New partnership aims to repurpose waste soil from road sweepings
Methods to recycle soil from road sweeping waste will be explored as part of a new partnership between Manchester Metropolitan University and the North West’s largest operating road sweeper hire company, UBU Environmental Limited.
The collaboration aims to see if it is possible to open up a market for recycled road sweepings and divert waste from landfill by using the recycled soils in environments such as urban tree planting, landscaping and green spaces.
If successful, the partnership will become the first of its kind to reclaim soil from road sweeping waste.
The project will see scientists from Manchester Metropolitan conducting a range of experiments on the recycled road sweeping material which is processed at the UBU plant.
They will assess the level of organic pollutants and metals found in the processed material – which is referred to as cake – to better understand any health risks associated with reusing it.
They will also assess the impacts the cake might have on the growth rate of plants, which will help identify if it is possible to sustainably reuse the material in an environmentally beneficial way.
Dr David Megson, Senior Lecturer in Chemistry and Environmental Forensics at Manchester Metropolitan said: “We are really excited to work with UBU on this first of its kind project.
“Each year thousands of tonnes of road sweepings are sent to landfill. This is not sustainable or cost effective, which is why we are keen to establish if this material can be turned from a waste into a valuable resource and recycled.
“If successful there are large benefits for UBU and the project could help to establish road sweepings recycling operations all across the UK.”
The project will be scientifically challenging to undertake as cake is a complex material that can change over time.
Dr Megson added: “We need to develop robust analytical methods to identify a wide range of pollutants that may be present in the cake.
“To do this we will use state-of-the-art technology at Manchester Met, which will enable us to perform human health risk assessments to see if the material may be safe for reuse.”
UBU Environmental Limited will collaborate with the University through a new Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) awarded by Innovate UK, lasting 26-months.
The KTP scheme at Manchester Met is a long-standing, government-funded initiative that allows businesses to improve their competitiveness, productivity and performance. It sees organisations joining forces with researchers and academics at the University to address specific business challenges.
Group Manager of UBU, Rebecca Murphy-Peers said: “I am delighted that the company’s proposal was successfully selected as part of the KTP application innovation process.
“Achieving end-of-waste status for the filter cake will represent a giant leap forward for the industry.
“With the support of the Knowledge Transfer Partnership and Manchester Metropolitan University, we hope to achieve a more environmental solution which avoids landfill and achieves a more desirable priority within the hierarchy of waste.”
UBU Environmental Limited manage a fleet of over 120 Johnston sweepers, high pressure road jetters and jet vac whale tankers. Their business strategy believes in continual growth in the area of performance and compliance, coupled with a continual reduction in the quantities of road sweeper waste going to landfill.
Through the KTP – and with the help of expertise from the University – UBU hope to reduce carbon emissions and enhance their ability to re-use and recycle waste.
The project will not only reduce environmental and ecological impacts – helping to preserve landfill capacity and natural resources – but will also enhance the growth and profitability of a North West waste treatment company.
Work has already begun on the project, with the launch being marked by the appointment of KTP Associate, Dr Daniel Niepch.
For more information go to: https://ubuenvironmental.com/
