The impact of EU and UK environmental pressures on the future of sludge treatment and disposal

Current and future production of sludge in the UK is estimated, and it is predicted that recycling to agricultural land and incineration (with energy recovery) will be the major disposal options for sludge in the future. Environmental pressures on sludge recycling to land may lead to restrictions on applications in terms of nitrogen content and more stringent limits for metals in soils. Attention to sludge quality and the development of quality management practices in utilization or disposal operations will help to minimize environmental concerns and facilitate sludge disposal to all outlets. Focal points for quality assurance in sludge recycling operations are listed, and environmental pressures on sludge use in agriculture are discussed in detail. Use in agriculture involves recycling a secondary resource, and calling the resource 'biosolids' is part of promoting this excellent example of good environmental management.