Filed Under: Organics | Subject Matter
Learn what biosolids are, how they’re used and how Ontario ensures they’re safe to use.
What biosolids are
“Biosolids” is a generic term that refers to both sewage and pulp and paper residuals as well as other materials containing nutrients and organic matter. Sewage biosolids are nutrient-rich materials that result from the treatment of municipal wastewater. Pulp and paper biosolids are generated from Ontario’s pulp and paper manufacturers and are primarily made up of short paper fibres, carbonates and clay fillers.
How biosolids are used
The Ministry of the Environment supports the use of environmentally protective and beneficial options for managing all types of biosolids including sewage biosolids and pulp and paper biosolids. Here are a few of the ways we use biosolids in Ontario:
- As nutrients for agricultural land
- As fuel for electricity
- To help reduce organic contaminants in former industrial lands
- Learn more about how biosolids are used
How Ontario ensures biosolids are safe to use
The province has many laws and regulations in place to ensure companies that generate biosolids meet strict quality criteria.
- Read the details about how we regulate biosolids
- Learn about the extensive treatment process to which biosolids are subjected
