meat and poultry industry

July 18, 2025

The U.S. meat and poultry industry generates slaughterhouse waste (SHW) as a by-product, which is converted into additional products through the rendering process to minimize waste. Although rendering generates sellable commodities, Anaerobic Digestion (AD) is a proven, scalable technology for offsetting energy-intensive processes and minimizing FOG and contaminants in wastewater. AD can provide new opportunities for onsite waste management paired with renewable energy production and biogas potential for thermal energy, electricity generation, and renewable natural gas (RNG) to offset operating costs.

The EPA’s proposed Effluent Limitations Guidelines (ELGs) will require that facilities add biological treatment, creating a new waste stream (waste biosolids) that could be managed along with other slaughterhouse wastes via anaerobic digestion.

SCS Engineers presents a free educational forum explaining the opportunities for the meat and poultry industry and how to determine if AD is feasible to help your operation reduce energy costs with biogas production and enable nutrient recovery while reducing wastewater contamination. We’ll cover:

• New opportunities for onsite waste management paired with renewable energy production.
• Biogas potential for thermal energy, electricity generation, and renewable natural gas (RNG).
• How processing/slaughterhouse wastes can be ideal feed substrates for anaerobic digestion.
• Conditions and considerations that impact performance.
• The next logical steps to determine feasibility and economic benefits.

Live Virtual Event Thursday, August 21, 2025
1:00 PM ET | Noon CT | 11:00 AM MT | 10:00 AM PT

REGISTER HERE FOR Anaerobic Digestion Feasibility for the Meat and Poultry Industry

Meet Dr. Erik Anderson, a senior SCS Liquid Management team member and a National Expert in AD. He has 15 years of experience in process design related to biomass engineering, specifically anaerobic digestion and other waste-to-energy systems. His work includes modeling biomass technologies for performance, cost, and economic evaluation or life-cycle analysis, combining material testing and/or pilot-scale testing for more value.

CAN’T MAKE THE LIVE SESSION? RSVP AND WE’LL SEND YOU THE RECORDING.

Additional ELG Resources: 

• Technical Bulletin: Proposed Rule for Effluent Limitations Guidelines and Standards for the Meat And Poultry Products Industry
• Liquids and Wastewater Management
• Helping a Meat Manufacturer Overcome Its FOG Problem
• Wastewater Pretreatment, Removing Fats, Oils, and Grease
• On Demand Video: Preparing for EPA Effluent Limitation Guidelines

April 1, 2025

Join SCS Engineers at the Environment, Labor & Safety+ Conference (ELS+) on April 21-23 at the Omni Charlotte Hotel in Charlotte, NC. The ELS+ Conference is a vital platform for safety, environmental compliance, and HR professionals in the meat and poultry industry.

The conference tackles emerging trends and real-world challenges by delivering practical, actionable insights that help you keep your workforce safe, facilities compliant, and teams engaged. Attendees will benefit from a collaborative, confidential environment where they can exchange strategies, discuss challenges, and learn from industry peers.

ELS+ equips you with tools, knowledge, and talking points to bring back to your plant, helping you drive real, positive change. Whether you’re managing safety programs, navigating complex environmental regulations, or leading HR initiatives, this event offers the expertise and connections you need to succeed.

Click here to register and connect with SCS Engineers at ELS+ to move your team and your company forward.