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Biosolids

  • Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)

    Sewage sludge may contain PFAS and other contaminants that wastewater treatment plants receive from upstream dischargers including industrial facilities, landfills and homes.

    PFAS in sewage sludge
  • Compliance and Annual Reporting

    Applicable treatment facilities are required to submit a report annually to their permitting authority by February 19.

    Get compliance info

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

    Tractor spreads biosolids on field of crops

    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

    Aerial view of wastewater clarifiers

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

    Find resources
  • Engagement & Outreach

    EPA Headquarters - DC

    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
Contact Us to ask a question, provide feedback, or report a problem.
Last updated on March 18, 2025
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