Do Regulations for Wastewater Specifically Target Water Treatment at Breweries?
When it comes to wastewater disposal, breweries in the UK must adhere to various environmental laws and standards. Do regulations for wastewater specifically target water treatment at breweries? The answer is that there are no rules just for breweries. However, breweries deal with several different types of wastewater that are governed by different rules, and should have a tailored approach to wastewater treatment. Understanding and following these regulations will help breweries stay compliant, improve operations and reduce costs.
Managing brewery wastewater involves more than just meeting legal requirements. By adopting a comprehensive approach, breweries can reduce water usage through recycling and reuse, benefiting both the environment and their bottom line. For small breweries, these strategies can be particularly helpful in managing costs and staying competitive.
At Universal Tankers, we have over 20 years of experience in wastewater management. We are familiar with the specific needs of the brewing industry and are ready to assist you. In this blog, we will cover the regulations that apply to brewery wastewater disposal and offer practical solutions to help you meet these requirements.
What are the waste disposal regulations breweries must follow?
Commercial and craft breweries in the UK are expected to adhere to the following regulations for disposing of the liquid waste created during the beer brewing process:
The Water Industry Act 1991
The Water Industry Act 1991 oversees water supply and sewage services. Under this act, breweries must obtain trade effluent consent from their local water authority before discharging wastewater into the public sewer system. This consent outlines the limits on pollutants such as Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Total Suspended Solids (TSS), and pH levels. Effective brewery wastewater treatment is necessary to meet these limits and avoid fines or additional charges.
Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016
These regulations establish the framework for the environmental permitting system, which controls activities that might impact the environment or human health. Breweries that discharge wastewater directly into watercourses are required to have an Environmental Permit. This permit specifies conditions and limits that are tailored to each brewery’s beer production processes.
The Urban Waste Water Treatment (England and Wales) Regulations 1994
These regulations enforce the European Union's Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive, which aims to protect the environment from the effects of wastewater discharges. Breweries that produce large volumes of wastewater might need to pre-treat their effluent before it is released into the public sewerage system or directly into watercourses. Proper brewery wastewater treatment under these regulations ensures that the effluent meets the required standards to protect local water quality.
The Water Resources Act 1991
The Water Resources Act 1991 regulates the abstraction and impounding of water and protects water quality. If a brewery abstracts water from a river or borehole, it must have an abstraction licence from the Environment Agency. Additionally, any discharges into watercourses must comply with the quality standards set by this act to prevent pollution.
What solutions are best to adhere to these waste disposal obligations?
Complying with waste disposal regulations in the brewing industry requires targeted solutions to manage various by-products and waste streams effectively. Below are some of the best services available to help your brewery meet these obligations:
Yeast surplus management services
Managing surplus yeast is a common challenge for breweries. Yeast, a by-product of the brewing process, must be handled properly to avoid blockages and compliance issues. Yeast surplus management services provide a reliable way to collect and dispose of excess yeast safely. These services typically involve the regular collection of surplus yeast, which is then processed or disposed of according to environmental guidelines. This helps keep your operations running smoothly and compliant with waste disposal regulations.
Kieselguhr sludge management services
Kieselguhr, or diatomaceous earth, is often used as a filtration medium in breweries. However, the sludge that remains after filtration can be difficult to manage due to its composition. Kieselguhr sludge management services offer specialised solutions for the safe collection and disposal of this waste. These services include the provision of tanks for storage, regular collection schedules and environmentally responsible disposal methods, helping your brewery avoid potential compliance issues.
Spent grains management services
Spent grains are another by-product of the brewing process, often generated in large quantities. These grains can be repurposed or disposed of, but they require proper handling to comply with waste regulations. Spent grains management services offer solutions such as collection, transport and disposal, or repurposing into animal feed or other products. These services help breweries manage their spent grains efficiently while adhering to environmental standards.
Drain jetting services
Regular maintenance of your brewery’s drainage system prevents blockages and keeps operations running smoothly. Drain jetting services use high-pressure water jets to clear blockages and clean your drainage system thoroughly. This service is particularly useful for removing build-ups caused by waste such as yeast, grains and other by-products. By keeping your drains clear, you reduce the risk of overflow and contamination, helping you maintain compliance with waste disposal regulations.
Each of these services is designed to help breweries manage their waste effectively, supporting compliance with environmental regulations while maintaining efficient operations. Universal Tankers offers these specialised services, providing comprehensive support tailored to the brewing industry.
Get in touch
At Universal Tankers, we specialise in providing comprehensive wastewater management solutions specifically designed for the brewing industry. With over two decades of experience, we understand the unique challenges that breweries face and are committed to helping you manage your wastewater effectively.
Our services include the collection of brewery wastewater, providing tanks for both storage and on-site treatment and handling all aspects of wastewater treatment and disposal. Whether you need regular collection services, on-site solutions to manage and treat wastewater or assistance with regulatory compliance, we have the expertise and equipment to meet your needs.
We know that every brewery is different, and we offer tailored solutions to help you manage your liquid waste efficiently and sustainably. Our team is ready to support you in developing strategies that not only comply with environmental regulations but also optimise your operations and help your brewery manage its wastewater treatment and removal processes effectively.
Call Universal Tankers on 0800 180 4474 if you are based in England or Wales, or 01236 444322 for our depots in Scotland. Alternatively, you can fill in our contact form and we will call you back.
