Sewage Recycling System makes UK debut at Scottish Water

Scottish Water has tested a new recycling technology for wastewater at Dunbar and Aviemore Wastewater Treatment Works, and said the pilot project had 'promising results'. The Sewage Recycling System (SRS), developed by Applied CleanTech (ACT), has been successfully used internationally in Mexico, Canada, Israel and the Netherlands, and this is the first installation in the UK.

The technology produces a pellet material called Recyllose

George Ponton, head of innovation at Scottish Water, said: “In a nutshell, this new technology is a very fine filter that captures all the cellulose and some of the fats, oils and grease coming into the wastewater treatment works. The solids are then pasteurised producing a pellet material called Recyllose.

“These pellets could then be used as a raw material in paper, plastic, construction, energy and other industries."

Ponton said the technology could substantially reduce the amount of sewage sludge produced, which was "good news" as Scottish Water can run the plant using less power, reduce sludge tankering frequency and cut down the plant maintenance requirements as a result of less solids getting through.

He said: “It also reduces our carbon footprint and emissions by using less power and resources, and increases the lifespan of the equipment we use to treat wastewater. Overall the addition of the process could reduce operating costs between 20% and 30%, and we can pass any potential savings on to our customers by keeping their water and waste water charges low."

Ponton said that by creating less sludge, Scottish Water does not have to send as much of it to be processed at its sludge treatment centre in Edinburgh. "Sludge is a by-product of the wastewater treatment process and is treated under extremely strict regulations. In many cases the end product of this treatment is a recyclable soil nutrient.”