Innovative Mobile Dewatering Units – A First for Australia

Written by Network Member: Rachel Aylmer, Bartlett’s Waste Management

Bartlett's Waste Management has recently introduced innovative Mobile Dewatering technology into Australia.

The new units are providing a new approach to the sustainable management of wastes and the recovery of waste resources whilst considering the changing environmental, customer and climatic needs. 

The Dewatering System removes water from the waste at the reception site and returns the water to the same source.

This process eliminates the need to transport waste streams containing water; hence transporting dewatered waste only. The amount of waste to be transported is reduced by up to 90%, reducing the number of trips to the waste disposal site, and in turn decreasing the amount of carbon emissions from disposing the waste.

Director, Darren Bartlett established Bartlett's Waste Management over two decades ago and ever since has constantly been on the lookout for innovative technology.

"Mobile Dewatering Units are sophisticated tools featuring advanced technologies with the ability to increase efficiency and minimise waste" said Mr Bartlett.

Mr Bartlett first saw the units in action in Germany when he realized the potential for applications in Australia.

"This technology presents great benefits to our customers through the improved waste management techniques. At the same time they provide significant environmental benefits through reduced fuel consumption" he said.

The Mobile Dewatering Units operating efficiency provides environmental benefits through a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation of waste and not water/waste solutions.

The EPA has supported Bartlett’s with the introduction of this new technology. Currently a Life Cycle Mapping Project is being undertaken with the University of New South Wales to look at the greenhouse impacts of each stage of the dewatering process.  This exercise will help to understand the greenhouse gas impacts associated with the process; specifically in waste collection, processing, transportation, and disposal. The mapping process will compare the difference in greenhouse gas emissions between the disposal of grease trap waste using a standard vacuum tanker and the new dewatering unit, allowing for more informed decision making.

Over the past 22 years, Bartlett's have earned a reputation within their industry for developing and implementing new technology and having the ability to adapt their services in order to provide the most effective environmental solutions.

In 2009 Bartlett’s purchased the 'REcycler' combination unit in response to the climatic conditions and the growing need to conserve water. As a first for Victoria, the REcycler was especially developed for drain and sewer cleaning jobs in which the fully automatic cleaning process ensures continuous recycling of the jetting water. This technology therefore eliminates the need for potable water to be used and provides significant environment and financial benefits.

Starting out providing liquid waste management solutions, Bartlett’s have over time expanded their services to meet the shifting requirements and expectations of the environment and their customers. Along with Liquid Waste Management, their core activities include Hydro Excavation (Non-Destructive Digging), Asset Management, Mobile Dewatering, Confined Space Entries, High Pressure Cleaning and CCTV Inspections.

Bartlett's Waste Management plan to officially launch their Dewatering Units in October.

For more information about the Mobile Dewatering Units or any other of Bartlett's services, contact Bartlett’s Waste Management on 03 5248 7955 or email your query to info@bartwm.com.au.