During the last fifty years, science has provided many answers on the management of risks associated with biosolids, but more needs to be done on public acceptance. Despite a number of key reports identifying the importance of community engagement and consumer awareness of biosolid production and application, there remains a general lack of public awareness with regards to biosolids. Currently there are four types of consumers:- Those with no awareness of biosolids
- Those with awareness and acceptance of biosolids
- Those with a ‘not in my back yard’ attitude (they see the production and use of biosolids as acceptable so long as it is not undertaken near them).
- Those who object to biosolids
Biosolids management projects often encounter apprehension and sometimes opposition from the public for a variety of reasons. The community attitudes and awareness that constrain biosolids programs are important considerations to be addressed along with federal, state or local regulations that govern biosolids. Concerns about health risk, nuisances and environmental quality are often coupled with political and attitudinal considerations that are not based on either science or regulation. Appropriate and effective communication is essential to adequately address concerns relating to biosolids. The benefits of good biosolids management as well as specific environmental, health and agricultural considerations must all be addressed for a biosolids management program to succeed. The failure to take into consideration fully the concerns of all of the stakeholders, including the concerns of the general public, has resulted in predictable but preventable problems including the banning of scientifically acceptable biosolids recycling options in different countries.
In the USA and Europe despite long-term production of biosolids (e.g. they have been around for a long time), over the past few years there have been increasing negatively regarding biosolids, specifically from a safety perspective. Public concerns have also shifted from the long-term site contamination effects of heavy metal, to the impact of pathogens on public health. These issues are being raised by local activists and included within local news.
Sludge News is a US based activist website aimed at heightening awareness of the health and environmental impacts of biosolids. The website offers research, testimonials and general information – providing alternative viewpoints and considerations. Other exampels of antibisolids websites include
The management of biosolids in Western Australia is a relatively recent occurrence. With increasing production and land application of biosolids there are growing examples of community nervousness. For example, Gillingarra residents have spoken out about the plan by the Water Corporation to build a trial biosolids storage facility in either the Shire of Victoria Plains or Moora.