Latest News from BPCA

12 November 2014

Disposal of rodent carcasses and other waste

BPCA Members are well aware of the potential difficulties surrounding disposal of waste in general and rodent carcases in particular. Disposal of dead rodents was straightforward at one time, most Local Authority waste sites or hospitals with incinerators accepted the carcases for burning or burying. These options are fast disappearing for varied reasons...

So, for Professional Pest Controllers, it has become necessary to have clearer disposal routes which look to preclude any potential conflict with current Waste guidelines.

Sources of Rodent Bodies

Domestic:
Small infestations (no more than half a dozen rodent bodies) may be managed by double bagging and disposing of via the Domestic system.

Commercial Sites:
Carcases from commercial sites will have to be disposed of through traceable means. The options available are limited:

  • Local Authority Waste Sites: Becoming increasingly difficult
  • Pet Crematoria: In discussion with the governing body for these sites, they can take small amounts, assessed by weight. They cannot take large quantities as they are controlled by Planning Regulations and are approved primarily for the disposal of Companion Pets. You can find contact details of local crematoria on the following sites:

www.appcc.org.uk
www.petcrematoria.org.uk/category/directory

Agricultural Sites:
It is permitted to bury rodent carcases on farm sites, but the method is far from clear and filled with potential pitfalls. Burial must ensure that water sources are not contaminated and therefore the recommended depth seem to preclude this as an economic viability.

But as always, there are alternatives. BPCA has linked with a Waste Broker who can provide nationwide service for the disposal of most waste created in the course of running a Pest Control business.

The Contact Details are:

It is essential to ensure that the Route of Disposal for waste is traceable and therefore it is inherent in guidelines that the waste creator (you the Pest Controller) must keep clear and accurate records.

By utilising the services of a registered waste broker you should ensure a professional paper trail for your business.

Source: BPCA.org.uk

Highlights View all news

29 September 2025

Latest news

BPCA to launch pest careers hub: your help needed

BPCA is preparing to launch a brand-new online hub to showcase careers in pest management – and members are being asked to get involved.

Read more

01 September 2025

Latest news

Policy Watch: New rules on wages, contracts and vehicles explained

Rosina Robson, Chief Executive of the British Pest Control Association (BPCA), outlines key policy changes on the horizon that could affect pest management companies and technicians.

Read more

27 August 2025

Latest news

BPCA challenges failings in glue trap legislation 

BPCA has stepped up its campaign to fix the Glue Traps (Offences) Act 2022 after new undercover footage showed retailers still selling and advising on the illegal use of glue traps. 

Read more
Latest View all news

08 October 2025

Latest news

VIDEO | The public health impact of rodents

In this video, Laura Rosenwald, NPMA, takes a higher-level look at rodents as universal pests, their impact on public health, and why effective management is essential worldwide.

Read more

08 October 2025

Latest news

VIDEO | Modern rodenticides in focus

In this sponsored session, Richard Faulkner, Envu, explores the history and science behind rodenticides, from their earliest use through to today’s anticoagulants and emerging alternatives.

Read more

08 October 2025

Latest news

VIDEO | Qualifications framework update: September 2025

In this video, John Horsley, BPCA, takes us through the moving pieces of the new qualifications framework, why it’s being developed, and what it means for professionals in the field.

Read more