Disposing of carcasses after bushfire, flood or drought

It is the responsibility of the person undertaking the disposal or burial of dead livestock to minimise risks to human health and the environment, so far as is reasonably practicable. This requirement sits under the general environmental duty in the Environment Protection Act 2017.

Detailed, up to date guidance on on farm burial site assessment and carcass disposal is available from Agriculture Victoria. Landholders are strongly encouraged to refer to Agriculture Victoria’s guidance for on farm burial of carcasses in an emergency animal disease outbreak before making any decisions.

Agriculture Victoria guidance for stock disposal 

Preferred disposal options

EPA Victoria advises that landholders consider disposal options using a risk based approach, taking into account local conditions, environmental risks and practicality. The available options for disposing of livestock carcasses following bushfire, flood or drought are on farm burial, on farm composting or mulching, and off farm disposal at an EPA permissioned landfill.

On farm burial

On farm burial can be an appropriate option where risks to groundwater, surface water and neighbouring properties can be adequately managed. When considering this option, landholders should follow the burial site assessment principles outlined in Agriculture Victoria’s guidance for on farm burial relating to emergency animal disease outbreaks. These principles focus on careful site selection to reduce environmental and human health risks, including distance from waterways, groundwater bores and neighbouring dwellings, soil type, slope and drainage.

On farm composting and mulching

On farm composting or mulching can be an effective way to process animal carcasses, particularly where burial is not suitable. This option requires more active management by the landholder to ensure the process is effective, safe and does not pose risks to the environment. Consideration should be given to site selection, ongoing monitoring and management of odour, leachate and pests.

Off farm disposal

Off farm disposal can occur at an EPA permissioned landfill, subject to approval from the landfill operator. Landholders are advised to contact the prospective landfill operator in advance to confirm whether animal carcasses can be accepted. When transporting carcasses, care must be taken to ensure material cannot escape to the environment during transit.

Any off farm disposal of animal carcasses to a site that is not an EPA permissioned landfill requires approval from EPA Victoria. This option is least preferred. Landholders seeking approval should contact EPA on 1300 372 842 or email contact@epa.vic.gov.au.

Further information and assistance

Current EPA guidance aligns with Agriculture Victoria’s guidance on on farm burial and carcass disposal. Landholders are encouraged to refer to this guidance when assessing disposal options and managing risks.

For advice relating to EPA approvals or disposal options, contact the EPA Call Centre on 1300 372 842.