Non-compliant biosolids and sludges require specialist handling to protect the environment, maintain regulatory compliance and minimise operational disruption.
FGS Utilities provides nationwide treatment, recovery and disposal solutions for raw, contaminated and out-of-specification sludges. Working with UK water companies, contractors and industrial clients, we deliver practical treatment options that maximise resource recovery wherever possible while ensuring full compliance with Environmental Agency requirements and the Biosolids Assurance Scheme (BAS).
Our experienced team manages the complete process, including laboratory testing, waste classification, permitting, haulage, treatment, land finding and final recycling or disposal.
Specialist Solutions for Non-Compliant Sludge
Every sludge stream presents different challenges. Depending on the material characteristics and intended outcome, FGS Utilities can provide:
- On-site lime stabilisation
- Off-site BAS-accredited treatment
- Sludge blending
- Mechanical dewatering
- Beneficial land restoration
- Energy from Waste (EfW)
- Pyrolysis and emerging treatment technologies
- Laboratory analysis and compliance testing
- Land finding and permitting
- Transport and logistics
On-site Lime Treatment
FGS Utilities provides specialist on-site lime stabilisation services for raw biosolids, untreated sludge and certain contaminated sludge streams, helping water companies safely stabilise material for onward recycling, recovery or compliant disposal.
Using proven mechanical mixing techniques, lime is blended with sludge to improve stability, reduce odour and pathogens, and produce a material suitable for its intended treatment route. Lime is available in powder, liquid or granular form, with granular lime often preferred for reduced dust and improved handling.
Treatment can be undertaken using either fixed plant or a mobile trailer-mounted mixing system, which is telehandler-loaded and capable of discharging directly into road transport for efficient onward movement. Our equipment can process between 200 and 1,000 tonnes per day, providing a flexible solution for both planned maintenance programmes and reactive operational requirements.
Services are delivered under the client’s Biosolids Assurance Scheme (BAS) accreditation, enabling a streamlined mobilisation while maintaining full regulatory compliance and operational efficiency.
Off-Site Sludge Treatment
FGS Utilities operates a network of BAS-accredited, licensed facilities providing compliant off-site treatment for raw biosolids, untreated sludge and other materials requiring specialist management. By transferring treatment away from wastewater treatment works, we help remove operational pressure from treatment works, freeing up valuable working pad space and increasing operational flexibility.
Our strategically located treatment sites can process 150 to 300 tonnes per day, depending on location and intake commitments. Facilities are supported by temporary storage areas and pre-permitted landbanks, allowing treated material to be safely stockpiled before onward recycling or beneficial land application where appropriate.
Our experienced team manages the complete process, including haulage, treatment, compliance, permitting and land finding, providing water companies with a reliable, fully managed solution that supports environmental compliance, operational efficiency and sustainable biosolids recycling.
Sludge Dewatering
Where appropriate, sludge can first be mechanically dewatered using mobile centrifuge technology to significantly reduce its volume before treatment or disposal. Dewatering lowers transport costs, improves handling and creates opportunities for recycling or beneficial reuse.
FGS Utilities provides complete turnkey centrifuge dewatering services including laboratory analysis, haulage, treatment, recycling and compliant disposal.
Learn more about our Centrifuge Dewatering Services →
Land Restoration
FGS Utilities works with a network of approved third-party restoration sites to repurpose non-compliant biosolids, including raw, untreated and contaminated sludge, as part of sustainable landfill restoration, quarry restoration and mine restoration projects.
Suitable materials are incorporated into capping materials and engineered soils, where they are blended with compost, soils and other approved materials to create restoration mediums that support the safe rehabilitation of previously worked land. These beneficial reuse solutions divert waste from disposal while contributing to long-term environmental restoration and resource recovery.
Our restoration partners typically require a consistent intake of 100–200 tonnes per day, enabling FGS Utilities to provide a reliable, compliant outlet for materials that are unsuitable for direct agricultural recycling. We manage the complete process, including laboratory analysis, compliance, logistics and treatment, ensuring every project is delivered in accordance with current environmental regulations.
Restoration Sites Wanted
FGS Utilities is actively seeking new partnerships with landfill operators, quarry operators and land restoration contractors across the UK.
If you manage a permitted restoration site and are looking for a professionally managed supply of suitable materials for landfill capping, engineered soils or land restoration projects, we’d like to hear from you. Our experienced team provides a fully compliant service, managing laboratory analysis, logistics, permitting and material quality to ensure reliable delivery and regulatory compliance throughout every project.
Contact FGS Utilities to discuss partnership opportunities and how we can support your restoration scheme.
Energy Recovery (EfW)
Where recycling or land restoration is not appropriate, FGS Utilities provides sustainable Energy from Waste (EfW) solutions for non-compliant biosolids and sludge. Through established partnerships with UK energy recovery facilities, we help divert waste from landfill while supporting resource recovery and the circular economy.
Biosolids can be delivered either raw or pre-mixed with other waste streams, where their natural methane content enhances the calorific value of the feedstock. The resulting process generates renewable electricity, which is exported to the National Grid, helping to recover energy from materials that would otherwise require disposal.
FGS Utilities holds established trading agreements with a number of UK EfW facilities and manages the complete process, including laboratory analysis, compliance testing, logistics and acceptance criteria, ensuring every load meets the required environmental and operational standards.
Emerging Treatment Technologies
FGS Utilities continually monitors and evaluates emerging technologies that have the potential to improve the sustainability, efficiency and environmental performance of biosolids treatment.
One technology attracting increasing interest is pyrolysis, an advanced thermal treatment process that converts biosolids into renewable energy and stable carbon-rich by-products under controlled, oxygen-limited conditions. As the industry responds to evolving environmental challenges, including nutrient management, PFAS, microplastics and tighter regulatory requirements, pyrolysis offers the potential to reduce waste volumes, recover energy and support future resource recovery objectives.
While pyrolysis currently requires significant capital investment and is not yet suitable for every application, it represents an exciting step towards more sustainable sludge treatment. Alongside pyrolysis, FGS Utilities continues to explore and assess other innovative treatment technologies that can help clients reduce environmental impact, improve operational efficiency and support the transition towards a more circular, resource-efficient wastewater sector.
Contact us 01233 280033 to discuss your requirements.
