Meat Processing Wastewater Treatment
Sector Overview
Contents
Sources and Characteristics of Meat Processing Wastewater
Wastewater is produced continuously throughout meat processing operations. Key sources include:
Cleaning-in-place (CIP) water
Alluvial process water
Scalding and boiling water
Blood and process fluids
Wash water used after animal delivery
Wash Water After Delivery
After animals are delivered, they are unloaded and physically cleaned to remove faeces, urine, and bedding. This is followed by high-pressure water cleaning, including in holding areas.
Equipment Cleaning
Slaughtering, cutting, and processing equipment must be regularly cleaned and disinfected. This involves:
Alkaline caustic soda solutions
Pre-cleaning (soaking, rinsing)
Foaming and rinsing
Disinfection and final rinse
CIP (Clean-In-Place) Procedures
These systems clean processing equipment without dismantling it. The process is matched precisely to the type of contamination and uses automated controls for pressure, temperature, and detergent application.
The table below shows typical water consumption for slaughtering cattle and pigs:
| Water consumption throughout the slaughter process | |
|---|---|
| Slaughter | 40% |
| High‑pressure cleaning and recooling | 25% |
| Tripe | 10% |
| Other | 25% |
| Hot water consumption in the slaughter process | |
| Knife disinfection, hot water preparation, high‑pressure cleaning | 80% |
| Tripe | 15% |
| Other | 5% |
Wastewater Treatment and Disposal Options
| Wastewater source | Management option | Treatment technology |
|---|---|---|
| Cleansing water | Discharge into the sewerage system | Screening |
| Discharge into the environment | Screening, DAF, FBBR, Disinfection | |
| Reuse | Screening, DAF, FBBR, Reverse Osmosis | |
| Wastewater from alluvial processes | Discharge into the sewerage system | Screening |
| Discharge into the environment | Screening, DAF, Disinfection | |
| Reuse | Screening, DAF, FBBR, Reverse Osmosis | |
| Scalding water for sausage production | Discharge into the sewerage system | Screening |
| Discharge into the environment | Screening, DAF, FBBR, Disinfection | |
| Reuse | Screening, DAF, FBBR, Reverse Osmosis |
1. Offsite Removal
Storing wastewater in tanks and transporting it offsite is very costly and rarely practical due to high volumes and short disposal intervals.
2. Discharge to Sewer
Some regions require connection to the municipal sewer system if available. However, due to the high organic load (COD, BOD₅, fats, solids), pre-treatment is mandatory.
Recommended pre-treatment methods:
Screening
Chemical-physical treatment (e.g. dissolved air flotation)
3. Direct Discharge to the Environment
Direct discharge (e.g. into rivers or for irrigation) avoids municipal fees but demands higher purification standards.
Treatment may include:
Screening
Biological treatment
Dissolved air flotation
Disinfection
4. Wastewater Reuse
In some countries, treated wastewater may be reused—only for non-sanitary purposes, such as:
Cooling water
Equipment rinsing (in some cases)
This requires advanced treatment with ultrafiltration or reverse osmosis and must meet legal reuse criteria.
Choosing the right treatment system is critical. A poor setup can result in non-compliance and system failure.
Purchasing or Leasing a treatment plant for Meat Processing
Expert Solutions for Wastewater Treatment
With years of hands-on experience and a proven track record, we have partnered with abbatoirs around the world to deliver effective, tailor-made wastewater treatment systems. Thanks to our expertise and consistent performance, we are proud to be the European market leader in food and beverage wastewater treatment.
What Sets Us Apart
Our solutions are built around the needs of modern factories and focus on:
✅ High customer satisfaction
✅ Low CAPEX and OPEX
✅ Compact system footprint
✅ Remote monitoring and external access
✅ Treatment performance tailored to required effluent values
✅ Reliable, long-lasting operation
✅ Minimal maintenance requirements
✅ Fast and simple installation
✅ Dedicated personal support
✅ Strict adherence to budget
Every treatment solution we design combines high quality with sustainable, resource-efficient processes. We collaborate closely with PIA GmbH, a globally recognized independent testing institute for wastewater technology. Their certifications consistently confirm the exceptional performance of our systems.
Modular, Scalable, and Future-Proof
All of our wastewater treatment systems are modular and scalable, allowing easy expansion or adaptation to meet changing wastewater volumes or compositions. Whether for new installations, upgrades, or temporary solutions, we’ve got you covered—with rental systems also available for short-term needs.
Our containerised solutions are designed for flexibility and mobility. They can be installed either within your production hall or elsewhere on the premises, requiring minimal space. And if your production volume increases, your treatment system can scale accordingly—no investment ever goes to waste.
Built for Slaughterhouses by Industry Experts
As specialists in the food and beverage sector, we’ve developed systems that are:
Robust and built for continuous operation
Easy to use, thanks to a simple and intuitive interface
Low maintenance, saving time and labour
Designed for integration into existing processes
Whether you’re planning a new system or upgrading an existing one, our team is here to help—from concept to commissioning and beyond.
Get Started with Confidence
The following guide will walk you through the key steps in planning and purchasing a wastewater treatment plant. If you have any questions or would like a free, no-obligation consultation, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team is always happy to help.
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