Biosolids - A History on The Most Taboo Fertilizer

What are biosolids and how can this fertilizer that has been used for centuries, feed crops and help to ensure food security.
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[@pparker5113]

Luke, so glad you made this video, this kind of information is super important. As an environmental regulator who manages this stuff every day, I would like to offer some clarifications. 1) You are actually talking about WASTEwater treatment plants, not water treatment. Your public potable water systems also have treatment plants and it is very important not to confuse them. 2) All of the biosolids are NOT filtered out of the water, as one of your graphics indicated, because unlike what you flush, it all becomes mixed up together, the chunky bits become mixed with all the rest. The screenings are dealt with separately as they cannot be utilized (generally). Biosolids come from initial settling, which you mentioned but then most wastewater treatment system used a process called "activated sludge", the by-product of that system is actually more biosolids. The objective of a wastewater treatment facility is to reduce the pollutants in the water and minimize the amount of biosolids because they are expensive and difficult to manage. 3)You so rightly point out that biosolids have a LOT of nutrients, valuable nutrients that can wreak havoc when not properly managed, but they also contain everything else people wash down the drain, pharmaceuticals, oils, metals, and persistent chemicals. Areas with higher industrial activity will generally have more contaminants. Those contaminants ARE NOT TREATED in the wastewater treatment facility and remain in the biosolids and the wastewater that is discharged. Composting will not get rid of those contaminants. Composting or aging only addresses pathogens, not metals or persistent chemicals. 4) when you talk about "greening the water" at minute 7 that is actually an algae bloom, and does not make the water more clear, actually makes it impervious to light, which starves the coral. Too much light will not kill the coral, I would be interested where you got this information. Yes algae can be a valuable resource but we need to prevent the discharge of nutrients before it gets to the waterbodies. Harvesting can be time intensive and ecologically harmful. Golf courses are a great place to use recycled wastewater and potentially biosolids as well as long as any public or private water supplies are not impacted. Maine is on the leading edge of the "forever chemicals" issue from agronomic use of biosolids and I think the rest of country will be seeing the issues of those persistent chemicals in agriculture in the next few years. Here is an interesting study. www.ideals.illinois.edu/items/117600 Anyway, we HAVE to think about all our wastes as a resource, because the days of "unlimited" resources are coming to an end. Love what you do!

[@jeas4980]

🙏💚 Excellent post. Thank you.

[@jessicabirrer1897]

I'd like to know about all the prescription drugs that are in wastewater

[@healthyfitmom]

@@jessicabirrer1897 prescription drugs get flushed into your waterways! The idea is "dilution is the solution for pollution" . Many cities still dump untreated wastewater into the ocean . Halifax in Canada for example. Also Montreal has an "acceptable" allowance of dumping raw sewage into the St. Lawrence. Its disgusting. Medications get excreted in human waste from chemo drugs, to hormone therapies to vaccines. There is no way to filter out these meds unless you use distillation .

[@catmom9755]

Thank you for your comment! I'm not opposed to the human waste aspect, but I've wondered for a few years about the drugs and chemicals that could also be mixed in there.

[@dennisboyd1712]

@@jessicabirrer1897 & all the heavy metals, Plus the ability of Prions able to survive high heat

[@RayFromTheHayclan]

Over here in Maine in the 1980s and 90s they spread biosolids on a lot of farmland and now all these fields are contaminated with forever chemicals, so I'm not so sure about biosolids today with all the Pharmaceuticals and chemicals that we have in our environment.

[@j.b.6855]

I am near Chicago and found about free biosolid compost from water treatment. So I did some online research. The free compost has been found to have a lot of heavy metals and forever chemicals. So I will not use it even if its free.

[@earthzeroapothecary]

Too many chemicals from the water treatment, prescription drugs, microplastics... NO, thanks!!

[@Morganistas]

Long-term risks far outweigh the short-term benefits... Nope.

[@richlaue]

Go look at an old apple orchard. Farmers put so many chemicals in the trees that the grounds are so saturated that the government won't allow houses to be built. We heavily applied biosokids one spring, deeply rolled it in. By next spring, the builder got permission to build houses. I don't think those early biosolods where processed correctly.

