Guide to industrial wastewater treatment and trade effluent management

Every business is different – with all wastewater discharges having a different composition.

Optimising wastewater treatment processes, therefore, depends on a range of factors:

• Type of effluent produced

• Size, staffing, and setting of the site

• Business goals

• Available budget (CapEx considerations)

Consequently, each facility will require a tailored solution to meet its individual goals.

The two most common options are:

Process technology scenario

If a business is interested in a process technology to treat their industrial wastewater then a technical expert will determine the most suitable solution. To do this WCSEE will:

1. Request a sample of raw effluent to be sent into the lab with and a copy of consent limits.

2. Test the sample with a range of effluent chemicals to determine the most suitable chemical and mechanical treatment solution, and present a report back to the business with potential reduction in contaminants associated to the Modgen (COD, TSS, FOG, PH).

3. Following that WCSEE can provide a quotation for a trial with the most suitable technology and chemical solution and arrange a site survey in preparation.

Read more about choosing the right chemicals package for your wastewater treatment plant here

Sludge reduction scenario

If a business is looking to reduce tankering costs associated to sludge disposal our specialists will qualify site requirements to determine if dewatering technology could be a financially viable solution. To do this WCSEE will:

1. Request a sludge sample which will be analysed with a range of de-watering polymers and mechanically squeezed to determine the dry solids achievable and potential reduction in tankering volumes and associated cost.

2. Based on the potential cost savings using dewatering technology, WCSEE offers a free, simple site visit to provide a quotation for an on-site dewatering trial, ensuring lab success can be replicated on site.

Our operational trials provide a highly efficient way to gather real-time data on how your wastewater / sludge will be treated. This data-driven approach helps you:

• Build a strong case for capital investment: The trial results prove the effectiveness of on-site dewatering, making it easier to secure necessary funding.

• Choose the right technology: By testing different equipment in your specific environment, you ensure you're investing in the most suitable solution.

• Maintain compliance: The trial verifies your ability to meet regulatory requirements, giving you peace of mind.

Following the trial, you have the freedom to choose the option that best suits your needs:

• On-site rental: Keep the equipment running smoothly on your site without a capital investment.
• Capital investment: Make a permanent switch to on-site dewatering and unlock long-term cost savings.
• End the trial: No obligation. Gain valuable insights from the trial data and report to inform future decisions.

To learn more about how a wastewater treatment trial can reduce risk read our blog

If a business has received a notice of breach of discharge, they will need to address its wastewater treatment process fast. However, it's not just breaches of consent that driver businesses to reconsider the efficiency of current wastewater treatment methods.

Upgrading a wastewater treatment solution can represent a commercial opportunity beyond compliance duties. A plant redesign could help realise a more efficient process that could save money, increase efficiencies, and minimise environmental impact.

Here are some of the key drivers to upgrading:

• Tightening regulations to discharge or failing current consent standards
• Plans for expansion and future discharge expectations
• Need to optimise chemical regimes
• Need to reduce energy use
• Goals to reduce tankering
• Ambition to reuse water or resell waste

The guide highlights the importance of industrial wastewater treatment and trade effluent management for efficient, cost-effective operations and compliance, outlining key treatment stages and tailored solutions for effective disposal.