Chemically Lined Cesspools for Chicken Manure Storage

What does the High Court ruling on chicken manure mean for farms?

Chicken manure now classified as ‘Waste’

In a landmark decision issued in March 2025, the UK High Court ruled that chicken manure is legally classified as ‘waste’ under national legislation. This ruling has far-reaching implications for poultry farms and agricultural operations across the UK.

In summary, the ruling means that any on-farm handling, storage or transport of chicken manure is now subject to Waste Management Regulations until it is sold or transferred to a registered third party.

What this means for the agricultural sector

The ruling is a direct response to environmental concerns, particularly ‘nutrient runoff’ into vulnerable watercourses.

Farms must now:

•  Securely contain manure and digestate
• Prevent leaching and surface water contamination
• Comply with:

                       • Nitrate Vulnerable Zone (NVZ) Regulations

                       • Farming Rules for Water

                       • Environmental Permitting Regulations (EPR)

A proven storage solution from Marsh Industries

To help farms meet these new requirements, Marsh recommends its GRP Isothalic-chemically lined cesspools, designed specifically for corrosive agricultural waste, offering:

• Chemical resistance - Built with virgin unfilled resin and gel-coat lining to withstand ammonia-rich waste
• Durability - 50-year design life with a 25-year structural warranty
• Capacities - Ranging from 20,000 to 100,000 litres with Ø2.5m and Ø3m models
• Safety - Optional high-level alarms and variants for aggressive waste streams
• Compliance - Assists with planning approvals, risk assessments and documentation

Recommendations on how to integrate into farm operations

1. Sizing and installation - Match tank size to manure output. Install underground with bunding if necessary.
2. Waste capture - Direct transfer from poultry housing to sealed tanks.
3. Monitoring - Use alarms and schedule inspections to prevent overflow.
4. Removal and records - Use licensed carriers and maintain waste transfer documentation.
5. Planning and permitting - Include tanks in regulatory submissions.
6. Phosphate reduction - Optional non-chemical dosing solutions available.

Next steps

Agricultural merchants and advisors are encouraged to review farm storage infrastructure and consider Marsh Industries' cesspools as a compliant, long-term solution. For technical support or installation guidance, contact Marsh Industries directly or speak with your local environmental compliance advisor.

Other solutions from Marsh Industries

In addition to chemically lined cesspools, the Marsh range of silage tanks provides environmentally safe underground storage of silage effluent, capturing run off from silage clamps.  Designed and manufactured in accordance with BS4994/BSEN9576