A variety of uses for spent litter are available to growers. For detailed information on spent litter utilisation, refer to the report Grower options for spent litter utilisation (Wiedemann et al., 2015). Two extension publications have been developed from this publication relevant to spent litter utilisation:

• Energy recovery from litter: a guide for users (Wiedemann, 2015a)
• Land application of chicken litter: a guide for users (Wiedemann, 2015b).

Due to the varying environmental, biosecurity and economic impacts of different spent litter uses, it is important to choose the most beneficial outcome possible. Consult the National Farm Biosecurity Manual for Chicken Growers (ACMF, 2020) to ensure that any solution meets biosecurity requirements.

Meat chicken sheds generate approximately 1.5t (about 4–5m³) of spent litter (litter containing manure) per 1000 chickens. It is a valuable and nutrient-rich organic fertiliser and soil ameliorant for crops and pastures. It must, however, be managed appropriately to reduce the risk of environmental and biosecurity impacts. Apart from nutrients, spent litter is a valuable source of carbon, but it can also contain metals (copper, zinc etc) and chemicals that were and remain present in the fresh bedding material. If present at unacceptable levels for the use proposed, the spent litter will require appropriate treatment and management.

Spent litter can generate odour and dust if not managed properly. Moisture content and litter handling practices contribute to odour and dust generation. If not managed properly, leaching of nutrients can impact soil and groundwater, and nutrient-rich surface runoff can impact waterways.

Meat chickens generate approximately 1.5 tonnes (about 4–5m³) of spent litter per 1000 chickens. It is a valuable and nutrient-rich organic fertiliser and soil ameliorant for crops and pastures but must be managed appropriately to reduce the risk of environmental and biosecurity impacts.