BIOSOLIDS MARKET (2025 - 2030)

The Biosolids Market was valued at USD 2.1 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach a market size of USD 2.73 billion by the end of 2030. Over the forecast period of 2025-2030, the market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.5%.

The global biosolids market refers to the treatment and beneficial reuse of organic solids obtained from municipal wastewater. These solids undergo rigorous processing to meet environmental and health standards before being reused. Biosolids are widely used due to their nutrient-rich composition in agriculture, land reclamation, and energy recovery. The market includes technologies for drying, digestion, and pelletizing, with services for transportation and application. Regulatory structures across regions support reusing biosolids, ensuring safety and sustainability. The industry is shaped by environmental policies, urban wastewater generation, and circular economy practices. Biosolids provide a viable option for synthetic fertilizers and contribute to soil health and carbon sequestration. The market is developing with innovations in odour control, pathogen reduction, and energy-efficient processing. The stakeholders in this market include municipal, private contractors, equipment manufacturers, and agricultural end-users. Growth of this market is influenced by the rising awareness of infrastructure investment, population growth, and sustainable waste management. Biosolids are seen as a resource instead of waste, driving interest in advanced treatment technologies.

Key Market Insights:

• Globally, about 50% of all biosolids are being recycled to land. These biosolids are used on less than one percent of the nation's agricultural land.
• India has approximately 1,469 sewage treatment plants (STP) and more than 500 faecal sludge treatment plants (FSTP).
• In India, 1,460 STPs generate 104,210 tonnes of sludge per day and FSTPs generate more than 250 tonnes of biosolids every day.
• Roughly 18% of U.S. agricultural lands could be using Class B biosolids as fertilizer.
• In the U.S., about 60% of produced biosolids are applied to agricultural land; in Europe, the figure is ~34%.
• Sewage sludge typically contains ~3.2% nitrogen, 2.3% phosphorus, and 0.3% potassium, making it a nutrient source.

Market Drivers:

The rising regulatory push for sustainable waste management is primarily driving the Biosolids Market.

Governments worldwide are implementing strict rules on landfill settlement and promoting the reuse of biosolids. Environmental agencies encourage municipalities to adopt biosolids programs to reduce waste and improve soil health. These policies support investment in advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades. The regulatory compliance with standards such as EPA’s Part 503 in the U.S. and EU directives has accelerated biosolids adoption. Public funding and incentives are further driving market growth. Biosolids provide a compliant and environmentally friendly solution to satisfy sustainability. Regulatory clarity and enforcement continue to shape the market and encourage innovation in biosolids processing.

Agricultural demand for organic soil amendments is driving the Biosolids Market.

Farmers are seeking alternatives to chemical fertilizers due to soil degradation and rising input costs. Biosolids provide essential nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus, improving crop yield and soil structure. Their use supports organic agricultural practices and reduces dependence on synthetic products. Agricultural sectors in North America, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific are adopting biosolids for large-scale land application. Research suggests that biosolids increase microbial activity and water retention in the soil. As food security and sustainable agriculture gain attention, biosolids provide a cost-effective and environmentally sound solution. This demand continues to drive market expansion in agricultural communities.

Market Restraints and Challenges:

This market faces concerns over odour and safety, and public resistance despite regulatory approval. In biosolids, misconceptions about pathogens and contaminants hinder community acceptance. The odour during transport and application may cause complaints and regulatory delays. Lack of awareness affects adoption rates in urban areas. Addressing these concerns requires transparent communication, odour control technologies, and stakeholder engagement. Companies should invest in public education and advanced processing to remove resistance. Biosolids program faces operational and political hurdles that limit the market growth without community support.

Market Opportunities:

Biosolids play an important role in circular economy models by converting waste into valuable resources. Advanced technologies allow biosolids to be converted into biogas, biochar, and renewable energy. It reduces the use of landfills and supports carbon-neutral goals. The municipal and private firms are investing in the energy recovery system to offset operating costs. Biosolids also contribute to the carbon sequestration when applied to land. As climate policies are tightened, biosolids provide a scalable solution for sustainable waste-to-energy strategies. The market has strong potential in green infrastructure and low-carbon emissions.

BIOSOLIDS MARKET

Market Segmentation:

Segmentation By form

• Cake Biosolids
• Pelletized Biosolids
• Liquid Biosolids
• Compost Biosolids
• Others

Cake biosolids are the largest form in the biosolids market. They are semi-solids and are easier to transport and store than liquid forms. The municipality prefers cake biosolids due to their low water content and low handling costs. They are widely used in agriculture and land reclamation. Their production is cost-effective and compatible with most treatment systems. Cake biosolids also meet regulatory standards for land application. Their popularity continues due to their balance between moisture content and the value of nutrients. Many wastewater facilities optimize cake biosolids output, making them the most produced forms globally.

Pelletized biosolids are the fastest-growing form in the biosolids market. They are dried and compressed, making them ideal for long-distance transport and commercial sales. Their uniform shape, size, and low odour make them suitable for landscaping and retail fertilizer markets. Pelletized biosolids are receiving traction in urban areas where space and odour control are priorities. They provide a concentration of high nutrients and are easy to apply. Advanced drying technologies have made pelletized biosolids production more energy-efficient. Pelletized biosolids are rapidly expanding with increasing demand for packed organic fertilizers. Their versatility and clean handling make them attractive for both public and private sectors.

