Human Waste Sludge on Farmland Raises Health Concerns

OKLAHOMA CITY — Oklahoma Lawmakers Consider Alternatives to Human Sludge Fertilizer.

Much of the human sludge processed at Oklahoma wastewater treatment plants ends up spread on agricultural fields as fertilizer. But lawmakers are raising alarms, saying the practice threatens human health and the state’s aquifers.

The Senate Energy Committee is now looking at alternatives, after bills to put a moratorium on sludge use stalled in the House last session.

A Push for New Solutions

At the hearing, Sen. Randy Grellner described a cutting-edge process that could transform waste into energy.

“This process can actually turn sludge into diesel fuel,” Grellner said, highlighting the potential for Oklahoma to convert waste into a resource.

Another promising approach involves introducing specialized bacteria that consume the sludge entirely, leaving nothing behind. Lawmakers say both technologies could reduce health risks and protect groundwater supplies.

Why It Matters

Critics of sludge fertilizer argue that harmful chemicals and heavy metals can leach into soil and water, creating long-term environmental risks. Supporters say the practice has provided farmers with a low-cost fertilizer alternative for decades.

The Senate Energy Committee will continue studying options ahead of the 2026 session, as Oklahoma balances the need for waste management with public health and environmental safety.