Sewage sludge is a mud-like residue resulting from wastewater treatment. Sewage sludge contains heavy metals and pathogens such as viruses and bacteria. It also contains valuable organic matter and nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus, and can be very useful as a fertiliser or soil improver. The proper management of sewage sludge falls in direct responsibility of local authorities. The use of sludge in agriculture can also be regulated and facilitated locally.

The Directive sets limits for the concentration of seven heavy metals in sewage sludge intended for agricultural use and in sludge-treated soils (cadmium, copper, nickel, lead, zinc, mercury and chromium) and bans the use of sewage sludge that results in concentrations of these heavy metals in soil exceeding these limit values (Art. 4; Art. 5). Art. 7 defines where the use of sludge or the supply of sludge for is prohibited e.g. on grassland and on soil in which fruit and vegetable crops are growing (except for fruit trees). Art. 8 further defines rules that should be observed when using sludge such as considering the nutrient needs of the plants and ensuring that the quality of soil and of the surface and ground water is not impaired. The Directive indicates the rules for sludge and soil analysis, and sampling and analysis methods (Annex IIA - IIC). Member States shall ensure that up-to-date records are kept (Art. 10).

A 2014 evaluation (https://circabc.europa.eu/ui/group/636f928d-2669-41d3-83db-093e90ca93a2/library/54f672e7-4825-4436-9924-4e35efe1a3f8/details?download=true) found that the Directive has achieved its initial objectives by increasing the amount of sludge used in agriculture and by reducing environmental harm. However, it also identified several areas where the Directive did not fully match the needs and realities of the current situation. For example, regarding certain elements such as closer harmonisation with biowaste and fertiliser legislation. A study was launched in 2020 to assess the evaluation criteria of the effectiveness, efficiency, relevance, coherence and EU added value of the Sewage Sludge Directive in all EU countries. This will build on and complement previous evaluation results. The results of the evaluation will inform the Commission’s decision on the need to progress with an impact assessment for a proposal to revise the Directive, as outlined in the New Circular Economy Action Plan.

More information about the Sewage Sludge Directive can be found here: https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/waste-and-recycling/sewage-sludge_en

A 2014 evaluation document provides insights into the implementation of the Sewage Sludge Directive: https://circabc.europa.eu/ui/group/636f928d-2669-41d3-83db-093e90ca93a2/library/54f672e7-4825-4436-9924-4e35efe1a3f8/details?download=true

Among other aspects, the evaluation document addressed the following points:
 

• summary of the evaluation findings on an EU level (effectiveness, efficiency, relevance and coherence);
• summary of the progress towards achieving the objectives (and, where applicable, targets) set out in the Directive in various Member States, including insights into how some Member States implemented key provisions of the Directive;
• what the costs are and benefits associated with the implementation of the Directive in various Member States;
• good practices in terms of cost-effective implementation of the Directive identified.

• Date of document: 12/06/1986
• Date of effect: 18/06/1986; Entry into force Date notif.
• Date of notification: 18/06/1986
• Date of transposition: 18/06/1989; See Art 16
• Date of end of validity: No end date