This interactive presentation will dive deep into a case study involving a meat packaging facility in Southeastern USA treating both industrial wastewater and stormwater. Chitosan-based biocoagulants replaced aluminum and caustic chemicals in their onsite activated sludge wastewater treatment facility, resulting in significant cost savings and overall system improvements. Faced with high levels of total suspended solids (TSS) and significant sludge accumulation, the facility needed a solution that could meet strict environmental standards while improving operational efficiency. Chitosan provided exactly that, reducing TSS to a small fraction of site limits, cutting sludge production by up to 91%, and dramatically decreasing the overall chemical usage by over 90%. This shift not only enhanced treatment efficiency but also reduced labor, transportation needs, and the physical strain on machinery—all without the health hazards associated with traditional coagulants. Chitosan, a biopolymer derived from upcycled waste materials, is redefining the approach to wastewater treatment by offering a powerful and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional coagulants. Historically limited by scalability and reliability issues, chitosan-based biocoagulants are now a robust solution, made possible through advanced formulations and rigorous U.S.-based manufacturing standards. The transition from traditional metal-based coagulants to biocoagulants presents an impactful and sustainable shift in water treatment. With significant cost savings and reduced environmental impact, the success of this implementation highlights the potential of chitosan as a scalable, non-toxic, and highly effective option that consistently performs in diverse wastewater systems, providing a green pathway to reduce pollutants and radically enhance operations. This session will highlight the metrics previously mentioned including cost savings, improving bug (biological treatment) health and efficiency, electrical cost savings (less need for blowers required for aerobic digestion), as well as BOD & TSS reduction to well below site limits. Additional benefits include improved system longevity and reduced sludge production with the added capability for upcycling (resulting in a new asset stream). Walk away with tangible methods whereby chitosan can enhance your treatment options while creating a more vibrant, healthy ecosystem for all.