SOUTH CAROLINA

Carcass Disposal State Regulations

General

Depending on circumstances, large animal carcass disposal may be regulated by a state's solid waste, medical waste, agriculture, or emergency management regulations. If your state does not provide specific guidance or regulations relating to large animal carcass disposal, check with your local health department, or city/county laws and ordinances.

In addition, during emergency situations and disasters (e.g., blizzards, floods, hurricanes, mass die-offs, etc.), consult with your local emergency officials, your state emergency planning agency, or the state veterinarian, to determine approved methods of carcass disposal.

Applicable Agencies and Regulations for South Carolina

South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control

Address: 2600 Bull St., Columbia, SC 29201

Rules and Regulations: SC DHEC regulation 61-43: Standards for Permitting of Agricultural Animal Facilities. Discusses Dead Swine Disposal Requirements (Part 100.130) and Dead Animal Disposal Requirements (Part 200.230). Disposal options addressed:

• Landfilling: In accordance with Regulation 61-107.258.

• Burial: Burial pits may be utilized for emergency conditions, as determined by the Department, when the primary method of disposal is not sufficient to handle excessive mortality.

• Burning: Incinerators with a permit from the Department's Bureau of Air Quality.

• Composting: Composters designed by a professional engineer or an NRCS representative and operated in accordance with the approved Animal Facility Management Plan.

• Other Methods: Other methods as approved by the State Veterinarian.

More Information

Certification Program for Animal Manure Management: Dead Animal Disposal (South Carolina Extension, Clemson University). Disposal options addressed:

• Rendering: Daily pick-up or freeze and pick-up.

• Landfilling: Landfills that accept dead animals must have approval from SCDHEC.

• Burial: Burial in a pit or trench, inserting dead animals daily and covering with one to two feet of soil. Constructed disposal pit also allowed.

• Burning: Incineration allowed in approved units.

• Composting: Gives detailed information on how to compost.

The Cornell Waste Management Institute (CWMI) maintains a database of carcass disposal state regulations promulgated by state environmental, agricultural and other agencies. There may be additional information on this site, not found on VetCA, that can be helpful to veterinarians, ranchers and farmers. Click here to access the CWMI information for South Carolina.

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