Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2023/2749
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2023/2749 sets out the Best Available Techniques (BAT) conclusions for slaughterhouses, animal by-products, and edible co-products industries under the Industrial Emissions Directive (2010/75/EU). It applies to facilities engaged in carcass production exceeding 50 tonnes per day and the disposal or recycling of animal carcasses or animal waste with a treatment capacity above 10 tonnes per day.
The BAT conclusions aim to minimize emissions to air, water, and soil while improving resource efficiency and environmental performance. They establish benchmarks for energy and water use, odor and noise control, and pollutant reduction, including nitrogen compounds and organic matter. Operators must implement BAT-based measures such as advanced wastewater treatment, energy recovery systems, and optimized cleaning processes.
The decision also promotes circular economy principles by encouraging the valorisation of animal by-products through processes like rendering, composting, and anaerobic digestion. These measures reduce landfill disposal, enhance material recovery, and support sustainable production practices. Compliance with BAT ensures environmental protection while maintaining competitiveness in the meat and animal by-product sectors.
Relevance to bio-waste and/or circular bioeconomy:
The decision promotes sustainable treatment of organic waste streams from slaughterhouses and animal by-product facilities. By encouraging energy recovery through anaerobic digestion and composting, and improving water and waste management, it supports biowaste valorisation and resource efficiency. These measures reduce emissions, minimize landfill disposal, and strengthen circular economy objectives.
EU (EEA relevance)
Full title: Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2023/2749 of 11 December 2023 establishing the best available techniques (BAT) conclusions, under Directive 2010/75/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council on industrial emissions, for slaughterhouses, animal by-products and/or edible co-products industries (notified under document C(2023) 8434)
Publication date: 2023
Instrument type: Implementing Decision
Binding for EU MS: Yes
Keywords: slaughterhouses, animal by-products, edible co-products, industrial emissions, BAT conclusions, resource efficiency, emissions reduction, circular economy, organic waste recycling, sustainable processing