[@richlaue]

​@@j.b.6855 if it is full of that many heavy metals, it will not pass federal regulations But go ahead and use your store bought fertilizers, which are only requires to pass N - P - K The feds don't have any standards and don't require any tests for heavy metals I use to apply biosolids (no special license required) and had my license to apply chemicals to farm lands. (chemicals to control pests and deseases)

[@L.A.6482]

I saw a video on Millorganite that was used on farmland in Vermont. They could not pass their organic garden certification ever again and won a lawsuit. Being an organic producer it ruined their business.

[@Felix3301]

Sewage has tons of microplastics ,medicine residue, other chemicals. How can you put this on the land without contaminating the soil?

[@thechannel9542]

There are a bunch of stories of farmers using this and getting their land and water contaminated with pfas forever chemicals where they have to move. Poisoned milk is the biggest story I have seen on this. Not worth it.

[@judywein3282]

Yep

[@rebeccawatson9284]

They filter most of it out, I presume. Better than in our rivers and oceans...

[@thedivide3688]

A lot of countries use poo for fertilizer. You might even be eating some veggies and fruits from international countries that use poo.

[@Oldfart9]

There are heavy metals that are not removed

[@heavenhelpus6624]

As a few comments said, it's Millard Fillmore, not Millard Freemore. Millard Freemore makes garments. I'm open to any safe organic fertilizer.

[@Naddrose]

I grew up in Northern South America in the 70's and everyone had an out house. When and old pit was closed people planted on the mound and the garden was flurshing. No one ever got sick or health issue . If I had a compostable toilet I certainly would use it in my garden.

[@living4mylord]

Exactly!

[@dennisboyd1712]

Would you comment on the heavy metals & that digesters have No effect on Prions A prion /ˈpriːɒn/ ⓘ is a misfolded protein that can induce misfolding of normal variants of the same protein and trigger cellular death. Prions cause prion diseases known as transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) that are transmissible, fatal neurodegenerative diseases in humans and animals

[@bettypearson5570]

Good in theory, but if it comes from community sewage systems not for me. While it takes longer than regular compost if someone has a composting toilet or biogas system at their home where they have control about what goes into the system it would be great. Doug and Stacey have a couple videos on their off grid setup.

[@cbass2755]

I agree. People take way t many medications. I saw that video on D&S. Good one

[@doinacampean9132]

So, would you buy cow manure without knowing what food or medications were given to those cows?

[@bettypearson5570]

@@doinacampean9132 no, I learned the hard way by buying a load of half compost/half horse manure. It turned out that it is what is referred to as killer compost where horses are pastured on plots that have various herbicides applied. Destroyed my entire garden for years. I currently make a tea from rabbit and goat pellets from a friend's farm and my human urine for nitrogen boosts.

[@living4mylord]

@@bettypearson5570 thank you for mentioning your horse manure experience. I hadn't considered that being a problem, not at all. Was going to drive and load up. Now I am going to ask more questions first. I am exhausted with failing at gardening and other independent projects for my family. I need inexpensive amendments but if they are only going to add to the death of my plants, I would rather spend my energy elsewhere. Thank you very much! >

[@bettypearson5570]

@@living4mylord your welcome

[@mollysmith6055]

Years ago I bought a big bag of Milorganite then got squeemish and stashed it in my garden shed. Guess it is time to put it to use. Maybe for my roses and the lawn but still not on my veggies. Thanks for another great video, Luke & Team.

[@janaearll2287]

Being a retired nurse, I think about medication and or chemotherapy agents, etc that could be in biosolids. Any good studies or research on that

[@dennisboyd1712]

Would you also comment on the heavy metals & that digesters have No effect on & Prions A prion /ˈpriːɒn/ ⓘ is a misfolded protein that can induce misfolding of normal variants of the same protein and trigger cellular death. Prions cause prion diseases known as transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) that are transmissible, fatal neurodegenerative diseases in humans and animals

[@afishnsea]

Good overview Luke! I work in the wastewater industry and I'm glad biosolids are picking up steam ;) Personally I recommend using them on non-edibles like flower beds and pelletized turf applications. I recommend some caution on applying them to edibles due to the trace pollutants we do not treat for, primarily microplastics and organic contaminants. A lot of these components break down partially in the treatment process but the level of trace pollutant removal depends on the type of solids process used. Even the most advanced treatment plants currently produce class-A biosolids via digesters and thermal dryers, which totally fry pathogens and offer great breakdown of material, but it doesn't break down all constituents. There is an exciting new technology by Bioforcetech that breaks down a lot more trace contaminants by oxidizing them. It actually produces biochar which has even more benefits for the garden, including soil aeration. As I understand it, the pyrolysis process locks up carbon that would otherwise be expelled to the atmosphere as either CO2 (if they flare the methane or use it to generate power) or CH4. The carbon stored in this biosolid fertilizer is slowly used by the plants you grow. Exciting stuff!

