The Recycling Potential of Submersible Sewage Pumps in the EU

Abstract

Sewage pumps have been among the main electromechanical equipment of the sewage and wastewater management facilities around Europe for over 30 years. Their operational life ranges between 15 and 20 years. Therefore, a significant proportion of that equipment is currently non-operational, and many of them must be disposed of in the forthcoming years. Although the "Waste electrical and electronic equipment" Directive (2012/19/EU) is the main related legislation, sewage pumps are not directly addressed. EcoDesign Legislation is the main legislation applicable on such cases. This work investigates the possibilities of recycling sewage pumps used in wastewater management facilities after their renovation or upgrade. Evaluation results indicate that there is high potential for material recovery and for significant economic benefit. Therefore, the recovery of materials and safe handling of non-operating industrial and possibly hazardous electrical equipment waste, could contribute to the minimization of their impact on the environment.

Application of the Mathematical Simulation Methods for the Assessment of the Wastewater Treatment Plant Operation Work Reliability

“…The organic portion of sewage is biochemically degradable and, as such, is responsible for the offensive characteristics usually associated with sewage. Furthermore, sewage contains large numbers of microorganisms, most of which are bacteria [1]. Before the discharging of treated sewage into the natural sewage receivers, there is a necessity for reach the required level of sewage treatment, because of the natural environment [2][3][4].…”

Heat recovery and water reuse in micro-distilleries improves eco-efficiency of alcohol production

“…Stainless steel was modelled as for the pipework. At EoL, the pump is sent to a dismantling facility where 90% of the parts are sent to recycling (Psomopoulos et al, 2018). Only the metal parts are assumed to undergo recycling, with PVC going to municipal incineration.…”

Application and Evaluation of Energy Conservation Technologies in Wastewater Treatment Plants

“…Therefore, wastewater pumps have the possibility of renovation or upgrading. The research of Psomopoulos et al shows that sewage pump has high recovery potential, which may bring huge environmental and economic benefits [127]. Therefore, upgrading the sewage pump can improve energy efficiency without worrying about the disposal of the equipment.…”