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Mortality Composting

Between 1 and 5% of animals die on Utah farms each year. These mortalities must be disposed of in a manner acceptable to the producer and according to local, state, and federal regulations. Rendering, incineration, burial, and composting are common disposal methods. 

Regulations for Composting Animal Waste 

Composting of mortalities is a viable option for Utah.  Farm and ranch operations may compost mortalities or other animal waste from their operation on their property without a permit.
  • Individual farms or ranches that take animal waste that was generated on their property, and compost it on their own property, do not need a permit.
  • Farm or ranch operations that send animals to a processor and receive waste back from that processor, may compost that waste on their property without the need for a permit.
If the mortality or animal waste was not produced, or from, your property, then a permit is needed. 
  • Persons who would like to compost waste that is not generated on their own property and are not a farm or ranch operation that has an exchange with a processor, will need a permit from the Division of Waste Management and Radiation Control. 
  • For more information contact the Utah Division of Waste Management and Radiation Control.

     

DEQ Mortality Composting Contact                                                                     
Brian Speer
Manager, Solid Waste
Division of Waste Management and Radiation Control
385-499-0010
bspeer@utah.gov

Publications on Mortality Composting