Biosolids in America

Thirty years ago, many American metropolises discarded their raw sewage directly into rivers, lakes, and bays. Today, because of enhanced wastewater treatment, waterways have been cleaned up and made safer for amusement and seafood harvest. And, because of the stern Federal and state standards, the treated residuals from wastewater treatment (biosolids) can be safely recycled. Home governments make the choice whether to reprocess the biosolids as a fertilizer, incinerate it or bury it in a landfill.

Biosolids are the nutrient-rich organic resources resultant from the treatment of sewage sludge (the name for the solid, semisolid or liquid untreated residue generated during the treatment of domestic sewage in a treatment facility). When treated and processed, sewage sludge becomes biosolids which can be safely recycled and applied as fertilizer to sustainably improve and maintain productive soils and stimulate plant growth.

Although cities decide how best to manage their biosolids, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is obligated and continues to provide the public with educational information, based on the best science, about the safe recycling and disposal of biosolids.