But now the industry can breathe a little more easily, safe in the knowledge that there is an approved route for disposal ? and with an outlet in Scotland.

TEG Environmental is a leading edge green technology company which converts organic wastes into natural organic fertiliser.  Its technology meets Animal By-Product (ABP) requirements and it is actively seeking waste from the fishing industry as the nutrients provided during the composting process actively enhance the end product.

"Our Silo Cage technology is capable of accepting multiple waste streams but we have found that fish waste particularly enhances the process," said Debbie Neely, TEG's Business Development Manager for Scotland.  "We are anxious to talk to any producers of fish waste as we believe that we can offer them a cost-effective and convenient disposal route with added environmental benefits."

TEG's Scottish operation is based in Perth, where 64 cages are capable of handling a maximum of 38,000 tonnes of waste matter per year. The mix of compost varies but typically includes feathers, food waste, fish waste, green waste and co-mingled green waste.  

The plant has achieved the EU standard ABP approval, which represents the highest classification possible in the organic waste treatment market, acknowledging the TEG technology is capable of producing compost that reaches a temperature of 70 degrees centigrade and maintains it for at least one hour.

Britain introduced ABP Regulations after the BSE and Foot & Mouth outbreaks, with EU legislation following in May 2003. The regulations, which also apply to fish waste, prevent the use of animal by-products from being fed to other animals or disposed of via landfill.   The 1.6 million tonnes of animal by-products generated by the UK each year include products previously applied untreated to land, such as blood and abattoir waste

The TEG Silo Cage system is applauded in the industry for its leading technology which is a natural process providing organic fertilisers that have a wide range of agricultural and horticultural uses. The fertilisers are used by farmers to enhance their crops and many recreational facilities, including parks and golf courses, achieve amazing results after using TEG products.

Other TEG sites are operational in Lancashire, Yorkshire, Norfolk and South Wales.

Anyone wishing to know more about TEG's site in Scotland should contact Debbie Neely on 07825 329271 or call TEG's head office on 01772 314100.