineration Module 31 | P a g e

Material, Supplies, and Equipment (cont.)

 Regulatory authority approved containers, including sharps containers

 Bio hazardous waste bags and containers, if applicable Note: use biohazard 

bags only for identified biohazard waste. Putting non-biohazard waste into 

biohazard bags results in excess expenses for carcass management.

Biohazard Waste

Includes plastic ware such as pipettes or pipette tips, culture plates, specimen vials, etc. 

that are contaminated with biological specimens, bacterial and cell culture material, or 

nucleic acids. It also includes towels and bench paper that are biologically contaminated 

(i.e., used where samples or cultures are opened and manipulated). It may also include

culture or sample containers (e.g. plastic tubes of blood) that are contaminated with 

biological materials. The categories are based on the UN assigned by the United 

Nations Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods (UNECE).
Off-site Incineration Module 32 | P a g e

Temporary Carcass Storage 

When the Euthanasia Group generates mortalities at a faster rate than the Disposal 

Group can process them, some means of temporary carcass storage must be provided. 

It is important to identify where carcasses can be collected and stored until carcass 

management can commence. For related guidance, refer to EPA regulations regarding 

storage and collection of solid waste 40 CFR 243.200-1(a).

Considerations for temporary storage include:

 Can the storage area be secured to prevent unauthorized access, scavengers, 

odors, rapid decomposition, and potential disease spread to susceptible species?

 Will the carcasses be stored using refrigeration or some other stabilization 

method such as grinding and preserving them in containers? 

 If so, are the equipment, supplies and materials available?

 Will the storage capacity be sufficient to accommodate the difference between 

the maximum expected euthanasia rate and the maximum carcass management

rate? 

 If not, avoid euthanizing animals at a rate that exceeds carcass 

management and storage capacity

 When maximum carcass management and storage capacities are 

reached, curtail euthanasia until adequate capacity is available

 Consult with Incident Coordination Group leadership for strategies to 

minimize the number of animals to be euthanized and managed
Off-site Incineration Module 33 | P a g e

Temporary Carcass Storage (cont.)

 Can wastewater and storm water runoff be controlled from the storage facilities?

 Outline a recordkeeping system for identifying and tracking all carcasses and 

other materials entering and exiting the storage facilities

 Can the storage facility be adequately cleaned and disinfected during and/or after 

the response?

 Can storage containers be made leak-proof?

 Is there sufficient space for heavy equipment which may be needed to move 

large loads?

 What safeguards will be used to protect soil and groundwater from a release of 

leachate? 

 Do safeguards meet all applicable local, state, and federal regulations?

 Ensure the storage method will contain leachate, account for precipitation,

address pressure buildup, and avoid uncontrolled release of gases and 

pathogens

 Consult a certified waste management professional for assistance
Off-site Incineration Module 34 | P a g e

Secure Transportation

Transport vehicles will be needed to move carcasses and other materials to the carcass 

management site. If the waste must travel on public roads, it should be transported in 

closed, leak-proof trucks or dumpsters. Secondary containment may be needed, 

depending on the type of waste being transported. Consult a certified waste 

management professional when developing this section of the carcass management

plan. Some transport planning considerations are listed below:

 Does the facility have the needed equipment to unload the material? 

 Have the carcass management facilities agreed in writing to accept the type and 

amount of waste you plan to send them and are they permitted appropriately?

 Are all permit, agreement, and/or contract conditions delineated and will the 

shipments meet the conditions? If not, what corrective actions would be needed?

 Are haulers to be used for the response properly equipped to haul carcasses in 

accordance with all applicable laws?

 Are transport vehicles designed to handle the materials to be transported?

 Are the drivers adequately trained?

 Can two-way communications be maintained with the hauler during transport?

 Do shipments require law enforcement escorts?

 Will travel routes from the premises to the carcass management site avoid other 

susceptible farms, road construction, neighborhoods, and densely populated 

areas?

 Has an alternate travel route been identified?

 What procedures will be followed if the vehicle is damaged during transit?

