BQ11 - How do we embed and maximise a sustainable circular economy within the water sector by 2050?
We are currently working on the approach to answering this Big Question, and more information will be given here soon. The areas that this Big Question covers includes: Once we understand where the gaps are, we will produce a route map – this is a plan as to how we will answer our Big Question. The route map will have a number of key elements. At the top will be our Big Question and then we will look to see what Outcomes we need from the research programme -if we can achieve all these outcomes we can answer the Big Question. This is the stage we are currently at for this Big Question. The next stage will be to think about the key benefits we want the research projects to deliver to meet these outcomes. Following this, we will plan the research projects to help deliver the benefits. UKWIR – the UK and Irish water industry’s research body – has commissioned the first study of its kind in the UK to develop a robust approach to sampling and detection of microplastic particles in the treated water cycle. This included accurately measuring the presence of microplastic particles in potable (drinking) water, treated wastewater and in the solid residues (sludge) produced by both the water and wastewater treatment processes. Please click here to view more information.
RESEARCH Outcomes
Water sector waste regulation is underpinned by the circular economy, and producer responsibility / controls at source are fully effective View key benefits and filter projects by this outcome key benefits Ability to influence to ensure the need for controls at source is understood; and that controls are implemented. An evidence base that enables positive regulatory alignment to the objectives of the circular economy. Understand what a circular economy water industry looks like and overcome regulatory barriers. |
Technologies are available to enable all waste streams to be cost effectively recycled and resources recovered View key benefits and filter projects by this outcome key benefits Informing the most effective deployment of emerging technologies & methods The value of resources and the practicalities of recovery opportunities are clear |
We minimise use of finite resources and the use of recycled products is maximised View key benefits and filter projects by this outcome key benefits Ability to identify, maximise the benefits and the use of recycled resources as part of all water industry activities (including water and wastewater operations and capital delivery). Knowledge of the merits of efficient and effective recovery of waste into product that are marketable |
Resource use and recycling approaches drive social, environmental and economic capital gain for society View key benefits and filter projects by this outcome key benefits An ability to identify sustainable markets for resource use |
Ownership and responsibility for resources management is clear and all play a partnership role in driving resource efficiency View key benefits and filter projects by this outcome key benefits Ability identify and to communicate opportunities to our customers', stakeholders and regulators, which enhance resource efficiency and promotes benefits. Amount of waste generated is minimised. Understand and record our resource and waste streams |
The economic and regulatory frameworks effectively support and incentivize resource recovery and reuse in the water sector View key benefits and filter projects by this outcome key benefits Ability to make procurement and investment choices based on zero waste ambition / circular economy objectives An evidence base to support an investment approach that enhances resource recovery and reuse; and that enables positive regulatory alignment to the objectives of the circular economy We know what is of value and everything of value is recovered |
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Projects
| What does a circular economy water industry look like? (BQ11 Pathfinder Project). Project Status - Project Completed |
| Where is the greatest sustainable economic benefit for resource recovery in the water cycle?. Project Status - Project Completed |
| Potential impacts of PFAS in biosolids upon environmental and human health. Project Status - Expressions of Interest Category - Sludge & Waste Management Investigations through UKWIR, including the Chemicals Investigation Programme (CIP), have demonstrated the presence of PFAS in biosolids. Currently, there is a lack of biosolid specific information for PFAS impacts upon environmental and human health. This further adds to the risk that the practice of recycling biosolids to agricultural land will be stopped, particularly due to the presence/perception of contaminants it contains and the potential harm to human and environmental health of utilising it on farmland. The UK water industry currently has no viable alternative outlet for biosolids, maintaining a safe agricultural outlet is therefore vital. Further investigation is required to understand the specific long-term risks from the PFAS content in biosolids when used in agriculture and determine an industry agreed safe level for both human and environmental health. Although ongoing and future approved UKWIR projects through to AMP8 will increase our understanding of PFAS content in biosolids, the knowledge gaps highlighted above still exist. |
| Risk-assessing impacts of trade effluent and tankered waste on biosolids. Project Status - Expressions of Interest A risk exists that recycling of biosolids to agricultural land will be stopped, due to the presence/perception of the contaminants it contains and the potential harm to human and environmental health of utilising it on farmland. The water industry currently has no viable alternative outlet for biosolids and therefore maintaining a safe agricultural outlet is vital. One of the biggest concerns raised by NGOs is the perceived lack of control over inputs to biosolids spread on agricultural land. Emerging contaminants of concern may be present in biosolids at various concentration levels that do not yet have a regulatory limit, for example microplastics and PFAS. Limits are emerging globally for some of these substances in biosolids recycled to agriculture and it is possible that similar limits will be introduced in the UK. Previous research has highlighted that existing capability across the UK water sector to risk-assess the impact of specific trade effluent (TE)* and tankered waste (TW)** could have on the concentration of such substances in biosolids is limited. A need therefore exists for WaSCs to develop the capability to identify specific types of TE and TW that represent the highest risk for specific substances in biosolids and enable prioritisation of upstream TE and TW controls and monitoring resources accordingly. Developing this capability in advance of any changes to regulatory limits in biosolids, would place WaSCs in a position to respond quickly. * Trade effluent – any liquid waste that is produced from a process or activity undertaken at premises that are used to carry out a trade or industry and is discharged into public sewers. ** Tankered waste - liquid wastes which, for one reason or another, cannot be accommodated through a sewer network. The wastes accepted are those derived from industry and trade; landfill leachates; strong organic wastes; and even hazardous wastes. Typically delivered to site via a tanker. |
RESEARCH IMPACT - CASE STUDIES |