[@donnabrooks1173]

Great and interesting comment. Thanks for the info.

[@dennisboyd1712]

& Would you comment on the heavy metals & that digesters have No effect on Prions A prion /ˈpriːɒn/ ⓘ is a misfolded protein that can induce misfolding of normal variants of the same protein and trigger cellular death. Prions cause prion diseases known as transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) that are transmissible, fatal neurodegenerative diseases in humans and animals

[@afishnsea]

@@dennisboyd1712 That is a good question and I don't know enough about prions. Heavy metals are tested for in the dried product though and regulated.

[@lilal3753]

Luke, I am so happy you changed your sign off to "grow bigger". I never liked your other one. This one is so much more positive. LOVE IT!

[@susan-almosta_farm8823]

I'm in NE Texas and have been fertilizing my very large vegetable garden with biosolids we get from the water plant in a city near us for years. It's the only way I can afford to amend my soil each year. My husband worked at this water plant many, many years ago and told me all the steps of treatment it goes through. It's amazing fertilizer. I can get the whole back of the truck bed filled for $10 or you can buy it bagged for $2 a 40lb bag. :)

[@dennisboyd1712]

You may want to look at comment on the heavy metals & that digesters have No effect on Prions A prion /ˈpriːɒn/ ⓘ is a misfolded protein that can induce misfolding of normal variants of the same protein and trigger cellular death. Prions cause prion diseases known as transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) that are transmissible, fatal neurodegenerative diseases in humans and animals

[@stephaniechan4714]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/eZO7ZaaqmNGWicksi=tNMh1ikpeQBBozw1

[@Morganistas]

First learned about the toxicity (persistent chemicals and pharmaceuticals) of biosolids from Mike Adams. I trust the EPA as much as I trust the FDA and CDC. I'd advise staying away from it if possible. David the Good has great ideas for making free fertilizer you can trust.

[@doinacampean9132]

How about persistent chemicals and pharmaceuticals that were fed to the cows or chicken you buy the manure from?

[@Morganistas]

@@doinacampean9132 Yes, it's everywhere. We have our own chickens and create our own fertilizer and compost on-site.

[@jeas4980]

I'm with you. We don't purchase corporate manures... we know where our food and soil and grains and straw and hay come from. Nothing hits our soil without an understanding of the source.

[@alanb.4759]

This is an awesome video! My wife is a biosolids coordinator for the state of MN! She'll love your video. So many people don't have a good awareness of how beneficial these programs are for the reuse of our "poo." Thanks for making the video Luke!

[@richlaue]

I agree.

[@rogerpenrod2454]

Just think about the residual pharmaceuticals you are putting back into the food chain. Might as well eat commercially raised meat, it is full of antibiotic and hormones. Rockefeller medicine at its best.

[@dennisboyd1712]

Would she comment on the heavy metals & that digesters have No effect on Prions A prion /ˈpriːɒn/ ⓘ is a misfolded protein that can induce misfolding of normal variants of the same protein and trigger cellular death. Prions cause prion diseases known as transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) that are transmissible, fatal neurodegenerative diseases in humans and animals.

[@Mark723]

I am so mortally offended by the video and its subject matter that I had to rewatch the video and will return on a regular basis to make certain these shenanigans are not continuing with any...wait for it..."regularity." Luke, you are truly amazing, brilliantly informative (which only comes from life's gardening experiences), and hilariously funny - one of the best KZbin channels on the planet.

[@CinemaSasquatch]

Great episode. When I was stationed in Italy while in the US Air Force, I had a chance to see bio solids in use. Property owners did not use septic systems. They had the holding tank portion which they would pump out when needed and mix it with hay. After it sat and steamed for a while, it was loaded into a tank type tractor pulled trailer with a slinging arm on the back. The solids were actually slung onto the farm land. This is why the GIs were instructed to wash any locally purchased produce in a bleach water solution.

