Biosolids Recycling Facilities

Programs that are responsible for the operation and maintenance of facilities that are dedicated to the further processing of the raw solids (sludge) that are the byproduct of domestic wastewater treatment facilities to produce biosolids which can be beneficial in a variety of settings from backyard gardens to large scale agricultural enterprises. Biosolids can also be used to reclaim mining sites and establish vegetative cover on closed solid waste landfills. The processing, which uses a variety of chemical, physical and biological processes (including anaerobic digestion, aerobic digestion, composting, heat treatment, lime treatment and air-drying) kills disease-causing organisms such as bacteria and viruses, and reduces odors. Liquid biosolids are generally applied via sprinkler or spreader trucks. Solid products are usually applied with manure spreaders. Composts are blended into topsoil mixes or applied as a mulch.