Microplastics Position Statement – November 2023

Assured Biosolids has published an updated Position Statement on the potential impact of microplastics on biosolids recycling to agricultural land. While the increasing quantity of plastic produced and used in society means plastics are finding their way into wastewaters, there is no evidence to suggest that microplastics associated with biosolids pose any significant risk from an environmental and human health perspective. However, there is a need for a cross-sector approach to understand the issues associated with microplastics and to prevent microplastics entering wastewater in the first place. It is also important that the water industry continue to investigate methods to remove microplastics from wastewater or sludge.

Assured Biosolids will continue to monitor the available evidence and activity surrounding microplastics and will review the position statement as further evidence becomes available. The Position Statement is available here.