Biosolids Market By Type (Class A Biosolids, Class B Biosolids); By Application (Agriculture, Energy Recovery, Land Reclamation, Landscaping); By Source (Municipal Utilities, Industrial Facilities); By Geography, Segment Revenue Estimation, Forecast, 2024–2030

Introduction And Strategic Context

The Global Biosolids Market is forecast to grow at a CAGR of 6.1%, reaching USD 7.8 billion in 2030, up from an estimated USD 5.5 billion in 2024, according to Strategic Market Research.

 

At its core, biosolids refer to nutrient-rich organic materials derived from the treatment of domestic sewage in wastewater treatment plants. Far from being waste, biosolids are now considered a circular economy asset—used as fertilizer, soil conditioners, or even bioenergy feedstocks. Over the past decade, their role has shifted from disposal liability to resource opportunity, particularly as sustainability pressures mount.

 

Several macro forces are converging here. First, environmental regulation is tightening across the board. In the EU and North America, nitrogen and phosphorus discharge limits are forcing municipalities to rethink sludge disposal. Many have turned to biosolids reuse strategies as a cost-effective compliance solution. At the same time, landfill restrictions and incineration bans in certain regions are pushing utilities toward beneficial reuse.

 

Then there's the agriculture angle. As synthetic fertilizer prices remain volatile and carbon-intensive, farmers are turning to biosolids for cost savings and soil health benefits. They're particularly valuable in regions with degraded soils or organic matter deficiencies. For example, treated biosolids are being deployed in large-scale land reclamation efforts across the western U.S. and Australia.

 

Technology is another big driver. Advanced treatment methods—like thermal hydrolysis, anaerobic digestion, and lime stabilization—are improving biosolid quality and pathogen reduction. That’s allowing producers to market Class A biosolids with fewer restrictions and wider application zones.

 

From a stakeholder standpoint, the market spans municipal governments, private wastewater utilities, environmental engineering firms, agricultural co-ops, and biosolids hauling contractors. A growing number of energy developers are also eyeing biosolids as a biogas feedstock, especially in co-digestion setups.

 

It’s not all straightforward though. Public perception still matters. Odor issues, land application pushback, and trace contaminants like PFAS continue to make headlines—sometimes derailing projects entirely. But there’s a shift happening. With climate goals, circularity mandates, and rising infrastructure investment, biosolids are being reframed as part of the solution, not just a byproduct of the problem.

 

In short, biosolids are moving from waste to worth—and fast. The next five years will be about scale, safety, and securing public trust.

 

Market Segmentation And Forecast Scope

The biosolids market is multi-dimensional, spanning treatment technologies, end-use applications, and regional dynamics. But more importantly, it reflects how governments and industries are aligning environmental compliance with resource recovery.

Here’s how the segmentation typically unfolds:

By Type

• Class A Biosolids
  These are treated to eliminate pathogens and are approved for unrestricted use, including residential landscaping and agriculture. In 2024, they account for around 46% of the market by volume. What’s driving this? Easier permitting and fewer land-use restrictions.

• Class B Biosolids
  These contain reduced but not eliminated pathogen levels. While suitable for agriculture and land reclamation, their use is restricted in urban or high-traffic zones. They remain prevalent in regions with lower regulatory stringency.

Class A is growing faster, largely because it opens up broader reuse options and faces fewer legal challenges.

 

By Application

• Agricultural Land Application
  Still the dominant use-case, especially in North America and Europe. Biosolids offer a cost-effective alternative to chemical fertilizers—boosting yields while improving long-term soil structure.

• Energy Recovery (Anaerobic Digestion & Combustion)
  Gaining momentum as utilities seek to convert sludge into biogas or generate power from thermal processes. Particularly relevant in circular economy strategies.

• Land Reclamation & Forestry
  Used to restore mining lands, buffer zones, and degraded forests. Some governments incentivize biosolids in large-scale ecological restoration programs.

• Horticulture and Landscaping
  A niche but growing application, especially for Class A biosolids marketed in pellet or composted form.

Among these, energy recovery is the fastest-growing segment, projected to expand at over 7% CAGR through 2030 as carbon-neutral mandates intensify.

