CLOSING THE NUTRIENT LOOP
Nature works in cycles.
Water is cleaned. Nutrients are recovered.
Soil is replenished.
But when those nutrients are sent to landfills, the cycle is broken.
Biosolids help close the loop by returning valuable nutrients back to the soil - supporting plant growth, improving soil health, and making better use of what we already have.
It’s a smarter, more sustainable way to manage what our communities produce every day.
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Nitrogen
Helps plants grow strong, green leaves.
Sulfur
Supports plant growth and
helps form important proteins.
Phosphorus
Supports root development
and helps plants store energy.
Calcium
Helps build strong plant walls.
Supports root development
and helps plants store energy.
Potassium
Magnesium
Helps plants convert sunlight
into energy.
Hover over each element to learn more
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THERE'S NO SUCH THING
AS "AWAY"
Every time we flush, it doesn't just disappear.
It still has to go somewhere.
And without better solutions, it often ends up in landfills - creating long term challenges for our communities.
THE BETTER OPTION?
Water used in our homes travels through pipes to treatment facilities.
Wastewater is cleaned and treated to protect public health and the environment.
Organic materials are processed and safely stabilized during treatment.
The resulting material contains valuable nutrients and organic matter.
These nutrients help support plant growth and improve soil health.
Hover over each
step to learn more
WHAT ARE BIOSOLIDS?
When wastewater is cleaned and treated at local water resource recovery facilities, organic materials are safely processed and stabilized.
The resulting material - called biosolids - contains valuable nutrients that can be returned to the soil.
Biosolids are rich in nutrients like:
• Nitrogen
• Phosphorus
• Organic matter
These nutrients help support plant growth and improve soil health.
Instead of being discarded as waste, biosolids can be recycled back into the environment as a beneficial resource.
Improve soil structure
Increase water retention
Reduce erosion
Support beneficial microbial activity
Provide essential nutrients for crops
HEALTHY SOIL STARTS WITH HEALTHY NUTRIENTS
Biosolids enrich soil with organic matter and essential nutrients that plants need to grow.
Research shows biosolids:
Farmers and land managers have used biosolids for decades to improve soil productivity and reduce reliance on synthetic fertilizers.
Unlike synthetic fertilizers, which primarily deliver nutrients in the short term, biosolids add organic matter that helps build long-term soil health, improve structure, and support water retention.
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Biosolids are carefully managed and used by communities across the country as part of everyday wastewater treatment.
They follow well-established guidelines designed to protect people, water, and the environment.
This helps ensure:
• Biosolids are properly treated before use
• Applications are planned to match what the land needs
• Setbacks help protect nearby homes and water sources
• Ongoing checks help maintain soil and water quality
When used responsibly, biosolids not only recycle nutrients but also improve soil stability and reduce runoff over time.
PROTECTING OUR NATURAL RESOURCES
DID YOU
KNOW?
EXPLORE THE SCIENCE BEHIND BIOSOLIDS
WHAT ARE
BIOSOLIDS?
HOW BIOSOLIDS IMPROVE
SOIL GROWTH
PROTECTING NATURAL
RESOURCES
UNDERSTANDING
BIOSOLIDS SAFETY
TURNING WHAT WE HAVE
INTO WHAT WE NEED
Across farms, landscapes, and communities, the results are visible over time.
Healthier soil. Stronger plant growth. Land that continues to produce and support what comes next.
Biosolids are part of a system that keeps resources in use - helping communities get more value from what already exists.