UK ‘sludge market’ set for boost from circular economy package

The European Commission’s circular economy package will allow sewerage companies to sell sludge rather than sending it to a landfill, paving the way for a “sludge market” in the UK.

Water sector representative group Eureau has been lobbying for the package to promote the use of sewage sludge as fertiliser. The group told Utility Week that a leaked copy of the package, which is due to be officially launched next month, confirms the Commission will “recognise sludge as an important contributor”.

Eureau secretary general delegate Neil Dhot said this will mean the Commission will set common standards across Europe for fertilisers from sludge to ensure they meet certain safety characteristics.

He said: “What the European Union is saying is that if we set minimum standards across Europe, then those that want to use it can use it.”

“With market opening and the wholesale/retail split due to start fairly soon, the adoption of standards could encourage companies to purchase sludge from sewerage companies, treat it and sell it on. “It’s [about] trying to foster a market in this area,” he said.

Treated sewage sludge is a source of nutrient and organic carbon which can be used as a fertiliser when it meets high quality criteria, the group said.

However, according to the report on the consultation for the revision of the Sewage Sludge Directive, which gives a special status to sludge by creating a distinction from waste, only 39 per cent of sludge is recycled into agriculture in the EU.

Including water in the circular economy package could “facilitate the synergies between the Sewage Sludge Directive and the Waste Framework Directive” and “promote the use of sewage sludge as fertiliser”, Eureau said.