Source-sorted sewage plant opens in Sweden
On Thursday 16 June, RecoLab, an award-winning treatment plant for source-sorted sewage in Helsingborg, Sweden, will be inaugurated. The facility – which is said to be the first of its kind in northern Europe – was recently named “wastewater project of the year” at the Global Water Awards. The approach means that more valuable resources can be extracted than is possible with conventional sewage treatment.
RecoLab manages the Oceanhamnen district’s unique system for separating three waste streams, Tre Rör Ut – a pipe for baths, sinks and washing machines; a tube for ground food waste; and a vacuum tube for toilets. More than 2,000 new homes and offices in Oceanhamnen are the first in the world to use the new system in full scale – following the development in Helsingborg.
With a concentrated and separated flow of black water and food waste, RecoLab can produce 60-70% more biogas per person per year, recycle three times as much phosphorus (in cleaner form) and seven times as much nitrogen, compared to conventional wastewater treatment. Gray water can also be recycled into drinking water and returned to the city. The system reduces emissions of nitrous oxide and carbon dioxide, and it also enables energy-efficient elimination of drug traces.
“Among other things, the recycling of phosphorus is of great interest as this is a finite resource that is indispensable for our food supply and is on the EU’s list of critical raw materials,” says Amanda Haux, business developer at RecoLab.
During H22 City Expo, an event focusing on innovation and sustainable urban development in the Nordic region, visitors are offered daily guided tours in RecoLab. The showroom is also available for pre-booked visits. Target groups are companies, Helsingborgers and other groups who are interested in urban development with a focus on water and sewage, waste management and energy.