Abattoirs
Barrett Hide Issue
At Meat & Poultry Ontario, we continue to work feverishly with our stakeholders, including all government levels, to address the hide issue critical to our valued abattoir partners. We are committed to help come up with a solution that works best.
We have been gathering information that will support and expand the range of options available. These practical options, albeit not applicable to each abattoir, should help alleviate some of the issues faced.
1. Hide Collectors
FiveLakes:
T: 289-288-4565
C: 416-529-0854
todd.zhong@fivelakesenterprise.com
2. OMAFRA contacts:
General questions about deadstock disposal:
Kevin Joynes:
Dead stock Advisor, Veterinary Services (Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs)
519-826-7510 | kevin.joynes@ontario.ca
Permissions for disposal:
Dr. Inayatur Rahman:
Regional Veterinarian, Western Region
519-873-4090 | inayatur.rahman@ontario.ca
Dr. Lucica Rosca:
Regional Veterinarian, Central-West
519-846-3395 | lucica.rosca@ontario.ca
Dr. Nicola Jackson:
Regional Veterinarian, Central
519-826-3659 | nicola.jackson@ontario.ca
Dr. Richard D Smith:
Regional Veterinarian, East
613-258-8358 | richard.d.smith@ontario.ca
Dr. Peter Warder:
Regional Veterinarian, Central East (Acting)
705-725-7292 | peter.warder@ontario.ca
Dr. Manjusri (Manju) Wijekoon:
Regional Veterinarian
519-826-3675 | manjusri.wijekoon@ontario.ca
3. Private Landfill Operations:
We are aware of three sites with a history of receiving hides. Plant operators or collectors may reach out directly to confirm arrangements, costs, scheduling, etc. The sites are as follows:
Waste Management:
Twin Creeks, 8039 Zion Line, Watford ON, 1-866-909-4458
Ridge Landfill:
20262 Erieau Rd, Blenheim ON, 519-676-5000
Lafleche Environmental Inc.:
17125 Lafleche Rd, Moose Creek ON, 613-538-2776
4. Ontario Waste Management:
There are private waste haulers across the province, two of which have their website information listed below. They serve a considerable geographic area. We encourage you to reach out directly to any licensed hauler in Ontario and explore the prospects of a bin being dropped off and collection arrangements made. They deliver directly to landfills in Ontario and over the border. This may be a very practical option to dispose of hides in Ontario.
www.wmcanada.com/ca/en/mybusiness
www.wasteconnectionscanada.com
5. Tannery Facilities in Ontario:
We have identified two of the main tannery facilities in Ontario. Both facilities handle and process raw hides; however, early indications are that they are close to capacity. We have included this information in the event there may be an opportunity for consideration.
White Tanning:
5153 Eramosa-Erin Townline, Rockwood, ON N0B 2K0, (519) 856-4240
Atlas Tanning and Dying Ltd.:
82790 London Rd, Blyth, ON N0M 1H0, (519) 523-4595
6. Deadstock Disposal:
Deadstock disposal companies are eligible to receive deadstock and hides from meat plants. If they have disposal options available to them, such as landfill sites, they may be willing to collect or receive and dispose of accordingly. Collection arrangements and fees would be between the you and collector. We encourage you to explore with your local licensed deadstock receiver for interest and arrangements. The following are a few examples of businesses that may be interested:
Atwood Resources Inc.:
www.atwoodresourcesinc.ca
Deadstock Service Limited:
(613) 478-2713
7. Ecodrum Composter:
There is above ground composting technology available in Canada (Manitoba distributor) known as Ecodrum. These systems are used in Canada and the U.S. on larger farming operations to compost deadstock and avoid burial. Depending on their location, this may be viable for some operators as we understand that it is scalable in size and can handle hides.
We have received information from MECP. They have been very helpful with information around composting and offer the following insights:
• Can be a very effective method of disposal.
• Operators need to ensure proper substrate/feedstock is mixed in at the correct levels. Improper levels may result in strong odours that may be unsettling locally.
• Speak to the manufacturer for best recommended mixtures.
• Consult with your local MECP office for any guidance and advice on the outside chance that an approval may be required (depending on operator intentions).
The contact for this technology is, as follows:
Quicklinks:
MPO Municipal Landfill Sites Spreadsheet (as of May 2019)
Current Provincial Landfill Sites:
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can abattoirs ask farmers to take back their hides for farmers to dispose of themselves?
Yes. If a regional veterinarian has not identified the carcass of a food animal or a hunted game carcass as high-risk inedible material, an inspector may authorize the operator to return the hide from the carcass to the owner of the carcass.
Can abattoirs dispose of their hides on other farms?
Technically, yes. If a regional veterinarian has not identified the carcass of a food animal or a hunted game carcass as high-risk inedible material, an inspector may release it to any other person. While this allows for the disposal from the plant, there may be other requirements. Potential receivers of hides whom are responsible for the disposal site will need to be aware of their obligations and any necessary approvals. If there are questions, we encourage you reach out to your local MECP office and confirm whether additional requirements are necessary.
If so, can they bring themselves, or can the farmer come pick it up, and/or would a special license be required to transport the hides?
We are not aware of any specific licence requirements to haul the hides to on farm disposal sites. If you believe this could be a viable option it may require a little more time however we are willing to assist in coordination with MECP and MTO (if applicable) to help the potential transporter or receiver understand their obligations.
If a third party (not a farm), had excess land and agreed to compost or bury the hides for abattoirs, what would the process be to get appropriate approvals?
Unless the hides are being returned to the owner of the food animal’s farm, third party disposal may require approvals from MECP. Potential receivers of hides should be aware of their requirements and are encouraged to reach out to their local MECP office if there are further questions.
Is the use of a “pit” considered a variation of burial and is it a viable alternative?
Unique situations may need to be reviewed individually. On-site options can be reviewed and, if approved by a Regional Veterinarian, will be monitored by ministry staff to ensure that option does not pose a food safety or animal health risk at the site. Unless being returned to the owner’s farm, third party disposal may require other approvals.
Does any flexibility on policy for length of time abattoirs have to dispose of hides if they are contained (i.e. garbage bin/totes) outdoors?
Currently, inedible materials stored at the plant for more than 48 hours require storage in a refrigerated room. The purpose of this helps to mitigate against spoilage, odours, and potential attraction of vermin and other pests. If hide rooms are used for hide storage purposes, they are normally salted and preserved until pick up. A Regional Veterinarian may consider proposed storage options as long as it does not pose a risk to food safety or animal health. Please communicate directly with your Regional Veterinarian to discuss options if needed.