Using waste as animal bedding
What you must do
Using waste as bedding
If you use waste, such as sawdust from untreated wood or shredded paper, as bedding for your animals:
- In Northern Ireland, you must register a paragraph 16 exemption from waste management licensing if you use any type of waste such as sawdust from untreated wood or shredded paper as bedding for your animals. You do not need to register an exemption if your sawdust is made from virgin timber. Ask your supplier what it is made from.
- In Scotland, using waste as animal bedding is considered a low risk waste activity and can be carried out without the need for authorisation, if standard rules are followed. See SEPA low risk waste activities
The NIEA has published a regulatory position statement which explains when they consider wood to be waste.
NIEA: Regulatory position statement on the regulation of wood (Adobe PDF - 87KB)
Disposing of used bedding
Used animal bedding is waste. You should collect animal bedding separately to your other waste, as it may be considered offensive waste.
Your business is responsible for storing and transporting your waste materials safely and securely. You must ensure that your waste materials do not cause any land, water or air pollution.
Duty of care - your waste responsibilities
If you want to compost your animal bedding you may need an authorisation from your environmental regulator.
Further information on exemptions in Northern Ireland
If you operate under a registered exemption you must ensure that your activity does not:
- endanger human health
- cause pollution to water, air or soil
- cause a risk to plants or animals
- cause a nuisance in terms of noise or odour
- adversely affect the countryside or places of special interest.