[@SativaVerte]

Lol I guess u read my comment, just remember that peoples medicines don’t degrade so it’s not organic to use bio solids you can’t remove prescriptions

[@warrenschwartz5653]

My biggest concern is the presence of pharmaceuticals and other toxins that I'm guessing are hard or impossible to filter out.

[@dennisboyd1712]

Would you comment on the heavy metals & that digesters have No effect on & what about Prions A prion /ˈpriːɒn/ ⓘ is a misfolded protein that can induce misfolding of normal variants of the same protein and trigger cellular death. Prions cause prion diseases known as transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) that are transmissible, fatal neurodegenerative diseases in humans and animals.

[@jessicabirrer1897]

What about all the prescription drugs that are in the water system?

[@carolleimbach6407]

Thank you for talking about biosolids. I think they're fine for flowers and ornamentals. I work at a wastewater treatment facility.

[@dennisboyd1712]

Would you comment on the heavy metals & that digesters have No effect on & what about Prions A prion /ˈpriːɒn/ ⓘ is a misfolded protein that can induce misfolding of normal variants of the same protein and trigger cellular death. Prions cause prion diseases known as transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) that are transmissible, fatal neurodegenerative diseases in humans and animals

[@carolleimbach6407]

There is no test for prions in biosolids so I don't know. I would not put any biosolids on edible plants, just on ornamentals. Metals testing is being done on the biosolids. It's a requirement.

[@alizaterrell7607]

I think this is awesome! I do question the fact that we use tons of medication and it is very unclear how that biodegrades... With a rise in resistances, it does pose a valid question!? If you know the source it seems very sustainable..

[@doinacampean9132]

Resistance? Are you talking about antibiotics? 90% of the antibiotics in US are used for livestock, and we don't flush those. As for other medication, you'd think most of it remains in the human body? But if you use cow manure, for example, I'd be very concerned with what those cows ate.

[@dennisboyd1712]

@@doinacampean9132 do you know what happens in slaughterhouses, Hospitals, Nursing Home, Factories & what goes down the drain.

[@aphillips5376]

If it ends up being safe; I think it's a great idea to use it on Lawns, perennial plants etc. Not so sure about your garden but it's an interesting recycling topic.

[@dennisboyd1712]

Here in California the Los Angeles Hyperion Sewage Treatment Plant removes all solid waste adds green waste to composite it, then trucks it about 125 to a "Farm" they bought & spread this sick mess on the fields to grow crops & feed Milking cows. Do they even think about "PRIONS" & we wonder why we are sick. A prion /ˈpriːɒn/ ⓘ is a misfolded protein that can induce misfolding of normal variants of the same protein and trigger cellular death. Prions cause prion diseases known as transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) that are transmissible, fatal neurodegenerative diseases in humans and animals

[@carlagustka325]

I unknowingly bought lots of soil from this it was in very small letters, filled my new garden beds, then realized, had a good cry and removed all of it, put it around my trees and bought organic soil. The heavy metals, and residual meds nit things I want to eat food out of.

[@WhatWeDoChannel]

I worry about heavy metals, also it’s not just sewage that gets flushed, lots of chemicals and other things find their way into the sewer. Maybe one day they will be able to extract the pure nutrients from sewage sludge and just use those.

[@AM-tc9ct]

When I hear about recalls and pathogenic outbreaks in agriculture, it makes me think if this might be the cause. Seems like it might be best avoided on or near edibles.

[@robertajohnson1663]

Treatment plants remove all pathogens from the bio solids. The USDA will tell you this is not related. Research is important so people can make a choice as to whether or not they choose to use this organic product. We all will return to the soil, because we are organic.

[@mirozen_]

Do more research. The processing of modern biosolids is extremely effective. Your concerns are unfounded, but the only way to really remove them is becoming knowledgeable on the subject yourself. Once you have the full details you can then give it a thumbs up with confidence! 👍 😊

[@Blossomandbranch]

You’re right to be concerned. Look up PFAS in biosolids. PFAS will remain forever and can’t be processed out.