 How is the waste classified for transport? What DOT packaging standards apply? 

Are all standards consistently met, including labeling, placarding, and 

manifesting?

 How will transport vehicle traffic be minimized into the Control Area?

For more information, refer to the Secure Transport Module.
Off-site Incineration Module 35 | P a g e

Off-site Incineration Suitability

Members of the carcass management team must contact or visit the incineration facility 

and/or the appropriate state regulatory authorities to ensure it is operated in accordance 

with all applicable laws and regulations. It is important to contact the incineration facility 

in advance to discuss waste acceptance policies, conditions, and cost.

The carcass management team should ask the following questions when considering 

the suitability of the off-site incineration facility:

 Are incinerator personnel trained, equipped, and certified to handle the waste in 

a biosecure manner or will trained contractors be required?

 Is there an existing contract or agreement in place with the incineration facility? 

 Does the receiving facility have sufficient space for incoming vehicles to avoid 

causing traffic disruptions on access roads? 

 Does it have a secure location for transport vehicles, freezers, or other means of 

storage if there is a delay of more than one day?

 Does the facility have sufficient additional capacity to accept the carcasses while 

handling their normal routine daily waste quantity?

 How will vehicle unloading be performed in order to avoid releasing biological 

agent(s) to the environment?

 How will vehicles be cleaned and disinfected after materials have been offloaded 

at the carcass management site? 

 How will the wastewater from the disinfection process be collected and disposed 

of? 

 Can the incineration facility be cleaned and disinfected if needed?
Off-site Incineration Module 36 | P a g e

Operations Lesson Overview

This lesson contains general procedures in preparing for and disposing of carcasses by 

utilizing an off-site incinerator. The following topics will be addressed:

 Incineration procedures

 Secure transport

 Health and safety

 Biosecurity

Critical steps used during recent U.S. animal disease outbreaks are also included.

Figure 7. Carcass management Team Wearing PPE
Off-site Incineration Module 37 | P a g e

Operations Lesson Contents

This material in this lesson is presented in a step-wise manner that provides detailed 

instructions and key steps based on the criteria and measures instituted during recent 

U.S. animal disease outbreak responses.

 Incident Management – Provides general guidelines to the Disposal Group 

personnel when dealing with an animal emergency situation

 Off-site Incineration Preparation – Lists steps for assessing facility readiness and 

need for operational modifications to accept infected biomass 

 Infected Premises Preparation – Lists steps for assessing facility readiness to 

begin activities

 At the Incineration Facility – Gives guidance for management of infected 

carcasses upon delivery to an incineration facility
Off-site Incineration Module 38 | P a g e

Incident Management 

All Disposal Group personnel should familiarize themselves with the approved sitespecific carcass management plan. The Disposal Group Supervisor will review the plan 

with the Disposal Group and brief them on all relevant aspects of the carcass 

management effort. For further guidance, see the FAD PReP APHIS Foreign Animal 

Disease Framework: Roles and Coordination

1. The Incident Coordination Group (ICG) / Incident Management Team (IMT) will 

ensure there is a system in place to identify carcass management team members 

with the required expertise.

2. The Disposal Group Supervisor, Disposal Coordinator, or other assigned official 

will verify credentials, training, and security clearances and arrange just-in-time 

training as needed for carcass management team members.

3. The Disposal Group Supervisor will prepare briefings and reports for the 

Operations Section Chief.

4. The Safety Officer will brief all responders on safety precautions and will provide 

a briefing on the nature of the disease and other circumstances affecting the 

response.

5. The Safety Officer or Biosecurity Officer will brief all responders on biosecurity 

protocols.

6. Plans should be developed to be sure that all onsite carcass management

related personnel are briefed on safety requirements, site conditions, and tasks.

7. The Public Information personnel will develop material, such as Frequently 

Asked Questions, to address public concerns.
Off-site Incineration Module 39 | P a g e

Off-site Incineration Preparation

1. Identify permitted pathological waste incinerators in the vicinity of the affected

premises. Use EPA’s I-WASTE Tool.

