Incineration of wastewater sludges

After a somewhat chequered history in the UK, wastewater sludge incineration is currently seeing a resurgence of interest. The Paper reviews the effects of recent environmental legislation on sludge production and disposal routes, and places the role of incineration in this new context. The characteristics and performance of the main types of sludge incinerator are discussed, and the importance now given to emission control and safe disposal of residues is emphasized. Incineration of wastewater sludges is now a viable option for some situations although its capital cost is still higher than other options. It does, however, offer a security which other disposal routes cannot offer.