Biosolids management--sustainable development status and future direction.

The role of biosolids management continues to gain priority in terms of holistic waste management/reuse. Recommended options should lead to simple and safe management alternatives that stress reclamation of resources. This paper addresses current sustainability strategies, priorities and future direction of waste management as it relates to residuals and in particular to sludges/biosolids. Sludge management and resource recovery approaches must be diversified and flexible. They should be based on actual needs of the affected society and community. It is also important that the chosen strategy be appropriate to the conditions of the site under consideration. Processes which promote sustainability will become viable options for resource management if conversion into a "value-added product" can be realized.