AN East Lancashire paper making company is set to slash its £1million a year sewage costs after taking part in a groundbreaking experiment.

Georgia Pacific GB, Ramsbottom, underwent trials using water filtration material at its Stubbins Mill site.

And soon they will be able to recycled water used in the paper-making process instead of flushing it down the drains, which means they are able to save money on industry waste costs.

The results of the Recycled Glass Filtration Media (RGFM) trial -- using recycled glass instead of sand as a filter -- showed 20 per cent less solids in the system. The water could also be used for 20 per cent longer before the system needed to be flushed clean.

Following the trial, which was held last year, the company is now going to invest in a new treatment plant.

Archie Simpson, technical and environmental co-ordinator for Georgia Pacific, said the new plant would also help increase oxygen levels in water sewage was pumped into.

He said: "Suspended solids have a negative effect on the environment by de-oxygenating water and affecting river flow to the detriment of fish and other aquatic life. It's desirable to reduce these to preserve the quality of the receiving watercourse.

"Recycling water from the treatment plant back into the mill saves money in water rates and, as it is warm, helps to conserve energy. The remaining discharged effluent is also cleaner and so puts less pressure on sewage treatment works."