ANZBP 2024-2027 Strategic Plan

Dear ANZBP Members and Stakeholders,

The Australian and New Zealand Biosolids Partnership (ANZBP) is pleased to share the ANZBP 2024-27 Strategic Plan, which has been developed to guide the Australian & New Zealand Biosolids Partnership’s initiatives over the next three years.

This new plan outlines our commitment to sustainable biosolids management, focusing on fostering collaboration across the biosolids value chain, advocating for innovative technologies, and supporting policies that contribute to the circular economy. 

Introducing the New ANZBP Advisory Committee

Dear ANZBP Members and Stakeholders,

We are proud to announce the refreshed ANZBP Advisory Committee.

First, we would like to express our deepest gratitude to three committee members who completed their terms in 2024: Lauren Randall, Ellen Tao, and Alex Keegan. Their valuable contributions, commitment, and leadership have been instrumental in advancing ANZBP’s mission and goals. Thank you for your dedication to making a lasting impact.

We are delighted to welcome three new members to the committee, effective January 2025.

• Hilary Hall
• Kris Coventry
• Nicholas Bates

The new advisory committee is comprised of 10 members, blending experience and fresh perspectives: ANZBP Advisory Committee

We look forward to the collective expertise and dedication of this committee as we continue to advance ANZBP’s vision and initiatives.

ANZBP Factsheet on Biosolids & Microplastics

In light of international interest in the possibility of microplastics contamination of agricultural land and waterways via the application of biosolids, the ANZBP have been working on a preliminary assessment of the risk of this emerging contaminant in the Australian and New Zealand context.

We have made available a preliminary report and a factsheet on this topic. 

The ANZBP supports the reduction of plastic use in consumer products, particularly those that may end up in the sewer system such as clothing fabrics, and substitution of plastics in consumer products with sustainable alternatives.

Download Factsheet

Download Preliminary Report

New ANZBP Membership Pricing Structure

Started in July 2024, ANZBP is introducing a new Partner Contribution Fee model. This initiative is designed to make membership more accessible for smaller utilities, consultants, students and end users. A discount will be available when partners sign and pay upfront 3 years.

Complimentary Memberships for End Users and Students

The Australian & New Zealand Biosolids Partnership (ANZBP) is thrilled to announce a new membership offering that gives Students and End Users (i.e. farmers) the opportunity to join ANZBP for FREE by application. This change in our membership structure is aimed at expanding our network and engaging key stakeholders from across the biosolids value chain.

As Students, to Apply: ANZBP Student Membership Application Form

As End Users, to Apply: ANZBP End User Membership Application Form

*Membership by application – send request to admin@biosolids.com.au

For further information on the benefits and products available by joining the ANZBP please download the flyer.

Australia and New Zealand Biosolids Production and End-use survey 2023

In 2010, the Australian & New Zealand Biosolids Partnership (ANZBP) commissioned a national survey to identify the main features of biosolids management across Australia and New Zealand. In 2010, 2013, 2015,  2017, 2019, 2021, and 2023 we took a snapshot of the sector, examining the following key parameters:
• Biosolids production;
• Biosolids end use;
• Biosolids stabilisation grade;
• Biosolids contamination grade; (added in 2013)
• Biosolids primary stabilisation process;
• Biosolids dewatering process.

In 2021 and 2023,  additional data has been collected to both update the survey in line with current and predicted trends and to obtain data that is anticipated to be useful to ANZBP members and government departments. These data are:

• Biosolids secondary stabilisation processes;
• End-use management and branding;
• Stockpile volumes;
• Transportation of biosolids to end-use site;
• Emerging contaminant management;
• Renewable energy production.

The final reports of the survey are now available for ANZBP members on the Member site of the ANZBP website. If you are an employee of ANZBP partners and need access to ANZBP resources and data, feel free to reach out to ANZBP Program manager.

We’re excited to share the ANZBP 2022-23 Year in Review Report

The report provides insight into all that we achieved, including our: 

• Biosolids Production and End-Use Survey
• Quantitative Risk Assessment Biosolids Case Study
• Lunch & Learn sessions
• Coffee & Cake sessions
• Webinar series
• Ozwater presentation and Members Meeting
• Advocacy and Communication 

Thank you for your support and assistance in making last year a successful one. We look forward to working with you to continue building on our strengths in the year ahead!

Melbourne Water Biosolids Case Study – Quantitative Risk Assessment

Following the presentation on Quantitative Risk Assessment from Daryl Stevens (PhD) (Atura), Philip Wilkie (Melbourne Water), Nick O’Connor (Ecos Environmental Consulting) in ANZBP September Biosolids Lunch&Learn Webinar.

The Australian & New Zealand Biosolids Partnership has released a Case Study report: Biosolids Case Study – Quantitative Risk Assessment.

The QRA was developed by Melbourne Water with international peer-review from the Imperial College London. The QRA analyses potential pathways of chemicals/contaminants found within wastewater from the wastewater treatment process through to the end-use of biosolids. 

The QRA provides valuable data to Melbourne Water for biosolids land application.

Community Attitudes to Biosolids Survey – Public Report Released

The Australian & New Zealand Biosolids partnership, an industry program of the Australian Water Association, has released a public report based on a survey conducted by Newgate Research of over 1200 people in Australia and New Zealand.  

Survey topics in the publicly available report include awareness and understanding of biosolids as a by-product of wastewater treatment, and the most acceptable uses for these by-products according to community sentiment. The survey also tested the effect of information about biosolids on community attitudes. The full report available to ANZBP program subscribers contains detailed results of this part of the survey. 

Subscribers to the ANZBP program support industry-wide initiatives like the Community Attitudes to Biosolids Survey. For more information or to subscribe contact the ANZBP program manager. 

COVID-19 and Biosolids

The ANZBP Chair and Committee have synthesised available research material to develop a factsheet on COVID-19 and biosolids. 

Indications are that while the virus may be detectable in faeces in small quantities, if the virus was to arrive at a treatment plant in a viable state (which has not been demonstrated) it would be readily destroyed by the treatment methodologies already in place to manage other pathogens.