No More Sludge

Sludge, also known as biosolids, are a mixture of treated human and industrial waste that can be used to fertilize land where animal feed is grown. It does not smell like roses.

These days sludge is also creating a political stink — in the Central Valley. One third of California’s sludge is sent to fertilize land in Kern County even though the county only generates 2% of that total. It is an imbalance that has local politicians and citizens’ groups battling the source of much of that offal: Southern California’s sanitation districts.

At issue is whether the sludge is a health risk or just unpopular. And, ultimately, what is the best solution for disposing of all our waste.

An earlier version of this story first aired September 9, 2005.