§ 96-z. Exemptions. This article shall not apply to disposal plants operated under federal inspection or under inspection pursuant to article five-B of this chapter; to any person, who, in the regular course of a refuse collection business, gathers up and disposes of the bodies of dead fowls, cats, dogs or other small animals; or to any person, including but not limited to members of state or municipal highway maintenance crews or state or municipal officials or employees who in the pursuit of their duties, are charged with or responsible for the protection of the health, safety and welfare of the people of the state.