How North West companies unite to save sewers

EcoClarity Kitchen Waste Disposal

Eco Clarity’s fat-to-fuel technology is helping to keep the region clean by stopping fatbergs forming in our sewers and creating an environmentally friendly biodiesel instead.

According to The Flood Hub, every year in the north-west, there are 28,000 avoidable sewer blockages – largely due to the incorrect flushing of unsuitable objects like wet wipes and the incorrect disposal of fat, oil and grease (known as FOG) down kitchen sinks.

The build-up of these items results in a rock-hard blockage, that continues to grow, sometimes known as a fatberg.

Andy Peet, Wastewater Network Protection Manager for United Utilities said: “FOG buildup in the drains is an ongoing issue for the business. Along with rag and wipes, these blocked drains cost United Utilities over £3.5m a year to sort out.

United Utilities have also installed orange bins across its headquarters site in Warrington for staff to bring in and recycle FOG from their homes, doing their bit to help the environment and keep it out of the drains. Around 360 litres of FOG have been collected so far for recycling into biodiesel.

“One of our large tankers (also known as Water on Wheels) does, on average, eight miles per gallon or 1.76 miles per litre – so we’d be able to travel around 630 miles – enough to just about get us to from our Lingley Mere site to Balmoral Castle and back.

“Staff at United Utilities are doing their bit for a greener future, and we hope that over time we’ll be able to build on the success of this project and continue working with Eco Clarity to repurpose FOG into biofuel.”

Eco Clarity’s North West FOG Recovery Hub

Eco Clarity, an award-winning green technology company, has recently opened a new recovery hub in Stockport, processing FOG from across north-west England.

“This innovative partnership demonstrates how collaboration between businesses and utilities can effectively address environmental challenges across the region. We are the only facility in the north-west focused on converting FOG waste into renewable biodiesel,” explained Laura Su, Eco Clarity’s business development manager.

“Eco Clarity’s technology takes a waste product and transforms it into something useful, reducing the risk of fatbergs and sewage pollution.”

Eco Clarity works with restaurants and food businesses across the region to dispose of their fat, oil and grease waste responsibly. The company’s chemical-free system separates out clean water, so it can be reused or safely returned to nature, and the leftover FOG waste is sent to its partner to be turned into clean energy instead of blocking sewers or being dumped in landfills.

 

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Argent Energy – Where FOG feedstock is transformed into sustainable biodiesal

Argent Energy, based in Ellesmere Port, converts the recovered FOG into valuable waste-based biodiesel, a renewable alternative to fossil fuel diesel that helps reduce COâ‚‚ emissions

“Working alongside Eco Clarity allows us to play a crucial role in closing the loop on FOG waste in the north west by turning problematic waste into a valuable renewable fuel,” said Jan Jaap Rodenburg, Head of Commercial at Argent Energy. “This partnership highlights the power of collaboration, and we’re excited to be part of a solution that benefits the environment, communities, and the regional economy.”

The north of England is increasingly recognised as a powerhouse in innovation, sustainability and economic growth, and this regional collaboration showcases the power of local innovation.

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Tackling FOG waste on the Isle of Wight

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Southern Water’s FOG tanker workshop

Eco Clarity recently attended Southern Water’s FOG tanker workshop, an event designed to create a safe space for stakeholders to openly discuss current practices and challenges surrounding the disposal of fat, oil and grease (FOG) and grease trap waste (GTW) on the Isle of Wight.

Hosted by Stephen Williams from Southern Water, the workshop featured a live FOG demonstration, insightful presentations by the EA, and an introduction to Eco Clarity by business development manager, Laura Su.

Key insights from the workshop

As a popular tourist and holiday destination, the Isle of Wight faces unique challenges with FOG and GTW waste. Increased demand during peak seasons, combined with the island’s remote location, has created significant waste management issues. Waste carriers lack adequate facilities to process and sustainably dispose of this waste.

This workshop marked an important first step in acknowledging these challenges and fostering an open, collaborative approach to finding effective solutions.

Eco Clarity joined the workshop to present our innovative FOG recovery hubs and offer practical solutions tailored to the Isle of Wight. Our technology transforms FOG and GTW waste into valuable biodiesel feedstock, enabling businesses to achieve their sustainability goals, minimise environmental impact and support Southern Water in reducing sewer blockages.

Demonstration of FOG waste seperation

This event marked the start of a critical conversation. Addressing these challenges requires early collaboration and engagement with stakeholders committed to driving meaningful change. The workshop provided a productive foundation for exploring practical solutions that work for both the environment and local businesses.

Let’s work together

If you’re interested in collaborating or hosting a similar workshop, get in touch. Eco Clarity is dedicated to supporting local communities and businesses with sustainable solutions for FOG and GTW waste management.

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Winner Innovation of the Year.

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Registered address: 36 Scotts Road Bromley BR1 3QD, United Kingdom.

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Great Northern Conference 2024

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Chancellor Rachel Reeves at the Great Northern Conference 2024 

The Great Northern Conference 2024, held on December 3rd in Hull, convened political leaders, businesses and academics to discuss the North’s economic development and environmental sustainability. Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced new powers for regional mayors to stimulate economic growth and attract investment, emphasising the importance of local leadership in fostering innovation and addressing regional disparities.

