The operation of slaughterhouses encompasses the handling of animals from the time they arrive at the stockyard, until the carcasses and other secondary byproducts are dispatched. In all working stages involved, substantial volumes of solid and liquid wastes are generated and pose serious disposal problems. Being highly organic in nature and heavily contaminated with microorganisms, these wastes result in increased pollution and serious health hazards if not managed and treated in the right way.

The Animal Products Development Center (APDC-BAI) in Valenzuela City currently hosts the Asia Pacific Meat Project (APMP). Project partners are Common Fund for Commodities (CFC), Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO), the German Center for International Migration and Development (CIM) and Governments of Bangladesh, Myanmar, Samoa and the Philippines. Main target of the project is to establish a regional training and development network to address food safety concerns and stimulate meat production, trade and consumption.

Under the APMP, existing slaughter and processing facilities at APDC were upgraded to meet international standards on hygiene and workflow and intensive staff training on modern technologies took place. One burning issue was the waste reduction especially from the slaughterhouse. The old waste treatment facilities at APDC were outdated and dilapidated and needed urgent attention.

Funded by Livestock, Environment and Development Initiative (LEAD) based in the Animal Production and Health Division (AGA) of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), not only the rehabilitation of facilities and installations was initiated, but also a pilot scheme developed focusing on waste minimization, separation and utilization. Data collected before and after rehabilitation and introduction of these waste minimization techniques show that an improved collection of solid wastes results in lower pollution load for wastewater generated.

After introduction of the new pilot waste management scheme, the effluent characteristics changed, with a significant reduction in total effluent volume by 25% and BOD load by 35%.

Still the existing system at APDC was incomplete. To further reduce the BOD load of the remaining effluent to national standards, it was necessary to introduce a final treatment system. In order to establish a showcase facility for promotion, cooperation with the Bremen Overseas Research and Development Association (BORDA) with Basic Needs Services Philippines (BNS) was agreed, applying Decentralized Wastewater Treatment System (DEWATS) technology.

In line with its Water and Sanitation Program in the Philippines , GTZ provided financial assistance for the construction of parts of the waste treatment facility, specifically for the biogas digester. The official opening took place on 06 September 2006 and was attended by the FAO Resident Representative, the GTZ Country Director, the Assist. Director BAI and delegates from all other organizations involved.

The APDC integrated waste management approach in combination with the DEWATS designed wastewater treatment facilities is expected to serve as a showcase on a national and regional level. The steady flow of visitors from NGO’s, municipalities and development organizations to the pilot unit confirm the keen interest in such an appropriate system. Cooperation on dissemination of the technology is being discussed by FAO, BORDA, BNS, GTZ, CIM and APDC.

Peter Hautzinger
CIM Integrated Expert
Chief Technical Adviser, Asia Pacific Meat Project
Phone: +63-2-2779061, Mobile : +63-927-3122072
e-mails: apmp@apdc.ph ; apmp-travel@gmx.net

Contacts:
Josefina A. Contreras, Chief
APDC, Marulas, Valenzuela City
Phone: +63-2-2935489
e-mail: apmp@apdc.ph