2. Contact identified facilities and ensure operator will accept catastrophic FAD 

mortalities, and the conditions of acceptance.

3. Verify the availability of adequate carcass storage facilities such as refrigerated 

rooms, transport vehicles, freezers or other means of carcass preservation if 

needed.

4. Consider treating carcasses at infected premises to inactivate pathogen prior to 

transport so waste will be more readily accepted.

5. Identify haulers who:

 Are equipped to haul carcasses in accordance with State and Federal

laws

 Can provide secure, leak proof, transport for the infected carcasses and 

contaminated materials

 Possess vehicles in good mechanical condition and capable of carrying 

the load without difficulty

 Have vehicles which can be covered with a tarpaulin if they do not have 

closed tops

 Employ licensed drivers adequately trained (see 49 CFR 172 and 49 CFR 

173 for further guidance)

 Have an emergency plan which addresses spills/excess leakage; vehicle 

break-downs; traffic accidents; adverse weather conditions; terrorist 

attacks
Off-site Incineration Module 40 | P a g e

Infected Premises Preparation

1. Develop a communication plan between the farm and the incineration facility with 

a single point of contact to coordinate arrival times and incinerator resources.

2. Upon arrival at the farm, the truck driver should remain in the vehicle with the 

windows closed throughout the loading and unloading process. If the driver must 

leave the truck before that time, proper biosecurity procedures should be 

followed.

3. Use containers recommended by the incineration company, or use leak-resistant

roll-off containers in accordance with incineration company requirements.

4. Allow a minimum of one foot of headspace at the top of the trailer to allow for 

expansion of the material.

5. Securely fasten a tarp over the trailer/roll-off container to prevent damage to the 

load during highway transport. The tarp must be capable of being cleaned and 

disinfected.

6. Check trailers/roll-off containers for leakage before leaving the farm.

7. Before leaving the farm, clean vehicles - including tires, wheel wells and 

undercarriages – to remove organic material. Thoroughly spray the vehicle with a 

disinfectant registered by the EPA and labeled for the pathogen of concern.

8. Give the truck driver all appropriate paperwork and transport the load to the 

facility.

9. Contact staff at the facility with the time the truck left the farm and an estimated

time of arrival.

10.Trucks must travel to the incinerator under permit by USDA on a route specified 

by the State Veterinarian, USDA, or other designated official.

11.When trucks arrive, check in and obtain a receipt.

12.Proceed to off load area.

13.Prior to off-loading, inspect the vehicle for signs of leakage.

14.Any problems or deviations in these procedures are to be reported to the 

government site manager immediately.
Off-site Incineration Module 41 | P a g e

At the Incineration Facility

1. All employees in the carcass management area will wear PPE in accordance 

with CDC, OSHA, the incident-specific Health and Safety Plan, or other 

established guidelines.

2. Check in at weigh station or receiving area.

3. Obtain receipt for weight of load and any disposal fees.

4. Proceed to unloading area as directed by facility staff.

5. The truck driver should remain in the vehicle with the windows closed throughout 

the unloading process. If the driver must leave the truck before that time, proper 

biosecurity procedures should be followed.

6. The carcasses should be contained until they are processed.

7. Incinerate the carcasses in accordance with facility protocols.

8. Ensure the facility follows all biosecurity requirements.

9. Proceed to designated C&D station to disinfect vehicle before leaving the facility.

10.Properly clean and disinfect the incineration operation prior to resuming routine 

operations.
Off-site Incineration Module 42 | P a g e

Summary

Congratulations! You have completed the Off-site Incineration Module. In this module, 

you have learned to:

 Describe off-site incineration as a method for carcass management

 Identify the advantages and disadvantages of off-site incineration

 Consider environmental risks associated with off-site incineration

 Obtain regulations governing incineration by consulting with state officials

 Identify factors used to evaluate off-site incineration as an option

 List critical elements when planning use of off-site incineration

 Recognize key components of off-site incineration operations

Please click here to download the certificate of completion for this module. You can 

enter your name on the certificate and save or print it for your records.