Better ways of managing fat, oil and grease (FOG) waste from commercial kitchens was under discussion at an open day organised by EcoClarity on 5 September 2024.

The event took place in Hull and included a visit to Yorkshire Water’s Hull wastewater treatment works, which is one of the first FOG Recovery Hubs opened by EcoClarity. Representatives from across the waste, water, energy, hospitality and haulage sectors came together to discuss pioneering sustainable practices in the water industry.

Speakers who shared news about collaborative circular economy FOG initiatives taking place across the UK, included: James Gudgeon from Yorkshire Water on the challenge of FOG for water company assets and operations.

• David Bould from Serious Waste Management on the efficiencies EcoClarity hubs have driven in his waste collection operations
• Stephen Edwards from GreaseTech Drainage Solutions on harnessing new waste streams in hospitality
• Jan Jaap Rodenburg from Argent Energy discussed the benefits of converting FOG into biofuel and generating a UK-based circular economy

Elizabeth Court from Isle Utilities and Stephen Williams from Southern Water presented an overview of their work on the latest UK Water Industry Research (UKWIR) project on FOG which explores new approaches, such as variable tariffs and trade effluent classifications, to reduce FOG discharges from food service establishments (FSEs) and enhance the circular economy.

Following the presentations, attendees visited Hull wastewater treatment works to see first-hand how waste from commercial kitchens is offloaded from liquid waste tankers into EcoClarity’s separation unit and the FOG content measured.

Yorkshire Water is the first UK water utility to install EcoClarity’s patented technology. The modular, containerised EcoClarity system was introduced in February 2024 and is used to process loads transported by waste management companies.

The process separates problematic FOG from wastewater and recovers a valuable energy resource for biodiesel production, while returning safe water to the environment.

The operational model involves installing a network of FOG Recovery Hubs at wastewater treatment works and other sites suitable for tankers to offload grease trap waste, minimising travel distances, reducing fuel consumption, lowering operating costs, and increasing time spent serving customers. In addition, FOG content is measured by a mass meter to ensure customers are rewarded with verified carbon credits.

“At EcoClarity, we believe innovation goes beyond technology,” added Clemes. “By capturing waste FOG from commercial kitchens and converting it into renewable biofuels and a clean water stream ready for discharge or further processing for reuse, we’re solving problems for multiple stakeholders.”

“We look forward to holding similar events across the UK and with different stakeholder groups.”

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