 

By Source

• Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plants

• Private Industrial Facilities

Public utilities still dominate the space, but private-sector players are increasing—especially in food processing and pulp & paper industries, which generate large volumes of organic sludge.

 

By Region

• North America

• Europe

• Asia Pacific

• Latin America

• Middle East & Africa

We’ll dive deeper into regional dynamics in Section 5, but it’s worth noting that Europe leads in policy innovation, while Asia Pacific is gaining in volume growth, driven by urban expansion and infrastructure development.

 

Scope Note: This report tracks biosolids market size and forecast by type, application, and region, from 2024 through 2030, using both volume (in million metric tons) and value (in USD million). Historical trends (2017–2023) are included to anchor projections. Segmentation reflects both regulatory and commercial market forces.

It’s no longer just about sludge management. It’s about creating value streams from what used to be waste.

 

Market Trends And Innovation Landscape

Innovation in the biosolids market is no longer limited to sludge dryers and centrifuges. The last few years have seen a real shift—from cost containment toward value optimization. Technology is stepping up, and so is policy. Let’s look at what’s driving this wave.

Thermal Hydrolysis Is Going Mainstream

Once considered too expensive for most municipalities, thermal hydrolysis is gaining traction—especially in medium-to-large utilities across Europe and North America. By pre-treating sludge before anaerobic digestion, it boosts biogas yield and reduces final solids volume. The result? Utilities generate more renewable energy and spend less on hauling or landfill tipping fees.

In cities like Oslo and Washington, D.C., thermal hydrolysis isn’t just a treatment step—it’s part of a circular energy strategy.

 

Carbon-Neutral and Net-Zero Commitments Are Reshaping Project Design

Many wastewater utilities now include biosolids reuse in their decarbonization roadmaps. Capturing methane from biosolids digestion and injecting it into the grid—or using it onsite for power—is becoming standard in newly upgraded plants. Some facilities are even issuing carbon credits for avoided emissions, creating a financial case on top of the environmental one.

 

PFAS and Emerging Contaminants Are Forcing Upgrades

The growing scrutiny around PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) is pushing cities to rethink how they manage and market biosolids. In some U.S. states and European municipalities, biosolids land application is temporarily restricted or requires testing. This has triggered a race for new technologies—thermal oxidation, advanced filtration, and pyrolysis—all aimed at neutralizing persistent contaminants.

The message from regulators is clear: beneficial reuse is fine, but it must be safe.

 

Advanced Dewatering and Pelletizing Are Unlocking New Markets

New mechanical dewatering systems and low-energy drying tech are making it easier to produce Class A pellets. These can be bagged and sold to landscapers, golf courses, and even home gardeners. This “productization” of biosolids is allowing utilities to tap into retail revenue streams, which was almost unheard of a decade ago.

 

Co-Digestion Is on the Rise

Facilities are increasingly accepting food waste, fats-oils-grease (FOG), and agricultural residues into their digesters alongside biosolids. This enhances biogas production and qualifies the plant for additional waste diversion credits. It’s a win-win from both a revenue and sustainability standpoint.

Some regional utilities in California and Germany have become full-scale renewable energy producers by embracing co-digestion.

 

Policy Is Now a Driver, Not Just a Constraint

In the past, regulations mostly told utilities what not to do. Now, forward-thinking governments are offering grants, carbon incentives, and technology deployment programs that reward biosolids reuse. For instance:

• The EU’s Circular Economy Action Plan encourages nutrient recovery from wastewater streams.

• U.S. EPA’s Nutrient Recycling Challenge is catalyzing public-private R&D on phosphorus recovery from biosolids.

• Australia is investing in regional biosolids hubs to reduce transport burdens and encourage high-value reuse.

Bottom line: biosolids management is evolving into biosolids strategy. Whether the focus is energy, agriculture, or emissions, innovation is reshaping what’s possible—and profitable—in this market.

 

Competitive Intelligence And Benchmarking

The biosolids market isn’t packed with thousands of players—but the ones that matter are deeply embedded in municipal infrastructure and long-term contracts. The competitive edge in this space isn’t just about technology. It’s about trust, compliance history, and the ability to manage complexity across treatment, logistics, and regulation.

