New Waste Treatment Technologies
Novelis is committed to working closely with developers of new technologies to ensure the opportunities to extract valuable aluminium packaging are maximised.
Technology Policy
The targets set for reducing the amount of municipal solid waste (MSW) going into landfill under the EU Landfill Directive and related UK legislation, have been a key driver in the development of new technologies to handle and treat waste.
A key consideration is ensuring that the aluminium extracted will meet the specification required for reprocessing. We are working with waste management companies to help develop the appropriate specifications and ensure that the material output meets the required standards.
What are the 'new' technologies?
New waste treatment technology covers a variety of methods by which the amount of MSW sent to landfill is removed from the waste stream, using biological treatment and/or mechanical separation.
Aerobic Digestion
MSW is broken down into both usable and recoverable products, using aerobic digestion to accelerate the natural composting process. Metals and over-sized particles (plastic, textiles and other non-compostable material) are mechanically separated from the final output, leaving a versatile soil conditioner suitable for both domestic and restoration purposes.
Related Case Study: County Durham: Premier Waste
Thermal drying / Mechanical Biological Treatment (MBT)
This process uses heat produced by naturally-occurring bacteria to dry waste. It then separates metals, glass and aggregates, leaving a biofraction for composting, plus a fuel suitable for power generation.
Further information: East London - The intelligent transfer system
Mechanical Heat Treatment (MHT)
This autoclave process utilises steam treatment technology to convert non-separated MSW, producing sanitised recyclates (e.g. metals and plastics), recyclable cellulose fibre and residual waste for landfill.
Further information: www.orchid-environmental.co.uk