[@doinacampean9132]

Funny thing how we're using the poo of so many animals (and used it for thousands of years), but we draw the line at this one specific animal... Even funnier how we're concerned about how many medications people consume, but not about the medications those animals consume.

[@ThomasBomb45]

personally I am worried about the things that come from industry and non-poo contamination

[@bgslade1]

In Ontario, If you apply Biosolids on your land, when you sell you have to disclose that fact. If in the future heavy metals show up un the neighbors well, guess who they come after? Yup, the guy that applied the biosolids. You are on the hook for life. Also, guess how they hide the heavy metals? Calcium Lime, or gypsum. if you have applied biosolids, you can hide the heavy metals by continuing to apply calcium lime. but if you don't, the heavy metals show up. Not only all of that You can not apply biosolids into direct food stream, if you are going to eat it you can't apply it. trust me, I just retired from the Lime industry, I know what I'm talking about. We went on a biosolid tour as they wanted us to push sales for them, we asked for an analysis, the kid at the computer said yes. We asked for a copy, as soon as he hit print, his computer shut down and security showed up and escorted us out of the plant, no questions asked!! You do not want to use this stuff

[@doodlesthegoose7085]

I hope a lot of people read this comment, friend. Good info!!!

[@igleamingrace]

I wasn’t planning to, but appreciate the info.

[@gooseface2690]

Dying to know what Marion thinks about 'JADAM'! I use it and it's been remarkable so far.

[@carolyncarlon9870]

This is also called sludge…for a reason! I was conned into benefits decades ago! Just like Round-Up….our favorite Monsanto/Bayer producer of glyphosate. Oh my!! We need to do better research! BTW I’m into composting toilets and using biodegradable cat litters. The solids can be used in flower garden as long as cats aren’t using antibiotics and other questionable prescriptions. I only use horse manure from non-treated horses! I’ve heard some kind of mushroom cultivation works on metal contamination. Time for some research!

[@dennisboyd1712]

Here in California the Los Angeles Hyperion Sewage Treatment Plant removes all solid waste adds green waste to composite it, then trucks it about 125 to a "Farm" they bought & spread this sick mess on the fields to grow crops & feed Milking cows. Do they even think about "PRIONS" & we wonder why we are sick. A prion /ˈpriːɒn/ ⓘ is a misfolded protein that can induce misfolding of normal variants of the same protein and trigger cellular death. Prions cause prion diseases known as transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) that are transmissible, fatal neurodegenerative diseases in humans and animals

[@j0424838]

Great video, Luke! I've used Milorganite in my yard and it works great. My wife wasn't so good with it when I explained the source, but it does green things up nicely.

[@BouncingFaces]

Yes, please make a video on the use of biosolids from composting toilets. How to do it properly. It would be good to get your take on it. Thanks.

[@gwhln]

Off-Grid with Doug and Stacy compost their poo. He has a video explaining the process as well. If your not on any farm i suiticles, this is some smart recycling.

[@colleenbowman1399]

Good morning from North Idaho. Interesting video. I know some homesteaders that do not waste their waste., but use on their fruit trees and other plants.

[@OldestOf13]

This is absolutely fascinating, Luke! I learned a lot!

[@dennisboyd1712]

Here in California the Los Angeles Hyperion Sewage Treatment Plant removes all solid waste adds green waste to composite it, then trucks it about 125 to a "Farm" they bought & spread this sick mess on the fields to grow crops & feed Milking cows. Do they even think about "PRIONS" & we wonder why we are sick. A prion /ˈpriːɒn/ ⓘ is a misfolded protein that can induce misfolding of normal variants of the same protein and trigger cellular death. Prions cause prion diseases known as transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) that are transmissible, fatal neurodegenerative diseases in humans and animals

[@Marchhare80]

Good to see you again!!! Thanks for all your awesome videos!!!

[@LelaWenzel]

What about pharmaceuticals? I would guess with the amount of over medicating we are doing these days that much of that can't be broken down. Do they test for those chemicals?

[@hoosierpioneer]

It was President Filmore. There's a road named after him here. Is milorganite the same thing? Used to sell it at a garden shop here.

[@michaelciletti3810]

An important fact you should all memorize immediately is that the Brady kids went to Millard Fillmore High School.

