The EPA is updating the resource recovery order and exemption for the reuse of biosolids to ensure that land application is beneficial and poses minimal risk of harm to human health and the environment.

We are seeking your feedback on what the new chemical contaminant limits will mean for industry including updated requirements for testing new chemical contaminants, record keeping and reporting, biosolids application management and a new definition for biosolids. This follows publication of the PFAS National Environmental Management Plan 3.0 (PFAS NEMP), and the outcomes of previous public consultation and testing of sewage treatment plants across the state by the EPA in 2023.

The introduction of new contaminant limits, testing, record keeping and reporting requirements for biosolids align with contemporary science on new contaminants and adopt the latest national guidance on PFAS. A new definition for biosolids provides clarity as well as flexibility to allow future thermal treatment options.

We want to hear from all members of the community, from biosolids producers, sewage treatment plant operators, water utilities, composters, analytical laboratories, biosolids spreaders, government, peak bodies, consultants, farmers and the general community. We want feedback on what the new contaminant limits mean for you including testing, record keeping and reporting requirements, proposed management measures and the new definition of biosolids.

Your views will inform the revised resource recovery order and exemption and the development of new biosolids guidelines.

Public consultation on the revised draft resource recovery order and exemption for biosolids is now open until 5pm Friday 26 September 2025.

Have your say on the draft Biosolids Resource Recovery Order and Exemption.

You can provide your feedback by:

• Responding to the short survey below
• Provide written feedback by emailing EnvSolCLR.Requests@epa.nsw.gov.au

Provide your feedback by completing the survey below. The survey should take you about 15 minutes to complete. You are not required to answer every question.

Please note, your feedback may include ‘personal information,' including your name, address, email, internet protocol address and any other personal information contained in your feedback.

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