TasWater is reinforcing its commitment to sustainable waste management, with an innovative approach to biosolids reuse, ensuring positive environmental, economic, and community outcomes for Tasmania.
As part of its long-term strategy, TasWater is focused on transforming biosolids - an organic byproduct of sewage treatment - into valuable resources.
General Manager Sustainable Infrastructure Services, Matt Derbyshire, said this strategy aligns with TasWater’s broader vision of delivering smart, sustainable infrastructure and operations.
“We are not just in the business of sewage treatment - we are in the business of turning waste into valued resources,” Mr Derbyshire said.
“This is just one part of our environmental aspirations of reaching net zero emissions, zero waste and creating healthier land and waterways by 2050.”
At the National Biosolids Conference in Hobart this week, TasWater biosolids expert Jeremy Verdouw and process engineer Sean Paul are leading discussions on biosolids management and emerging technologies like ozofractionation - a technique that improves digestibility and contaminant removal.
TasWater manages 22 mechanical sewage treatment plants and 55 lagoon-based systems, producing around 6,500 dry tonnes (or 35,000 wet tonnes) of biosolids annually
Tasmania faces several challenges in organic waste management, including achieving sufficient scale in a small market, ensuring a competitive and fair regulatory environment, navigating geographical and logistical complexities, and addressing emerging contaminants.
TasWater is taking a proactive approach to overcoming these challenges through its biosolids roadmap, which is designed to reduce risks in the short term and unlock the full value of biosolids in the long term.
Currently, TasWater manages 22 mechanical sewage treatment plants and 55 lagoon-based systems, producing around 6,500 dry tonnes (or 35,000 wet tonnes) of biosolids annually.
The vast majority - 99% - of these biosolids are beneficially reused, primarily through application to farmland, contributing to soil health and reducing environmental impact.
Looking ahead, TasWater is actively exploring partnerships and new technologies to enhance biosolids management. A key initiative includes blending biosolids with other organic waste streams, such as composting, to manage risks and enhance the value of the end product.
“Collaboration will be fundamental to our success,” Mr Derbyshire said.
“By working together with industry experts, regulators, and stakeholders, we can develop innovative, high-value solutions that secure Tasmania’s future in sustainable waste management.”