[@robertajohnson1663]

So important to get correct information from credible agencies and scientific studies. We have been using bio solids in Tacoma Wa for years. Won awards. No contamination, beautiful gardens, and good waste management. Thanks for the information. Hope more cities get on the bandwagon.

[@Blossomandbranch]

Have you done PFAS and heavy metal testing?

[@dennisboyd1712]

Would you comment on the heavy metals & that digesters have No effect on & what about Prions A prion /ˈpriːɒn/ ⓘ is a misfolded protein that can induce misfolding of normal variants of the same protein and trigger cellular death. Prions cause prion diseases known as transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) that are transmissible, fatal neurodegenerative diseases in humans and animals.

[@jackcsaffell5641]

One of your best and informative videos. Thanks for all the information. As an organic gardener I get the stink eye when I share (from Charles Dowding) that URINE is an amazing by-product to add to our compost piles. I live in a remote area so adding urine to the pile is not a major production for me but I'm sure those of the female persuasion could probably need to figure out another way. I kinda gotta leave the way to work out using home made compost to the plant itself. If it grows beautifully it is probably utilizing all the nutrients it needs and leaving out the things that it doesn't need, to be happy and grow food for us.

[@dudleydeplorable5307]

My grandparents used Milorganite on their homestead. My grandfather was an early organic grower. We also composted cow manure and biomass.

[@dennisboyd1712]

cow manure is very different than a Cities millions of peoples filth used to grow crops.

[@SpotofTeaGirl]

Hi Luke, fun fact: my husband and I met at the former operator of the producer of Milorganite in Milwaukee--I s**t you not! (Waiting for more puns in 3, 2, 1...) Currently, Veolia is the operator of Milwaukee's wastewater treatment plant.

[@Laurelwoodfun]

The reason why I don't like Biosolids is because people don't just eat organically and naturally. We eat a lot of chemicals and fast foods where there are a ton of unhealthy stuff they I just don't feel comfortable applying. But, the video was quite interesting! Thanks Luke for the vide!

[@jo-annjewett198]

Wow I used Milorganite years ago and did not know. We put in a lawn with Milogranite that to this day is the best lawn ever. It stays green and does not suffer in the heat. I opted not to use in recent years because of cost but I didn’t know it was human waste. Don’t think I would use it on food crops.

[@swithers00]

I'm not on board with it. It just doesn't sit well with me. I bought some years ago without knowing what it was. I ended up using it on some palm trees. I don't want it anywhere near my vegetable garden. I can't help but wonder if this is how commercially grown bagged lettuce gets ecoli.

[@igleamingrace]

Probably. I also know of a vineyard that farms pigs, they use their waste as liquid fertilizer to spray their crops. That could also be a way if lettuce farmers are doing the same.

[@denaboyd8058]

I lived in Washington state and the waste treatment plant in my county makes fertilizer pellets from bio solids and gives it away for free to the community. It is quite common for people here to use it for both vegetable and ornamental gardens. I use compost in my garden and haven’t tried it, but think it’s a great idea.

[@rosahacketts1668]

Not me thank you.

[@doinacampean9132]

I think it's a great idea, too!

[@ericakusske3321]

​@rosa hacketts I grew up in Kennewick, WA then spent 10 years in Moses Lake, WA. All the farmers in the area spray cattle manure slurry through their irrigation systems all over their fields. It is not treated to remove any medications the cattle were given or to sanitize it in any way. The salmonella recalls on produce come from this practice. At least the waste treatment plants try to clean out the medication residue. I now live in Kentucky unfortunately. There's no public programs like this, recycling is something that only liberal hippies do and is not an available public program either. So I compost just about anything I can get my hands on from toilet paper rolls to paper plates to coffee grounds to shrimp shells and chicken bones to chicken poo and bedding from the free range chickens we keep. All that helps, but it's hard to produce enough compost on my own for 6 4'x8' garden beds.

[@tellittotheworld857]

HOORAY! for Millorganite.😊

[@jacquiesuper2200]

I also know someone who uses their pee to fertilize their gardens. Have you heard of that. Of course, you can't be on any meds, etc. but I found that interesting also.

[@igleamingrace]

That’s what I was thinking. No meds and a healthy organic diet should produce “good” waste.