Segmentation By Treatment Method

• Anaerobic Digestion
• Thermal Drying
• Composting
• Others

Anaerobic digestion is the dominant treatment method in the biosolids market. It is widely used due to its ability to reduce pathogens and produce biogas. This method stabilizes organic materials and reduces the level of odour. Many wastewater plants are equipped with anaerobic digestion, making it a standard process. It supports energy recovery and aligns with sustainability goals. The process is cost-effective and scalable for large facilities. Anaerobic digestion also reduces the volume of biosolids and reduces settlement costs. Its dual advantage of waste treatment and energy production makes it the most preferred method globally.

Thermal drying is the fastest-growing treatment method in the biosolids market. It reduces moisture content and produces pelletized biosolids suitable for commercial use. This method improves transport efficiency and reduces odour. Thermal drying is gaining popularity in areas with strict land application rules. It supports advanced reuse options such as biochar production. This process is compatible with the smart automation system and improves operational control. Thermal drying is expanding quickly, with urban areas seeking compact and odour-free solutions. Its ability to produce high-quality end products makes it ideal for landscaping and packaged fertilizer markets. Investing in drying technologies is increasing throughout Europe and the Asia-Pacific.

Segmentation By Application

• Agriculture
• Energy Recovery
• Land Reclamation
• Landscaping
• Others

Agriculture is the largest application in the biosolids market. Biosolids are rich in nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus, making them ideal for the improvement of soil. Farmers use them to reduce dependence on chemical fertilizers. Agricultural land application is cost-effective and widely accepted. Biosolids improve soil structure and water retention. Regulatory support for organic farming enhances its use in agriculture. Municipalities partner with farms for biosolids reuse programs. The growing demand for food production ensures steady biosolids consumption. Agriculture remains the most practical and scalable application for biosolids globally.

Energy recovery is the fastest-growing application in the biosolids market. Biosolids are used rapidly to produce biogas and renewable energy. Anaerobic digestive and thermal conversion technologies support this trend. Energy recovery helps reduce the use of landfills and supports carbon reduction goals. Governments are promoting biosolids-to-energy projects through incentives and infrastructure financing. This application aligns with circular economy principles. It also offsets operational costs for wastewater treatment plants. Biosolids are providing a sustainable fuel source to meet increasing energy demand. The shift towards green energy makes biosolids a valuable resource for power generation and industrial heating.

Market Segmentation: Regional Analysis:

• North America
• Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East & Africa

North America is the largest regional market for the biosolids market. The United States and Canada have well-established wastewater infrastructures and strong regulatory support. Public support for sustainable waste management encourages the adoption of biosolids. The municipalities actively promote land application and energy recovery programs. Advanced technologies and funding support biosolids processing. North America also leads in research and innovation. The agricultural sector of the region benefits from the use of biosolids. Partnership between public utilities and private contractors is helpful in this region. Overall, North America's mature systems and environmental policies make it a major region in the biosolids market.

Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing region in the biosolids market. Rapid urbanization and population growth increase wastewater production. Countries like China, India, and Indonesia are investing in the treatment infrastructure. The government's initiative supports the reuse of biosolids in agriculture and energy. Asia-Pacific faces challenges with landfill space and pollution, making biosolids a viable solution for this region. Technological adoption is increasing, especially in drying and digestive systems. The focus of the region on food security and renewable energy increases the demand for biosolids. International cooperation and funding accelerate the growth of the market. Asia-Pacific is emerging as a prominent player in sustainable biosolids management.

COVID-19 Impact Analysis:

The outbreak of COVID-19 disrupted biosolids operations due to a lack of labour and a delay in the supply chain. Wastewater treatment facilities faced challenges in maintaining biosolids output. Transportation and land applications were affected by lockdown and safety protocols. However, the crisis highlighted the importance of flexible hygiene systems. Governments preferred the upgradation of infrastructure, including biosolids management in recovery schemes. The demand for safe and durable waste treatment increased post-pandemic. The market has adapted with automation and remote monitoring technologies. Overall, COVID-19 accelerated innovation and reinforced biosolids' role in public health and environmental flexibility.

Latest Trends and Developments:

The biosolids market is witnessing rapid adoption of thermal drying and pelletizing technologies. These methods improve transport efficiency and reduce odour. Companies are investing in anaerobic digestion to produce biogas from biosolids. Smart sensors and IoT tools are being used to monitor the real-time quality of biosolids. Public-private participation in urban wastewater projects is expanding. Research on biosolids is gaining traction in production. Sustainability certificates and traceability systems are being introduced. Digital platforms now support biosolids logistics and compliance tracking. These trends indicate a change towards innovation, efficiency, and environmental accountability.

Key Players in the Market:

• Veolia Environnement S.A.
• ThermoEnergy Corporation
• Clean Water Services Alfa Laval AB
• HUBER SE
• Synagro Technologies, Inc.
• Xylem Inc.
• Andritz AG
• R.W. Tomlinson Ltd.
• Cambi ASA
• BCR Environmental