Licensed Indiana plants could use alkaline hydrolysis for animal remains

A licensed disposal plant could use alkaline hydrolysis to dispose of animal remains under the bill. This applies to a licensee operating an animal-remains disposal plant. The plant would have to comply with the requirements of the animal disposal chapter. The provision would take effect July 1, 2026, if enacted.

The state board of animal health would have to set rules for alkaline hydrolysis operators. These requirements apply to licensees that use alkaline hydrolysis to dispose of animal remains. Operators would have to prevent pathogen releases, handle remains securely, manage liquid output under environmental agency requirements, and keep records required by the board. The provision would take effect July 1, 2026, if enacted.

The environmental agency would have to adopt rules for wastewater, liquid output, and discharges from alkaline hydrolysis chambers. The rules apply to chambers used to dispose of animal remains. The rules would have to distinguish this process from burning, set requirements for treating and handling its liquid output, identify when a federal discharge permit is needed, and provide a streamlined registration or permit path for small veterinary or farm systems. The provision would take effect July 1, 2026, if enacted.

Local governments could regulate where compliant alkaline hydrolysis disposal plants are located, within limits. These limits apply to disposal plants that comply with the animal disposal chapter. A local government could not classify the plant as an incinerator or crematory, or impose stricter zoning rules than it applies to comparable veterinary or farm waste-handling facilities. The provision would take effect July 1, 2026, if enacted.