A study by the Ecology Center and Sierra Club found that many “eco-friendly” fertilizers contain toxic PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” derived from sewage sludge, known as “biosolids”. These chemicals persist in the environment and can be absorbed by crops, creating a direct exposure path for consumers.

To avoid PFAS, gardeners should steer clear of fertilizers labeled with “biosolids,” “residual-based,” or “municipal waste,” and instead opt for products certified by the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) or use homemade, plant-based compost The organizations urge stricter regulations on industrial wastewater and a phase-out of all non-essential PFAS uses to protect the food supply. You can read the full report at the Ecology Center and Sierra Club websites.

Since the federal government has decided our environment isn’t important, individual states are introducing their own legislation to ban these products. In New York, we are asking for a 5 year moratorium on land-spreading sewage sludge to protect Farmland from PFAS Contamination. The Assembly Bill is A.10138 and the Senate Bill is S.9115.

Please reach out to your representative. You can contact them through this website.

Sludge in the Garden: Toxic PFAS in Home Fertilizers Made From Sewage Sludge

• Download the report (pdf file)
• Read the full report
• Ways to share
• Map of locations where sewage biosolids are processed and/or sold.