Animal carcasses should be disposed of as soon as possible to avoid creating a health hazard to animals or humans. A small number of animals will not create a major problem if they can be disposed of by a rendering company. However, the disposal of a large number of animals (e.g., several million chickens or several hundred cattle) requires advance planning.

Certain governmental agencies may restrict disposal methods. Local ordinances should be reviewed, and State/Tribal and Federal health, agricultural, and environmental departments should be contacted prior to carcass disposal. It may be necessary to obtain waivers.