Feasibility study in support of future policy developments of the Sewage Sludge Directive (86/278/EEC)

This study aims to bring forward a preliminary assessment of policy options for a possible review of the Sewage Sludge Directive. The main problem identified is that current sludge management is not fully aligned with current EU policy objectives, particularly on environmental and human health protection and circular economy. Two policy options were evaluated in detail: (i) monitoring and control of sludge, or derived materials thereof, returned to agricultural land complemented by targets for the return of the critical raw material phosphorus to agricultural land; and (ii) environmental and health protection through the mandatory transformation of sewage sludge into EU fertilising products that classify as phosphorus fertilisers, presently mostly following sludge incineration. The report quantifies and discusses costs and benefits for both policy options, including aspects related to human health and environmental protection, nutrient recycling potential, methane emissions, potential to stimulate innovation, and social and distributional impacts. In addition, further information is provided on information gaps and research needs. The report may help to further increase the knowledge base on sustainable sewage sludge management and stimulate informed discussions amongst all relevant stakeholders.