Regulation (EC) 1069/2009 (consolidated version as of 14 Dec 2019)
Regulation (EC) No 1069/2009 establishes strict health rules for the collection, transport, processing, use, and disposal of animal by-products and derived products not intended for human consumption. Its primary objective is to prevent and minimize risks to public and animal health while ensuring safe management of these materials across the EU.
The regulation categorizes animal by-products into three risk-based classes and sets conditions for their handling and permitted uses, including energy production (biogas), fertilizers, pet food, and other industrial applications. It requires operators to comply with hygiene standards, traceability, and approval systems for facilities.
The 2019 update strengthened provisions on disease prevention, clarified rules for intermediate products, and improved controls on cross-border movements. It also reinforced requirements for safe valorisation pathways, ensuring that animal by-products can be transformed into bio-based products under strict sanitary conditions. These measures support resource recovery, reduce reliance on landfill or incineration, and align with EU sustainability and circular economy objectives.
Relevance to bio-waste and/or circular bioeconomy:
The regulation provides a legal framework for valorising animal-based organic waste through biogas production, composting, and other bio-based applications under strict health standards. By enabling safe resource recovery and reducing landfill disposal, it integrates animal waste streams into circular systems, promoting sustainability while safeguarding public and animal health.
EU
Full title: Consolidated text: Regulation (EC) No 1069/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 October 2009 laying down health rules as regards animal by-products and derived products not intended for human consumption and repealing Regulation (EC) No 1774/2002 (Animal by-products Regulation)
Publication date: 2009 (consolidated: 2019)
Instrument type: Regulation
Binding for EU MS: Yes
Keywords: animal by-products, animal waste, bio-waste, circular economy, composting, anaerobic digestion, health rules, hygiene standards, waste valorisation, resource recovery