Veolia introduces PFAS treatment solution in UK
Iain Hoey
Share this content
UK ban prompts new AFFF treatment rollout
Veolia has launched a high-temperature PFAS treatment service to manage Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) fire suppressants before their use is banned in the UK in July 2025.
According to Veolia, the company expects up to 10,000 tonnes of stored PFAS-containing AFFF to require safe disposal. The treatment will be carried out at its Ellesmere Port High Temperature Incinerator (HTI), approved by the Environment Agency.
The new service forms part of Veolia’s global BeyondPFAS programme and aims to support producers and users in safely disposing of AFFF stocks held across sectors including petrochemical, aviation and emergency services.
High temperature incineration process approved by regulator
The HTI process will destroy PFAS materials using thermal treatment at 1100 degrees Celsius.
Veolia stated that the facility has been validated by the Environment Agency, which has also approved the associated monitoring and emissions testing procedures.
The company projects a treatment efficiency of 99.999% for AFFF and other PFAS-containing wastes. The site is equipped to manage items such as fire extinguishers, suppressants and a wide range of industrial materials.
Broader PFAS disposal capacity beyond fire safety
Beyond firefighting applications, Veolia confirmed the HTI facility can also accept PFAS materials from sectors including chemical manufacturing, building and construction, metal finishing, semiconductors, textiles and paper products.
The company noted that the treatment infrastructure is part of a wider hazardous waste service that includes collection, incineration, recycling and reuse.
According to Veolia, this network currently treats around 8 million tonnes of hazardous waste annually across over 300 sites globally.
Veolia’s UK service aligns with global PFAS strategy
Nicola Henshaw, Managing Director Hazardous at Veolia UK, said the rollout supports wider regulatory developments:
“The regulatory landscape surrounding PFAS is rapidly evolving, with increasing scrutiny and stricter controls being implemented globally.
“Veolia is committed to staying at the forefront of these developments and providing our clients with effective, safe and compliant solutions for managing PFAS contamination.
“Aligned with our GreenUp strategy which positions Veolia as a leader in decontamination, we are utilising our expertise and comprehensive range of technologies to enable us to address the complex challenges posed by PFAS and contribute to a cleaner, healthier environment.”
The company’s BeyondPFAS service offers detection, testing and disposal based on local laws and technical requirements.
Veolia stated this global service draws on more than 100 years of experience in hazardous waste and decontamination.
Veolia introduces PFAS treatment solution in UK: Summary
Veolia has launched a new PFAS treatment process at its Ellesmere Port facility.
The process is designed to treat AFFF fire suppressants before a UK ban takes effect in July 2025.
The Environment Agency has approved the high-temperature incineration method used.
Veolia estimates 10,000 tonnes of PFAS materials are stored at user and producer sites.
The system operates at 1100 degrees Celsius with 99.999% treatment efficiency.
The treatment is part of Veolia’s global BeyondPFAS programme.
The site also accepts PFAS waste from construction, chemicals, textiles and electronics.
Nicola Henshaw of Veolia UK said the service supports evolving global regulations.
The company currently handles 8 million tonnes of hazardous waste per year.
It operates more than 300 treatment facilities across five continents.
