Interwaste launches cutting-edge, first-of-its kind Leachate and Effluent Treatment Plant

Designed with meticulous attention to detail and leveraging both local ingenuity and international expertise, this groundbreaking facility marks a significant leap forward in environmental stewardship and resource recovery. Not only this, but it marks a key opportunity to actively drive innovative ways to support South Africa’s water conservation requirements as well as address the dire water shortage facing the country.

The Interwaste Leachate and Effluent Treatment Plant represents a paradigm shift in the treatment and processing of various liquid waste streams and is designed to accept and treat various effluent waste across two categories including: leachate produced by Interwaste’s own facilities or other waste disposal facilities and liquid waste streams from various industries such as manufacturing, mining, oil and gas.

Engineered to the highest standards, the plant boasts advanced technologies that not only effectively treat these waste streams (43 million litres of effluent a year) but also recover an impressive 80-90% as clean, reusable water. The clean water produced by the plant exceeds the Department of Water and Sanitation’s safe discharge limits and will produce approximately 36 million litres of clean water per annum.

“Today, we celebrate a monumental achievement in the realm of sustainable waste management where until now there has been no sustainable solutions for leachate in the country,” said Jason McNeil, CEO at Interwaste. “And this comes at a time when South Africa is in desperate need of advanced solutions that not only mitigate environmental risks posed by waste liquids but also those that take the pressure off our water supply and diversify the water mix, by reusing wastewater and creating circularity in the system.”

“Our new treatment plant is not just a testament to our commitment to environmental sustainability but also a testament to the power of collaboration between local expertise and global knowledge – a project that has created jobs and ensures skills transfer and upliftment through the development and operation of the facility,” stated McNeil.

The Interwaste Leachate and Effluent Treatment Plant employs a multi-stage treatment process that ensures the efficient removal of contaminants while maximising water recovery. By utilising cutting-edge technologies and adhering to stringent quality standards, the plant sets a new benchmark for environmentally responsible waste treatment.

Key features of the Interwaste Leachate and Effluent Treatment Plant include:

• Flexibility to treat and process a range of liquid waste types including leachate.
• Bespoke pre-treatment processes which balance pH levels and remove elements such as suspended solids, pollutants, and oils to ensure the optimal blend is created enabling the facility to operate within safe conditions, minimising risk and ensuring maximum output.
• Refined concentration methods that separate salts from water.
• Advanced filtration systems to remove remaining constituents from the water.
• Continuous monitoring and control systems to ensure optimal performance and compliance with regulatory standards.

In addition to its technological prowess, the Interwaste treatment plant is also designed with sustainability in mind. Minimal waste generation, and responsible chemical usage are integral aspects of its operation, further underscoring Interwaste’s commitment to environmental stewardship and reaffirming its position as a leader in innovative waste management solutions.

“We are extremely proud of this innovation as not only does it align to the Group’s sustainability strategy of water reduction, biodiversity preservation and circular economy thinking but addresses the pressing need for effective liquid waste treatment while setting a precedent for sustainable practices within the industry,” concludes McNeil.