EU rules promoting the safe use of sewage sludge in agriculture.
Sewage sludge is a mud-like residue resulting from wastewater treatment. It can contain contaminants, such as heavy metals, pathogens and other chemicals.
It also contains valuable organic matter and nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus, and can therefore be very useful as a fertiliser or soil improver.
However, its use must be regulated to prevent harmful effects on soil, vegetation, animals and people.
Executive Vice-President Stéphane Séjourné and Commissioner Jessika Roswall led the discussions with key stakeholders.
Under current EU rules, the export of mixed municipal waste for recovery to non-EEA countries, such as Switzerland, will soon be banned.
The European Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform's (ECESP) annual gathering redefined the circular economy as a vital economic and security strategy necessary for Europe's industrial resilience and resource independence.