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A significant focus of the conference was the North’s role in achieving the UK’s net-zero targets. Panels explored how the region can contribute to making Britain a “clean energy superpower,” highlighting the Humber Freeport’s efforts in attracting over ÂŁ1 billion in investments across sectors like advanced manufacturing and green technologies.

EcoClarity Kitchen Waste Disposal

At Eco Clarity, we are committed to supporting these initiatives by providing comprehensive environmental services in the field of FOG waste recovery. Our expertise in sustainable development, renewable energy integration and environmental impact assessments can assist local authorities and businesses in implementing effective strategies to meet net-zero goals. By collaborating with stakeholders, we aim to drive innovation and promote sustainable economic growth across the North from our current locations in Hull and Stockport.

EcoClarity Kitchen Waste Disposal

The conference highlighted the necessity of collaboration among government, industry and communities to build a greener, fairer future. Eco Clarity is dedicated to playing a part in this transformation, offering tailored solutions for recoverable fat, oils and grease waste that align with the North’s environmental and economic objectives. 

Conference summary by the Yorkshire Post: https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/great-northern-conference-rachel-reeves-reveals-plan-for-mayors-to-win-investment-for-university-spinout-companies-4901064

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Winner Innovation of the Year.

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Registered address: 36 Scotts Road Bromley BR1 3QD, United Kingdom.

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Shortlisted for prestigious edie Award 

Eco Clarity Circular Water Economy

We’re delighted to share that Eco Clarity has been shortlisted for an edie Award in the Water, Waste & Resource Efficiency category.

“The edie Awards celebrate the best in sustainability, and we’re honored to be among such esteemed companies,” said Laura Su, head of business development at Eco Clarity.

“This recognition highlights our commitment to sustainable solutions and innovative approaches to waste management.”

The awards, which take place in March 2025 in London, England, celebrate the positive impact businesses make on the environment and society. We’ll be keeping our fingers crossed for the night and look forward to sharing the results with you.

 

To find out more about the awards, please visit https://event.edie.net/awards/home25 

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Winner Innovation of the Year.

Winner of the Sustainability category.

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General Enquiries: +44 (0) 203 925 3540

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Registered address: 36 Scotts Road Bromley BR1 3QD, United Kingdom.

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Hull treatment site turning fats into fuel

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The ‘end goal’ is to fish fatbergs out of sewers and turn them into fuel for vans

Hull is at the centre of a pioneering trial to transform waste oils that can form sewer-clogging fatbergs into a sustainable fuel.

The project captures harmful fat, oil, and grease before it can enter the waste system. It then turns the substances into biodiesel, a more sustainable fuel type than traditional diesel.

EcoClarity business development manager Laura Su says she is proud that Hull is at the forefront of trialling this technology, which has been in development for a decade.

Laura said: “Hull has a rich industrial heritage, and now it’s becoming a hub for sustainable innovation. We’re proud to be part of a solution that takes something harmful, like fat, oil, and grease, and gives it new life as a high-quality fuel.”

An estimated 200,000 fatbergs occur annually across the UK, requiring costly removal and increased maintenance costs for water companies such as Yorkshire Water.

Installed at Yorkshire Water’s Hull wastewater treatment site in Salt End Chemical Park, EcoClarity’s system separates problematic fats from wastewater and recovers a valuable energy resource for biodiesel production, while returning safe water to the environment.

Commercial kitchens and food processing facilities are some of the biggest contributors to fats and oils in sewers. Disposal of these greasy, clog-forming substances has long posed a challenge to the water sector.

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An example of a ‘fatberg’, this one in a London sewer was photographed in 2021 (Image: Thames Water/PA Wire)

Laura, who grew up in Hull and studied at the university too, added: “We’ve got a unique place in the market, and this partnership with Yorkshire Water is allowing us to lead the way.

“There’s a huge food and beverage industry in Hull that we really want to tap into. Almost every factory is producing these substances and we can stop them reaching the sewer and then give them a new lease of life as more sustainable fuel ‘it’s a win win’.”

Alongside their partnership with Yorkshire Water, EcoClarity have also recently partnered with Big Table Group, who operate big-name restaurants such as Bella Italia, Las Iguanas and Frankie & Benny’s, to trial recycling of waste from grease recovery units in their commercial kitchens.

Laura added: “We’re working with local food and beverage industries in Hull to create a circular economy. These businesses are generating the waste, and now they can help turn it into something valuable.

“This kind of innovative, sustainable solution is typical of Hull as a city. This project is about more than cleaning up the sewers; it’s about creating opportunities for local businesses and jobs in Hull and beyond.”

Yorkshire Water’s waste services manager James Gudgeon welcomed the partnership with EcoClarity: “Water companies can spend a significant amount of money on staff and equipment costs to remove FOG from our sewers and send it to landfill” which also has an environmental impact.

“We are working with EcoClarity towards the potential nirvana of being able to harvest the FOG from our sewer network and turn it into biodiesel that fuels our vans. That’s the end goal.”

Further EcoClarity hubs are being planned by Yorkshire Water, with Knostrop wastewater treatment works in Leeds next on the list.

Source: Hull Daily Mail

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Our Awards:

Winner Innovation of the Year.

Winner of the Sustainability category.

Contact us:

General Enquiries: +44 (0) 203 925 3540

Hauliers: +44 (0) 203 813 8011

enquiries@eco-clarity.com

Registered address: 36 Scotts Road Bromley BR1 3QD, United Kingdom.

Quick Links:

Book FOG disposal slot

FOG Recovery Hubs

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