Biosolids

When sewage from households and businesses (and sometimes wastewater from industrial dischargers) is sent to a wastewater treatment plant, the liquids are separated from the solids, producing a semi-solid, nutrient-rich product known as “sewage sludge” or “biosolids”. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency typically uses the term “biosolids” to mean sewage sludge that has been treated to meet the agency's regulatory requirements and is intended to be land applied as a soil conditioner or fertilizer.

• Basic Information

  

  Learn about sewage sludge, biosolids, management practices, and use and disposal statistics.

  Explore the basics

• Sewage Sludge Laws and Regulations

  

  Learn about the federal regulations for sewage sludge.

  Understand laws and regulations

• Risk Assessment

  

  Learn more about the process for reviewing pollutants in sewage sludge for risk.

  Learn about sewage sludge risk assessment

• Technical Resources for Sewage Sludge Managers

  

  Find technical materials useful for those who generate and manage sewage sludge.

  Find resources

• Engagement & Outreach

  

  Sign up for webinars, review past presentations by the EPA, and find out how to contact your regional or state biosolids coordinator. 

  Engage with the EPA

• Research

  

  Learn more about past and ongoing sewage sludge research at the agency and through EPA-awarded grants.

  Discover research efforts