A pilot project to test new recycling technology has been completed at Dunbar and Aviemore Waste Water Treatment Works with promising results.
Scottish Water has been testing whether value can be recovered from sewage while reducing maintenance and power costs.
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 waste water 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.
“This can substantially reduce the amount of sewage sludge produced; which is good news as we 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.”
Mr Ponton said the development would also increase the lifespan of the equipment used to treat waste water, and could reduce operating costs between 20% and 30% – ultimately helping to keep water and waste charges low for customers.
Known as the Sewage Recycling System (SRS) and developed by Applied CleanTech (ACT), the technology has been successfully used internationally in Mexico, Canada, Israel and the Netherlands. This is the first installation in the UK.