The city officials in Nagoya are preparing to launch a marketing campaign for fertilizer made from sewage sludge, recognizing it as a valuable resource containing essential nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus crucial for plant growth. Annually, around 20,000 tons of sewage sludge are generated in Nagoya, which can be repurposed as fertilizer to meet agricultural needs while also addressing the escalating prices of phosphorus, mostly imported due to its scarcity in Japan.
Moreover, the sewage sludge, primarily consisting of decomposed microorganisms from human waste, can serve as a sustainable alternative to traditional fertilizers. By upcycling the sludge into fertilizer, the city aims to reduce waste and create a circular economy model where resources are efficiently utilized. Additionally, the city authorities have recognized the potential of sewage sludge not only as fertilizer but also as a raw material for producing cement and solid fuel, further demonstrating their commitment to sustainable resource management.