Waste from the integrated water system
[GRI - 103-1],
[GRI - 103-3],
[GRI - 306-2],
[GRI - 306-1],
In the Water Segment, production of waste largely corresponds with the production of sludge from the treatment process, with a minimal portion from sand and screens used in the same process. The former is essentially composed of water, biomass and a portion of chemical substances used for conditioning during drying, which helps to reduce the volumes of waste outputs. Sand and screens derive from pre-treatment of wastewater and contain plastic, aggregates and paper materials. The remainder is composed of residual material from cleaning to maintain systems. This may include sludge from regeneration of cation-exchange resins. Chart no. 60 shows an example of waste streams for the water sector.
Chart no. 60 – Waste streams for the Water Segment companies
Table no. 70 – Waste produced by companies in the Water segment (2019-2021)
| water segment waste (t) | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 |
|---|---|---|---|
| t | |||
| total waste | 153.465 | 152.285 | 176.438 |
| hazardous | 116 | 239 | 379 |
| non-hazardous | 153.349 | 152.046 | 176.059 |
| of which sludge, sand and screens | 143.316 | 138.756 | 166.969 |
| detail by type of processing | |||
| entirely recovered waste | 54.992 | 63.570 | 110.019 |
| of which sludge, sand and screens for recovery (*) | 53.283 | 59.884 | 108.620 |
| entirely disposed of waste (*) | 98.473 | 88.715 | 66.419 |
| of which sludge, sand and screens for disposal (**) | 90.033 | 78.872 | 58.349 |
| waste-to-energy | 801 | 2.759 | 2.962 |
| incineration | 13.230 | 16.660 | 5.242 |
| landfill and other disposal operations | 84.442 | 69.296 | 58.215 |
(*) In 2021, 102,760 t of sludge and 5,860 t of sand and screens were sent for recovery.
(**) In 2021, the following was sent for disposal: 50,031 t of sludge and 8,318 t of sand and screens.
Aquaser acts as a broker for certain Group water companies (Acea Ato 2, Acea Ato 5 and AdF), carrying out the pick-up, transport and recovery/disposal of waste (solid and liquid), with identification of final-destination sites for special waste with regard to solid materials, and providing logistical services (pick-up, transport and discharge) for liquid waste that is handed over to authorised plants.