Veolia Environment
A global powerhouse in environmental services, Veolia runs biosolids programs across Europe, the U.S., and parts of Asia. They’re known for integrating thermal hydrolysis and anaerobic digestion into centralized treatment hubs, especially in high-density regions. The company often pairs biosolids reuse with energy recovery—enabling clients to monetize waste and cut emissions.

Their key advantage? They offer full-stack services—from sludge handling to regulatory reporting—backed by global expertise.

 

SUEZ
Another major European operator, SUEZ focuses heavily on nutrient recovery and circular economy alignment. Their solutions prioritize phosphorus extraction, pelletizing, and even land reclamation in post-mining areas. With a strong presence in France, the UK, and Australia, they’ve built credibility around Class A biosolids programs.

SUEZ often leads with innovation grants and pilot partnerships. They’re not just managing biosolids—they’re turning them into marketable fertilizer products.

 

Synagro Technologies
As the largest biosolids recycler in the U.S., Synagro manages over 500 municipal contracts. They operate composting, drying, and incineration facilities and are expanding into energy recovery. Their regional footprint includes mobile dewatering fleets and rail-based hauling—crucial for landlocked or high-cost disposal zones.

Synagro’s strength lies in scalability and operational depth. They don’t just build facilities—they operate and optimize them.

 

Cleanaway
In Australia, Cleanaway is emerging as a leader in biosolids logistics and reuse. They partner with local councils for hauling, treatment, and land application. Their recent investments in organics recycling hubs give them an edge in co-digestion and energy generation.

Their focus on local partnerships and soil health is helping reshape biosolids perception in regions where land use is tightly regulated.

 

Cambrian Innovation
A U.S.-based technology player, Cambrian offers decentralized wastewater and biosolids solutions for industrial and municipal clients. Their modular systems integrate anaerobic digestion and water reuse in compact footprints.

They cater to clients who need high-performance systems but lack the space or budget for centralized plants.

 

Andritz Group
As an OEM, Andritz is a key supplier of dewatering, drying, and sludge incineration systems. They’re not a service provider, but their equipment powers many utility-scale biosolids operations globally. With R&D centers in Austria and Germany, they continue to improve energy efficiency in thermal drying—critical for Class A pellet production.

 

Competitive Trends at a Glance:

• Service Providers vs. Tech Vendors: Companies like Veolia and Synagro own operations. Others like Andritz just supply equipment. Buyers often want one point of accountability— favoring integrated operators.

• Geographic Strongholds: Veolia and SUEZ dominate in Europe and parts of Asia. Synagro leads in the U.S. Cleanaway is strong in Australia. Smaller firms compete regionally but rarely go international.

• Differentiators:

  • Class A capabilities (thermal hydrolysis, composting)

  • Onsite energy generation

  • PFAS compliance handling

  • Logistics networks for land application or pellet sales

To be honest, this market isn’t about flashy tech. It’s about execution, uptime, and environmental credibility . The leaders aren’t winning because of brochures—they’re winning because mayors, utility managers, and regulators trust them to keep things clean, compliant, and cost-effective.

 

Regional Landscape And Adoption Outlook

Biosolids management is highly regional—because regulation, land availability, and public sentiment vary dramatically. What works in rural Australia may be illegal in parts of Germany. That said, the momentum behind reuse and energy recovery is growing worldwide. Let’s unpack the key regional storylines.

North America

The U.S. is one of the most mature biosolids markets—both in volume and infrastructure. Most large cities have long-standing land application programs, especially in Midwest and Southern states where agricultural land is abundant.

But the picture is changing. States like Maine and Michigan are imposing temporary bans on land application due to PFAS concerns, pushing utilities toward thermal treatment and Class A conversion. In contrast, western states like California are piloting biosolids-to-hydrogen technologies, as part of their decarbonization push.

Canada is playing catch-up on scale but leads on sustainability. Provincial policies in British Columbia and Ontario support nutrient recovery and public-private co-digestion partnerships.

Overall, North America is a balance of opportunity and caution: land use is feasible, but only if the materials meet growing safety standards.

