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Illinois Biosolids

State Data

Confidence in data for this state:

MODERATE

2018 data unless noted.

Definitions

Terms used on this website and in data sets are defined & discussed here.

State Use & Disposal Data (PDF)

Biosolids curing in storage at the Fox Metro WRD. Photos courtesy of Fox Metro WRD.

Biosolids land application. *Photo courtesy of Fox Metro Water Reclamation District.*

State Statistics Dashboard

PDF of Expanded Dashboard (with explanations & sources)

State Summary

● An estimated 75% of Illinois wastewater solids are applied to soils, and about 20% are placed in landfills or surface disposal sites.

● Agricultural land is abundant and close to a large number of water resource recovery facilities (WRRFs), allowing for many programs to cost-effectively inject liquid Class B biosolids in farm soils. Still, most biosolids are land applied as dewatered cake.

● Chicago dominates solids production and management in the state, including demonstrating and leading diverse biosolids management options: Class B land application for agriculture and long-term drying, composting, and pelletization to produce various Class A products for urban and suburban uses.

State Narrative Summary Report (PDF)

Green spaces in Chicago fertilized with MWRDGC Class A EQ biosolids. *Photo courtesy of MWRDGC.*

Biosolids compost windrow turning. *Photo courtesy of MWRDGC.*

Biosolids land application by Fox Metro WRD. Photos courtesy of Fox Metro WRD.