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Future-proofing waste business

As a dynamic, innovative, data-driven business we continuously seek to understand more about our customers’ needs. This drives our R&D programme.

Bending the line - working towards circularity

Our Research and Development program has conducted several full-scale waste processing trials, including waste characterisation, waste processing, and floc analysis in collaboration with large commercial waste processing sites in the UK and the Republic of Ireland. Our R&D efforts are focused on exploring the potential of Solid Recovered Fuel (SRF) derived from non-recyclable waste streams, determining its value across various industries, and identifying ways to utilise, segregate, or further treat it to enhance circularity.Our R&D program has included a number of full-scale waste processing trials including waste characterisation, waste processing and floc analysis in collaboration with large commercial waste processing sites in the UK and the Republic of Ireland.

Our current main areas of focus include:

  • Segregating materials post-process and valorising ferrous, non-ferrous, and organic components for additional uses.
  • Treating waste streams that are currently destined for landfill due to high moisture and organic contamination.
  • Enhancing the efficiency of our biological solution to achieve greater waste minimisation.
  • Reducing the environmental footprint generated by our production processes.

Whitepaper: SRF & circularity

Recent trial results

Zero methane from landfilled waste: AT4 compliance

We are committed to encouraging waste operators to recover the value of floc in a more sustainable way, such as sending it for processing as Solid Recovered Fuel (SRF). We are working with a network of SRF offtakes to ensure there is the appropriate infrastructure in place. Turning waste into SRF not only saves on gate fees but also contributes significantly to the circular economy, enabling a transition away from linear models. However, we understand that in some places and at certain times, infrastructure may not be available to waste operators, leaving landfill as the only option.

The AT4 test measures the stability of biodegradable waste and determines if it will break down further, potentially leading to the release of greenhouse gases, odours, and leachate.

When biodegradable waste reaches stability, it ceases to undergo further decomposition. This is a legal requirement in several European countries, such as the Republic of Ireland. Waste failing to meet the specified AT4 level may face a higher rate of landfill tax or may not be permitted for landfill disposal at all. In Scotland, the AT4 test is set to be enforced from 2025 as part of the Biodegradable Municipal Waste (BMW) Landfill Ban. This means that biodegradable waste not meeting the necessary AT4 level will not be accepted for landfill disposal.

Advetec's technology utilises in-vessel rapid composting to break down organic material and remove excess moisture, resulting in stable output.

The recent results from the MSW organic fines processed by the Advetec system indicated that mass reduction was in excess of 46% and moisture reduction was in excess of 90%.  In addition, further segregation tests on the <6mm fraction indicated that even this purely organic fraction also met both the Irish and Scottish AT4 limits.

AT4 compliance trial results

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Offensive washroom waste trial

Waste collected from commercial bathrooms in shopping centres, service stations, and railway stations, care homes, has proven to be challenging for the waste industry to segregate or extract more value from. This waste stream typically includes sanitary products, nappies, tissues, and paper towels. It is generally high in moisture, making it heavy, rich in ammonia, and odorous. Historically, there was no other offtake available other than landfill or incineration in Energy from Waste (EfW) plants.

The trial using Advetec XO system aimed to use biotechnology to treat waste and produce high-quality SRF, a valuable alternative to carbon-heavy fossil fuels. It also aimed to demonstrate the benefits and commercial advantages of processing washroom waste on-site at commercial waste sites.

After conducting extensive on-site trials with the waste handler, we collected and provided data on the waste's characteristics, the performance of the XO unit, and the quality of the resulting floc. Sampling expert Alfred H Knight demonstrated that the moisture content had been reduced by over 50%. This, combined with other factors such as satisfactory levels of chlorine (0. 5%), NCV over 20, and ash content at 12%, classified the floc as high-quality SRF. The analysis indicated that the floc had a low moisture content of 5%, was stable, and not susceptible to further biological degradation, thus making it AT4 compliant.

This is an important development, not only for waste operators but also for waste producers. By utilising biotechnology, facilities like shopping centres, hospitals, and care facilities can divert washroom waste from landfills and low-level incineration, thus contributing to the circular economy. This presents an exciting prospect, particularly given the increasing pressures to demonstrate a focus on sustainability, landfill restrictions, new regulations regarding Scope 3 reporting, and the anticipated rise in Energy from Waste (EfW) gate fees driven by the Emissions Trading Scheme. Transitioning to more sustainable disposal methods and treatments offers both commercial and environmental benefits for forward-thinking waste operators.

Washroom waste trial results

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Washroom waste - Feedstock and floc output - advetec

MSW organic fines trial

The data presented in the figures below illustrates the outcomes of the performance evaluation of the XO6 unit employed at a commercial location facility situated in the Republic of Ireland for processing MSW organic fines.

The trial conclusively showed that the resulting output obtained from specific feedstocks can serve as a beneficial soil enhancer, which can be repurposed and reintroduced to the land as a sustainable practice to replenish depleted nutrients and incorporate essential organic elements to safeguard against soil erosion.

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Dr Stephen Wise

Our appetite for ongoing R&D demonstrates our evidence-based approach to improving waste management practices and helping the industry think differently. We must consider the myriad uses technology can have to tackle waste challenges– whether that’s helping to recycle it back to land or turning it into valuable Solid Recovered Fuel.

Dr Stephen Wise

Chief Strategic Development Officer

Want to find out more about our waste handling solutions?

Just drop us a line, our team of experts are always happy to help.

Advetec Team

England, Scotland & Wales

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