High Court Ruling Redefines Chicken Manure as ‘Waste’: What It Means for UK Agriculture and Water Management

In March 2025, a landmark ruling by the UK High Court reclassified chicken manure as ‘waste’ under national law—ushering in a significant shift in agricultural and environmental compliance. The decision has serious implications for farm operations, particularly those near vulnerable watercourses, and represents a renewed focus on protecting the UK’s water environment from nutrient pollution.Why the Change MattersPreviously regarded by many as a by-product with agricultural value, chicken manure is now legally recognised as a waste material until transferred to a licensed third party. As a result, its storage, handling, and transport are now regulated under the Waste Management Regulations, with farms also expected to comply with:

• Nitrate Vulnerable Zone (NVZ) Regulations
• Farming Rules for Water
• Environmental Permitting Regulations (EPR)

This ruling stems from heightened concern over nutrient runoff, particularly phosphorus and nitrogen, which contribute to eutrophication in rivers and lakes. The decision reflects growing regulatory alignment with the UK’s water quality objectives under the Environment Act and existing EU-derived standards.Operational Implications for FarmsPoultry and mixed farms will now need to take steps to prevent leaching and runoff from stored manure, which could pose risks to both surface and groundwater. This includes:

• Sealed and secure on-site containment
• Routine monitoring for leaks or overflows
• Detailed record-keeping of waste transfers
• Potential permitting for existing storage infrastructure

In many cases, farms will need to retrofit or replace inadequate systems to meet the new standards.Compliant Storage Solutions: Marsh Industries' ResponseIn response to the ruling, Marsh Industries has highlighted its range of GRP isothalic-chemically lined cesspools as a robust, long-term solution for manure and digestate storage. Specifically engineered to handle corrosive agricultural effluent, these tanks are:

• Chemically Resistant – Built with virgin unfilled resin and internal gel-coat lining to resist ammonia-rich waste
• Durable – Designed for a 50-year lifespan with a 25-year structural warranty
• Customisable – Available in capacities from 20,000 to 100,000 litres, in Ø2.5m and Ø3m variants
• Safe – Options include high-level alarms and models for aggressive waste streams
• Regulatory-Friendly – Aids in planning approvals, risk assessments, and compliance documentation

These solutions are particularly relevant for farms operating in NVZs or in proximity to protected catchments under Water Framework Directive objectives.Best Practice: Integrating Storage into Farm OperationsMarsh Industries offers the following recommendations for effective integration:

• Correct Sizing – Match tank capacity to expected manure output
• Waste Capture – Direct transfer from poultry housing to sealed tanks
• Monitoring & Maintenance – Install alarms and schedule routine inspections
• Waste Transfer – Use licensed waste carriers; maintain clear records
• Planning & Permitting – Include tank systems in all regulatory filings
• Phosphate Control – Consider non-chemical dosing options to reduce nutrient loads

Next Steps for Agricultural StakeholdersThe reclassification of chicken manure as waste marks a pivotal shift in the relationship between agriculture and water quality. Farmers, merchants, and environmental advisors are strongly encouraged to assess their current storage infrastructure and seek compliant solutions. Marsh Industries’ team can provide technical support, design consultation, and installation guidance tailored to site-specific requirements.Beyond Poultry: Silage Storage SolutionsWithin its wider range of “off-mains drainage” products Marsh Industries also manufactures a range of underground silage effluent tanks, engineered in accordance with BS4994/BSEN9576, to safely capture runoff from silage clamps—another key source of potential water contamination.Protecting Water, Supporting AgricultureThe High Court’s decision is a call to action: the way organic materials are managed on-farm must now align with broader environmental goals.To learn more about compliant manure storage solutions, visit Marsh Industries or consult your local environmental advisor.Michael Harrison, Business Development Manager, Marsh Industries, www.marshindustries.co.uk