Insights into Sustainable Sludge Management and Resource Recovery Efforts

Some years ago, I led a significant initiative to develop a sustainable sludge management solution for 19 wastewater treatment plants in eastern Gauteng. Our vision was a circular economy approach to wastewater treatment. We aimed to recover nutrients, reduce energy costs, produce organic fertilizer pellets, and, in the process, create economic and environmental value.

The Strategic Vision: Circular Economy in Wastewater

We proposed an integrated sludge beneficiation approach with circular economy elements that included:

• Energy recovery through anaerobic digestion and combined heat and power (CHP)
• Nutrient recovery from solid and liquid waste streams
• Sustainable drying and pelletization of biosolids

We did not realize the plan's full implementation due to funding challenges. However, we successfully delivered three key project upfront components:

✅ Refurbished old anaerobic digesters

✅ Built new digesters to expand capacity

✅ Installed a modern dewatering facility

I've published a blog unpacking the project, its outcomes, and what other municipalities and industries can learn. Read more here...

Let's connect

Are you looking to implement sustainable solutions in your industrial effluent management and reclamation, wastewater sludge management, and resource recovery, even in a phased approach? Let's connect and discuss how we can help you build towards a more sustainable and circular future.

Click here, and let's connect.

Karabo Nthethe PrEng.

Director: WATEN Process Engineering (Pty)