There is growing acknowledgment from a global environment protection view that every effort should be made to use all waste in preference to uproductive disposal. Consistent with this there is a general acceptance that beneficial uses should be made of biosolids, as opposed to disposing of them in landfills. However, despite this growing global direction, the general public awareness of biosolids remains limited. For many people there is no connection between the use of a toilet and what happens to the waste that they flush.
In order to gauge the currently level of community awareness on wastewater and biosolids, a survey was developed and distributed to friends, family and work colleagues all residing in the Perth metropolitan area. This survey aimed to assess the general community’s knowledge of wastewater recycling and the production of biosolids and to identify potential concerns. The survey was completed by 81 people and provided some good insight into levels of consumer awareness.
Download a full copy of the survey results
Summary
Where does wastewater come from? Most people knew that wastewater came from household use, with industry and the toilet as the least recognised contributors to wastewater.
How much wastewater does the average person produce per day? Only 14% of people survey identified the correct response (200L). Most provided an underestimate.
Wastewater treatment is.... 91% of respondants correctly described wastewater treatment.
Do you know what happens to treated wastewater in Perth? 31% did not know
Do you know what happens to your solid human waste (poo) in Perth? 36% were not sure
Do you know what biosolids are? 71% said no.
What can biosolids be used for? 78% said fertiliser.
Did you know that human waste was recycled in Perth to make biosolids? 60% said no.
Do you have any objections for producing and using biosolids? 90% said no. Of the 10% who said yes, some of their concerns included:
- We object to countries such as China using human waste as fertisiliser for health reasons so I don't believe we should do it here
- May stink
- No drinking water please!
- Only concern is that it is done properly with no risk to the environment and society.
- Need guarantee that the treatment does prevent disease, as there are enough problems with food now without further contaminations.
- Because humans consume this food.
- Toxicity, greenhouse gas emissions?