Closed consultation

Regulatory framework reform for sludge applied to agricultural land

From:
Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs
Published
27 January 2026

Applies to England

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Summary

We’re asking for views on potential options to reform the framework governing sludge use in agriculture.

This consultation was held on another website.

This consultation ran from
to

Consultation description

We want to know what you think about changes to how sewage sludge is regulated when it is spread on agricultural land in England. The aim is to improve environmental protection, safety and spreading practices. 

We are seeking views on:  

  • Reform option 1: revoke the sludge regulations, and regulate sludge spreading within the environmental permitting regulations  

  • Reform option 2: updating the current sludge regulations  

  • Reform option 3: changing standards through non-regulatory approaches

Updates to this page

Published 27 January 2026

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