EcoClarity technology achieving circular recovery of fats, oils and grease in wastewater

An innovative partnership is paving the way for a circular economy approach to managing fats, oils and grease (FOG) in wastewater, addressing a major environmental challenge while creating valuable resources.

FOG, a common byproduct from restaurants and food processing facilities, poses a significant problem for wastewater systems. When improperly disposed of, it can lead to sewer blockages, environmental damage, and substantial costs for water utilities and the public.

Engineering technology company EcoClarity has developed a solution to tackle this issue, working in partnership with waste services contractor Serious Waste Management. Their collaborative approach separates FOG from wastewater, recovering it as a feedstock for biodiesel production while safely returning treated water to the environment.

Chris Clemes, founder and chief executive of EcoClarity, explains: "Our patented technology efficiently separates fat, oils and grease from wastewater, resulting in a 98 per cent concentration of oil suitable for biodiesel production, which could ultimately be used to power the trucks transporting the FOG."

The operational model involves installing a network of FOG Recovery Hubs at wastewater treatment works and other suitable sites across the UK. These hubs provide easily accessible locations for hauliers to offload grease trap waste (GTW) collected from food service establishments and food processing sites, as well as allowing utilities to process their own waste streams.

Rob Menzies, managing director of Serious Waste Management, commented on the benefit of this approach: "Grease trap waste can be recycled into biodiesel, which can then be used to power vehicles and other equipment. This closes the loop on the waste stream and reduces reliance on fossil fuels."

The partnership between EcoClarity and Serious Waste Management exemplifies the potential of collaboration in unlocking a FOG-to-fuel circular economy. By working together, they are not only addressing the environmental challenges posed by FOG but also creating economic opportunities.

"Collaborating on FOG recovery and reuse is a win-win situation for businesses, hauliers, the water sector and the environment," Menzies adds. "It promotes resource recovery, reduces landfill waste, creates a closed-loop system, and contributes to a more sustainable wastewater management system."

One of the key benefits of this approach is its potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. EcoClarity's sites are registered with Argent Energy's Carbon Certification Scheme, allowing them to track the volume of GHG emissions saved by the biodiesel produced from its FOG feedstock. This data can help companies demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and attract environmentally conscious clients and investors.

Clemes notes: "Once the waste is in our recovery hub and has been quantified and verified, we can calculate greenhouse gas emissions for food service establishments and other businesses who have provided their FOG. It's not only reducing cost and greenhouse gas emissions, our partnership with Serious Waste underscores the importance of proper FOG disposal and means we can reward responsible businesses."

Using EcoClarity's data, Serious Waste Management has saved around 47,000 tonnes of GHG emissions since they began working with EcoClarity two years ago.

Beyond the environmental benefits, this innovative approach to FOG management could have significant implications for the UK's wastewater infrastructure. Sewer blockages are a major concern, with an estimated 200,000 occurring annually, and FOG cited as the cause in around 75 per cent of cases. These blockages not only disrupt the smooth operation of sewer systems and wastewater treatment plants but also lead to increased maintenance costs and potential public health hazards.

EcoClarity is working to expand its network of FOG Recovery Hubs across the UK, with plans to scale to 20-30 sites in the next three years. The company is currently collaborating with several water utilities and large venues to establish new sites.

However, the pace of expansion is currently hindered by lengthy environmental permit processes, which can take up to two years. EcoClarity is engaging with the Environment Agency to find ways to streamline these applications and accelerate the rollout of their solution.

Despite these challenges, both EcoClarity and Serious Waste Management remain optimistic about the future of FOG management in the UK. "Our combination of an innovative separation technology and circular-economy model for resource capture and reuse is unique," says Clemes, "but I firmly believe that we are on the right path, and through strong partnerships we can crack this widespread and costly challenge for once and for all."