Saving money on trade effluent
The amount you are charged for trade effluent depends on both the quantity of effluent you produce, and its strength. It is calculated using the Mogden formula.
You should always ensure that the composition or volume of effluents you discharge does not breach those permitted in your consent, as this could result in prosecution and financial penalties.
Some suggestions for reducing your trade effluent bill are given below.
Checking meter readings are accurate
If you have more than one trade effluent discharge consent it is particularly important to check your meter readings. Where the total discharge volume of your site is estimated across multiple discharges, disproportionate charging can result from a larger volume being applied to the higher strength discharge.
Reusing or mixing effluent streams
If an effluent stream from one process can be reused as an input to another process, this is likely to reduce the total amount of effluent produced. This may reduce your trade effluent bill.
Mixing a higher strength discharge with a lower strength discharge may result in lowering your bills. This will depend on the strengths of the resulting discharge and the specific details of the charges used by your sewerage company.
Treating effluents prior to discharge.
A simple physical or chemical treatment of an effluent stream before discharge to sewer may be possible. If it reduces the strength of the discharge it will lower the cost of further treatment by the water company and reduce your trade effluent bill. Treating a higher strength effluent can also help to recover raw materials for reuse.
