Alternative uses

Exploring attitudes and perceived barriers to the use / recycling of biodegradable products containing sewage sludge

Reference: 15/SL/13/5
ISBN: 1 84057 796 7
Published Date: 17/12/2015

Sewage sludge is one of a number of biodegradable organic wastes produced in significant quantities in the UK. These wastes contain valuable nutrients and as a result, products derived from these materials are widely used as fertilisers and soil improvers for assisting plant growth. However, there are barriers to combining and treating sewage sludge with other organic materials to produce biodegradable products containing sewage sludge (BiPS).

The aims of this project were to identify and understand the barriers to the use of BiPS by investigating BiPS products and markets available around the world, their associated hazards and risks and how these have influenced the development of relevant regulations and standards. Perceptions are a very important factor in determining how BiPS is used so the project also sought to understand the perceptions and attitudes to the management and use of BiPS of key stakeholders as well as the general public.

To address the barriers to the use of BiPS in the UK the water industry needs to work closely with stakeholders to explore how to change the regulatory landscape, possibly by establishing product quality standards for different end uses, underpinned by ongoing research into potential hazards in order to provide widespread confidence. The public is generally unaware of the use of sewage sludge and BiPS and further research is required to provide a better understanding of the extent and strength of their views.

Price: £10  

Exploring attitudes and perceived barriers to the use / recycling of biodegradable products containing sewage sludge - 15SL135 - Annex A

Reference: 15/SL/13/5
ISBN: 1 84057 796 7
Published Date: 17/12/2015

Sewage sludge is one of a number of biodegradable organic wastes produced in significant quantities in the UK. These wastes contain valuable nutrients and as a result, products derived from these materials are widely used as fertilisers and soil improvers for assisting plant growth. However, there are barriers to combining and treating sewage sludge with other organic materials to produce biodegradable products containing sewage sludge (BiPS).

The aims of this project were to identify and understand the barriers to the use of BiPS by investigating BiPS products and markets available around the world, their associated hazards and risks and how these have influenced the development of relevant regulations and standards. Perceptions are a very important factor in determining how BiPS is used so the project also sought to understand the perceptions and attitudes to the management and use of BiPS of key stakeholders as well as the general public.

To address the barriers to the use of BiPS in the UK the water industry needs to work closely with stakeholders to explore how to change the regulatory landscape, possibly by establishing product quality standards for different end uses, underpinned by ongoing research into potential hazards in order to provide widespread confidence. The public is generally unaware of the use of sewage sludge and BiPS and further research is required to provide a better understanding of the extent and strength of their views.

Price: £10  

Exploring attitudes and perceived barriers to the use / recycling of biodegradable products containing sewage sludge - Annex B

Reference: 15/SL/13/5
ISBN: 1 84057 796 7
Published Date: 17/12/2015

Sewage sludge is one of a number of biodegradable organic wastes produced in significant quantities in the UK. These wastes contain valuable nutrients and as a result, products derived from these materials are widely used as fertilisers and soil improvers for assisting plant growth. However, there are barriers to combining and treating sewage sludge with other organic materials to produce biodegradable products containing sewage sludge (BiPS).

The aims of this project were to identify and understand the barriers to the use of BiPS by investigating BiPS products and markets available around the world, their associated hazards and risks and how these have influenced the development of relevant regulations and standards. Perceptions are a very important factor in determining how BiPS is used so the project also sought to understand the perceptions and attitudes to the management and use of BiPS of key stakeholders as well as the general public.

To address the barriers to the use of BiPS in the UK the water industry needs to work closely with stakeholders to explore how to change the regulatory landscape, possibly by establishing product quality standards for different end uses, underpinned by ongoing research into potential hazards in order to provide widespread confidence. The public is generally unaware of the use of sewage sludge and BiPS and further research is required to provide a better understanding of the extent and strength of their views.

Price: £10