 

Europe

Europe leads the world in policy sophistication. Countries like Germany, Switzerland, and the Netherlands have effectively banned untreated sludge application, pushing for incineration or advanced treatment. Germany, in particular, is spearheading phosphorus recovery mandates—making biosolids a critical input in the circular nutrient economy.

In Scandinavia, biosolids are used in forest regeneration and soil restoration, often supported by carbon incentives. Southern Europe, however, still relies heavily on land spreading due to favorable climate and soil conditions.

The European Union’s Circular Economy Action Plan is catalyzing investment into biosolids-based fertilizers, especially as chemical fertilizer imports face disruption.

The takeaway? Europe isn’t scaling back on biosolids—it’s tightening the rules and raising the quality bar.

 

Asia Pacific

This is the volume growth engine for the next decade. Rapid urbanization, new wastewater infrastructure, and government-backed environmental reforms are converging across Asia.

• China is building massive sludge treatment plants in major cities like Shanghai and Guangzhou, many integrated with waste-to-energy capabilities.

• India is catching up fast through Smart Cities initiatives and centralized STP investments. However, land application is limited by dense urban sprawl.

• Japan and South Korea focus on sludge-to-energy solutions and have pioneered low- odor drying tech to enable urban biosolids reuse.

Australia stands out for its proactive stance. Regions like Victoria are consolidating biosolids into regional hubs, where treated material is pelletized and sold to farmers. The government’s emphasis on climate resilience is making biosolids reuse a strategic priority.

In Asia Pacific, the driver is scale—how to handle a growing wave of biosolids safely and sustainably.

 

Latin America, Middle East, and Africa (LAMEA)

In Latin America, biosolids programs are mostly in early phases. Brazil and Chile have municipal initiatives for land application, but infrastructure gaps remain. Mexico is experimenting with co-composting biosolids and green waste for public landscaping.

The Middle East is more advanced than expected. Countries like the UAE and Qatar are investing in biosolids drying and reuse to improve soil quality for landscaping and agriculture—especially under water-scarce conditions.

Africa is where the need is high, but funding is low. Some pilot projects are turning biosolids into compressed fuel briquettes for cooking or industrial heating. NGOs and international donors are key enablers here.

 

Regional Themes in a Nutshell:

• North America: PFAS-driven technology shift, energy integration, regulatory divergence by state.

• Europe: Highest regulatory standards, phosphorus recovery, limited land spreading.

• Asia Pacific: Rapid infrastructure expansion, regional hubs, rising demand for energy recovery.

• LAMEA: Emerging markets with potential, but reliant on external funding and simpler technologies.

Success in biosolids isn’t just about selling a process—it’s about fitting into the local fabric of regulation, land use, and environmental priorities.

 

End-User Dynamics And Use Case

In the biosolids market, end users aren’t just buying treatment services—they’re buying long-term solutions to environmental, political, and operational headaches. From municipalities under public pressure to industrial clients facing rising disposal costs, the decision to adopt biosolids reuse isn’t driven solely by regulation. It's about risk mitigation, cost control, and public optics.

Municipal Wastewater Utilities

These are the primary producers and stewards of biosolids globally. Large city utilities often operate their own sludge treatment and reuse programs, while smaller towns outsource to third-party contractors.

What matters to them?

• Regulatory compliance (especially for Class A or PFAS thresholds)

• Operational reliability — no breakdowns in peak summer or monsoon season

• Community perception — biosolids management has PR implications

More forward-looking utilities are now treating biosolids as a resource stream. Some are integrating sludge processing with renewable energy targets, using biogas to offset grid electricity or sell Renewable Energy Credits (RECs).

For many cities, biosolids are no longer a disposal problem—they're a potential asset with political and economic upside.

 

Private Industrial Facilities

Industries like pulp & paper, food processing, and breweries also generate large volumes of organic sludge. Many operate captive wastewater treatment plants but lack in-house biosolids handling capabilities.

Their needs are more transactional:

• Rapid removal and cost certainty

• Volume-based hauling contracts

• Minimal public visibility

However, a few are now partnering with tech providers to turn biosolids into energy onsite—especially if they’re operating in off-grid or carbon-sensitive regions.

 

Agricultural End Users

Though they’re not usually buyers in the traditional sense, farmers are critical stakeholders. They either accept biosolids on their land or don’t. Their concerns?

