A ground-breaking circular economy approach to wastewater management, using a patented technology that separates problematic fat, oil, and grease (FOG) from wastewater, has been developed by engineering technology company EcoClarity.

The UK-headquartered company is recovering a valuable energy resource for biodiesel production, while returning safe water to the environment. The model involves placing hubs at wastewater treatment sites, where hauliers can offload grease trap waste collected from food service establishments (FSEs) and food processing sites, and utilities can process their own waste streams.

It benefits haulage companies by reducing the number of tanker trips and the distances involved in disposing of a challenging waste stream. For utilities, wastewater quality is improved before discharge and blockages caused by a buildup of FOG (known as fatbergs) are reduced. Meanwhile, a feedstock for renewable energy is generated.

EcoClarity’s Latest FOG Recovery Hub in Hull.

The Technology

EcoClarity’s Eco-Ceptor separates FOG into safe water, reusable solids, and FOG for biodiesel. It processes large volumes efficiently and tracks carbon credits for responsible disposal.

FOG Recovery Hubs

EcoClarityâ€™s hubs are large-scale waste conversion units strategically located near wastewater treatment plants or private waste sites. These fully mobile and automated hubs intercept and filter over 150000 litres of grease trap waste daily, with the capacity to scale-up as needed.

The patented technology filters oil residues from wastewater. Captured FOG is converted into eco-friendly biodiesel, while water can be safely reused by water utilities. Boasting a 90% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, biodiesel contributes to climate change mitigation and could be used to power tankers transporting wastewater – creating a tight circular economy of value.

EcoClarityâ€™s hubs process around 10 tonnes of FOG-laden water in 10 minutes, separating and harvesting FOG within 30 minutes, using just 25% of the energy typically required, with low-temperature operation (under 60Â°C) for minimal energy consumption.

FOG Recovery Hubs</p>
<p>EcoClarityâ€™s hubs are large-scale waste conversion units strategically located near wastewater treatment plants or private waste sites. These fully mobile and automated hubs intercept and filter over 150000 litres of grease trap waste daily, with the capacity to scale-up as needed.<br />
The patented technology filters oil residues from wastewater. Captured FOG is converted into eco-friendly biodiesel, while water can be safely reused by water utilities. Boasting a 90% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, biodiesel contributes to climate change mitigation and could be used to power tankers transporting wastewater - creating a tight circular economy of value.<br />
EcoClarityâ€™s hubs process around 10 tonnes of FOG-laden water in 10 minutes, separating and harvesting FOG within 30 minutes, using just 25% of the energy typically required, with low-temperature operation (under 60Â°C) for minimal energy consumption.</p>
<p>Focus on Hauliers</p>
<p>EcoClarityâ€™s revolutionary approach to grease trap waste (GTW) disposal, puts hauliers at the forefront of efficiency, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness.<br />
Highly efficient disposal at Argent Energyâ€™s refinery at Stanlow in Cheshire, and Hull, Yorkshire, UK, minimises travel distances for hauliers reducing fuel consumption, lowering operating costs, and increasing time spent serving customers. Additionally, a new site in Stockport opens in August 2024.<br />

Focus on Hauliers

EcoClarityâ€™s revolutionary approach to grease trap waste (GTW) disposal, puts hauliers at the forefront of efficiency, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness.

Highly efficient disposal at Argent Energyâ€™s refinery at Stanlow in Cheshire, and Hull, Yorkshire, UK, minimises travel distances for hauliers reducing fuel consumption, lowering operating costs, and increasing time spent serving customers. Additionally, a new site in Stockport opens in August 2024.

The Future

EcoClarity’s next-generation wastewater plants are ready for production. The company areÂ exploring biodiesel-powered units and further research in South Africa on compact FSE dedicated plants.

Alongside UK water utilities, there is significant interest from Europe, the Middle East, India, and Asia. EcoClarity anticipates deployment of around 40 plants across the UK and Europe by 2026.