New Uses for Hides and Byproducts: Cost-Effective Options for Small Meat Processors

Once an important source of income for meat processors, the value of hides has fallen since 1980.  Now, smaller processors without access to rendering services often have no option besides landfill disposal of hides and other meat processing byproducts.   The labor, transportation and landfill charges cut further into the already tight operating margins of smaller meat processors. 

In June of 2024, the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute utilized funds provided by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service released a report that explored alternative uses of hides and other meat processing byproducts.   Much of this study focused on Tier 1 uses, defined as uses of hides and byproducts that may be implemented by small processors at minimal capital cost, using with existing equipment and established processing procedures. Some Tier 1 products derived from hides and byproducts include pet chews, beef rinds, bone broth, casings, and parchment. 

The complete report on Sustainable uses of Hides and byproducts can be accessed here

Composting is among the simplest and most cost-effective Tier 1 use of hides and other meat processing byproducts. The composting process accelerates the breakdown of organic materials to provide a nutrient-rich soil amendment suitable for agriculture and gardening.   Composting requires careful management, including mixing with other organic materials at a proper ratio, keeping a stable temperature and moisture levels, and periodically turning compost to sustain aerobic decomposition.  

Considerations in composting include availability of space on site, potential conflicts with adjoining land uses (particularly within city limits), the capital cost of the composting facility and equipment, and learning techniques involved in sustaining an efficient composting process.

There are a number of alternative composting techniques suitable for disposal of hides and other meat processing waste materials. These include:

• Aerated Static Pile Composting: This technique uses a sizable pile of organic materials, such as hides and other materials, and aerates the pile by employing a system of pipes or hoses to blow air through the material.

• Open Windrow Composting: This technique entails building extensive piles of organic materials like animal hides and rotating the piles often to keep compost aerated.

• Vermicomposting: Worms are used in the vermicomposting process to break down organic materials like hides.

• Vessel Composting: Composting in a closed container to break down animal skins and other organic materials, is known as “in-vessel composting.”  

Kim Nesvig, Project and Resource Manager

Ag Utilization Research Institute (AURI)