Results of a feasibility study on the use of refuse-derived fuel, shredded paper, wood waste, coal and waste oil in multiple-hearth furnaces at the Lower Molonglo Water Quality Control Centre in Australia are described. An assessment of waste fuel availability and characteristics is made. Finally, the technical description and economic evaluation of either using these alternative fuels or minimizing furnace fuel requirements by reducing sludge moisture, are summarized. The recommended method for reducing fuel oil consumptom in the furnace is shown to be sludge drying using process exhaust heat in a rotary dryer.