What are stabilized solids that can be reused or sent to landfills called?

The term for stabilized solids that can be reused or sent to landfills is biosolids. Biosolids are the nutrient-rich organic materials that have been treated and processed to remove pathogens and toxic substances, making them safe for beneficial use. This treatment allows biosolids to be recycled as fertilizers or soil amendments in agricultural and landscaping applications, contributing to sustainable waste management practices.

The stabilization process enhances their usability, ensuring that they meet specific regulatory standards for land application. This is why biosolids can be reused, unlike other solids that may not have undergone sufficient treatment or stabilization.

In contrast, residuals refer more broadly to the leftover materials from various processes, while sludge is typically a mixture of solids and liquids that may not be treated or stabilized. Scum refers to the floating material that accumulates on the surface of wastewater treatment units, which is generally not considered for reuse.