What happens to industrial wastewater?

When wastewater leaves a business, it usually undergoes a series of treatment processes before it can be reused or released back into the environment. Hospitality businesses often use an onsite treatment plant, which is a self-contained system that treats the wastewater generated by the business.

Alternatively, the wastewater may travel through pipes away from the business premises to an off-site treatment plant. This is usually a large, centralised facility designed to process and purify wastewater collected from multiple sources, including not only businesses but residential areas and industrial sites, too.

The industrial wastewater treatment process at an offsite plant then proceeds through the following stages:

• Pre-treatment: This initial stage involves the removal of large solids and debris that can otherwise damage equipment or interfere with subsequent treatment processes. Methods such as screening and sedimentation are commonly used.
• Primary treatment: During this phase, wastewater is left in large sedimentation tanks. This allows heavier solids to settle at the bottom while lighter materials, such as oil and grease, float to the surface. The solids collected from this process are often referred to as sludge.
• Secondary treatment: This stage involves biological treatment, where microorganisms are introduced to break down organic matter in the wastewater. This can be done through various processes, such as activated sludge systems or trickling filters.
• Tertiary treatment: The final stage of treatment aims to remove any remaining contaminants, including nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus. Techniques such as filtration, disinfection, and advanced oxidation processes may be employed.
• Discharge or reuse: Once treated, the wastewater can either be discharged into water bodies or reused for purposes such as irrigation or industrial processes. The water may even be potable if it is subjected to the highest standards of treatment and meets minimum levels of quality.

If businesses are treating wastewater with onsite tanks, they may only carry out the first few stages of this process themselves. Often, if they need to treat the wastewater to a higher standard, they will have it collected by waste management professionals for further treatment.

What regulations should be followed for wastewater disposal?

In the UK, businesses are required to follow strict regulations on wastewater disposal to prevent environmental damage. These regulations are enforced by agencies such as the Environment Agency in England, Natural Resources Wales (NRW), and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA).

• Environmental Permitting Regulations (2016): Businesses must obtain permits for discharging wastewater into water bodies or onto land. The permits specify the maximum allowable levels of contaminants and the conditions under which discharge can occur.
• Water Resources Act (1991): This act regulates water pollution and requires businesses to comply with discharge consents that limit the types and amounts of pollutants they can release.
• Urban Waste Water Treatment Regulations (1994): These regulations focus on the treatment of domestic wastewater and certain industrial wastewater before it is discharged to protect public health and the environment.
• Trade effluent consents: Businesses discharging wastewater into the public sewer system must have a trade effluent consent. This agreement with the water company outlines the nature and volume of effluent that can be discharged.

Failure to comply with these regulations can result in fines, legal action and reputational damage. Businesses are therefore encouraged to adopt solutions to wastewater management that help them remain within legal boundaries.

Wastewater recycling and reuse

Recycling technologies, such as reverse osmosis and ultrafiltration, enable businesses to reuse treated wastewater for non-potable purposes like cooling, cleaning, or irrigation. The advantages of this are twofold, as it reduces waste and fresh water consumption at the same time. Universal Tankers provides comprehensive liquid waste collection services, helping businesses to reduce organic waste and improve the efficiency of their wastewater systems.

Outsourcing wastewater management

For businesses lacking the resources to manage their wastewater on-site, outsourcing to a specialist like Universal Tankers is the most viable option. Our liquid waste disposal services offer a seamless solution that covers everything from initial assessment and compliance advice to the collection, treatment and disposal of non-hazardous waste. This approach keeps businesses within legal guidelines while maintaining operational efficiency.

Regular monitoring and maintenance

Keeping treatment systems in good working order is crucial for effective wastewater management. Regular monitoring and maintenance help to prevent unexpected failures and costly repairs. Universal Tankers provides tailored service plans for regular grease trap emptying, sludge removal, and other maintenance services. This proactive approach allows businesses to exceed environmental regulations and ensures their systems are functioning efficiently.

With over 30 years of experience, Universal Tankers offers a reliable, comprehensive solution for managing liquid waste to help businesses maintain compliance and minimise their environmental impact. Whether you need support with on-site treatment or want to outsource all of your wastewater management needs, Universal Tankers has the expertise and resources to help.