04 01 Waste from the leather and fur industry

The processes of hide processing, leather tanning and fur product manufacturing generate specific organic waste, which is classified under code 04 01 Waste from the leather and fur industry. This category includes raw and tanned leather trimmings, fleshing waste, wool residues and used fur trimmings.

Since these materials contain high concentrations of proteins and collagen and may be treated with various chemical reagents (such as tanning agents based on chromium salts or organic compounds), they require special attention during collection and storage.

Environmentally responsible management of such waste requires strict compliance with sanitary and hygienic standards, as untreated protein residues decompose extremely quickly, producing a strong unpleasant odor and posing a risk of bacterial contamination.

In addition, leather pieces containing residues of heavy metals or synthetic dyes must not be indiscriminately disposed of at open dumps or buried in the soil due to the risk of environmental and groundwater contamination. Enterprises are required to arrange separate collection and temporary storage of such residues in specially designed closed containers.

The most rational approach to managing this waste is deep processing and secondary use instead of landfilling.

Valuable protein waste (collagen trimmings) is often directed to the production of gelatin, glue or feed additives after thorough purification, while chromium-containing waste and substandard leather residues are transferred to specialized facilities for safe treatment, chromium recovery or energy recovery.