• Heavy metal content

• Odor

• Regulatory paperwork

Class A biosolids—especially in pelletized form—are gaining popularity here because they’re easier to handle and apply. In some areas, they're being used in crop trials as substitutes for expensive synthetic fertilizers.

 

Land Reclamation and Forestry Agencies

In regions with mining scars, deforested zones, or degraded soils, public and private agencies are turning to biosolids to accelerate rehabilitation. These users value:

• High organic content

• Soil moisture retention

• Erosion control benefits

Biosolids are being used to stabilize land in coal mining zones in Appalachia, restore forest soils in British Columbia, and even replant buffer zones around highways in parts of Europe.

 

Use Case Highlight: Urban Utility Transforms Biosolids into Energy

A mid-sized city in Colorado faced growing public opposition to land application due to odor complaints and PFAS concerns. In response, the utility commissioned a new biosolids treatment train in 2023 using thermal hydrolysis followed by anaerobic digestion . The system now produces Class A biosolids and enough biogas to power 60% of the plant’s electricity needs .

Even better? The dried pellets are sold to local farmers at subsidized rates, and the utility earns carbon offset credits through a state-level renewable energy program.

Within a year, complaints dropped, energy bills shrank, and the biosolids team became a case study in operational innovation.

 

Bottom line: End users want more than compliance. Municipalities want energy savings and community support. Industries want simplicity. Farmers want safe, nutrient-rich products. And everyone wants a biosolids strategy that won’t blow up politically or operationally down the line.

 

Recent Developments + Opportunities & Restraints

Recent Developments (Last 2 Years)

• A major U.S. utility commissioned one of the country’s largest thermal hydrolysis systems for biosolids, boosting Class A output and renewable biogas capacity.

• A leading European technology vendor launched a low-energy sludge drying system tailored for mid-sized treatment plants, aiming to cut OPEX by 30%.

• An Australian state introduced new guidelines mandating phosphorus recovery from biosolids before land application.

• A global biosolids operator rolled out a Class A pellet product for retail sale to landscapers and garden centers in select U.S. markets.

• A municipal facility in Southeast Asia began co-digesting food waste with biosolids, increasing biogas output by 45% and reducing landfill dependence.

 

Opportunities

• Decarbonization Push: Utilities are prioritizing biosolids-to-energy strategies (biogas, pyrolysis) to meet climate targets and reduce reliance on grid electricity.

• Circular Economy Policies: Governments are incentivizing nutrient recovery from biosolids, especially phosphorus, opening up new markets in fertilizer manufacturing.

• Retail Productization: Class A biosolids are being repackaged as branded compost or soil enhancers for residential, landscaping, and municipal green space use.

 

Restraints

• PFAS and Microcontaminants: Regulatory uncertainty and public fear around PFAS contamination are leading to restrictions or outright bans on land application in several regions.

• High Capital Costs: Advanced treatment systems like thermal hydrolysis or drying units require significant upfront investment, limiting adoption in smaller or cash-strapped municipalities.

Truth is, the market doesn’t suffer from lack of demand—it suffers from gaps in funding, communication, and regulatory clarity. The next few years will determine which solutions scale and which stall.

 

7.1. Report Coverage Table

Report Attribute	Details
Forecast Period	2024 – 2030
Market Size Value in 2024	USD 5.5 Billion
Revenue Forecast in 2030	USD 7.8 Billion
Overall Growth Rate	CAGR of 6.1% (2024 – 2030)
Base Year for Estimation	2024
Historical Data	2019 – 2023
Unit	USD Million, CAGR (2024 – 2030)
Segmentation	By Type, Application, Source, Region
By Type	Class A Biosolids, Class B Biosolids
By Application	Agriculture, Energy Recovery, Land Reclamation, Landscaping
By Source	Municipal Utilities, Industrial Facilities
By Region	North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East & Africa
Country Scope	U.S., Canada, Germany, China, India, Australia, Brazil, UAE, etc.
Market Drivers	- Stricter regulations favoring resource recovery - Agricultural demand for organic soil enhancers - Adoption of energy-positive biosolids treatment systems
Customization Option	Available upon request