Sewage Sludge Disposal in Switzerland

Sewage sludge was used as fertilizer in agriculture in Switzerland since the begin ning of modern waste water treatment. During the last 40 years several difficulties arose with the agricultural use. The problems with pathogenic germs could be solved with a prepasteurisation. The contamination with heavy metals was reduced during the years but remained a cause for concern. The fear of mad cow disease and the contamination with persistent organic pollutants were 2003 the reasons for a ban of sewage sludge in the Swiss agriculture. At present the recycling of the phosphorus contained in sewage sludge and in other wastes is a goal of the Swiss policy.