[@Pumpped]

@@igleamingrace Not true actually. Healthier your diet is, the more able your body is to properly detox and thus your urine will have more toxins in it.

[@ajmnuisanceanimalcontrolll3895]

This sounds like plumbing school again to me. 😂 nap time

[@JohnnyVMcPhersonII]

When I deployed to Bosnia in the 90s, we would be driving through Small towns, and there was an odor in the farms, and when I asked what it was, I was told that the Hungarians and the Croatians were using human waste to fertilize their farms. So after watching your video just now I find it very interesting. Thank you.

[@larsenjbl]

When I built my raised bed veggie garden, I got dirt from the local landfill/water treatment plant. It as a 1/3 x 3 blend of biosolids, composted yard waste, and local sandy loam. They call it dynodirt, and it is the BEST for making beautiful veggies.

[@Blossomandbranch]

It contains PFAS. I wouldn’t eat those veggies.

[@morningwoodfarms713]

"Where does the s#!% go? We wanna know!"😂💩 ...Has anyone seen the movie "Envy", with Jack Black & Ben Stiller? It's absolutely hilarious! The idea of "VA-poo-rize" was awesome!😆 But ultimately, people DO wanna know where the s#!% goes! 🤣

[@joannecordone6831]

Also, still on the fence about Milorganite. Thank you for the additional information. Need to research medications and heavy metals. People flush everything. I might use on useless lawns, will stick with Trifecta+ and compost for my precious vegetables.

[@doinacampean9132]

So, you're not concerned with what's in Trifecta+ or in compost?

[@ginnysummers7018]

"Off Grid with Doug and Stacy" on YT has a whole series on composting toilet "compost".

[@BethFerrier]

We just spread Milorganite on our lawn. As a former resident of Milwaukee, we feel like we're visiting old friends.

[@sevendeadlychins]

🤣🤣🤣

[@oreopaksun2512]

A very enlightening treatment of a crappy topic. The longer I garden, the more I feel it is important to close the loop. Our water is recycled, if we think about it. The issue is how to make the nutrient recycling safe so pathogens and bad chemicals (most of which humans add) get out of the cycle to make the "fertilizer" safe for the application.

[@michaelholowati7437]

I believe “self sufficient me” has the setup to use there properties grey water for irrigation . Very interesting.

[@igleamingrace]

Epic Gardening/Homestead does as well. But his only uses the grey water from certain facilities like washer, tub, etc. It doesn’t include actual waste.

[@northernforestbee212]

Alas! Luke has always seemed so delightful and wholesome. I never expected him to turn into such a potty-mouth. But seriously, I'd have no problem using biosolids... the way they were a hundred years ago. Unfortunately our species keeps inventing chemicals that persist and accumulate in the environment so I'm a bit skeptical. More research is called for when I get time. I have ornamental and edible plants intermingled so I can't really use such a product only on the decorative stuff (and I'm almost afraid to know what many people send down the loo.)

[@silverrose7554]

Make your own system so you know what’s going into it . Drugs are not filtered out . But it’s definitely a great idea .

[@DonnaMM6361]

Have you watched Off Grid with dollll)k

[@sarahcooley3727]

If you are ever in Milwaukee, the Discovery World Museum has a great exhibit on how the process works.

[@christinelindeman1984]

Great video with so much important info. What we (and the animals we raise) eat hugely impacts the waste we use as fertilizer. I include drugs/antibiotics/supplements as well as the micro-plastics that are found basically in everything on earth. Actually pretty scary to think about what is being put back into soil/farming! Composting from self-grown gardens and yard waste now has a deeper meaning. Love your work, but just FYI, the president you are talking about is Millard FILLMORE (not Freemore.) :-)

[@dalegaa4094]

Very interesting subject. I had no idea what Milorganite contained. I don't think I would use it in my vegetable garden. Perhaps you could do a similar video on biochar as a soil amendment. A company in my county wants to build a plant to produce biochar and has met with opposition.

[@lifephotos]

Is it true that prescription drugs cannot be removed from waste?

[@lorilockwood4323]

They can't remove it from our water supply...

[@lauriedrake]

Luke, we used GroCo in our city yard when it was stripped and professionally landscaped a number of years ago. They deeply tilled it into the construction topsoil, then planted loads of trees and shrubs (no lawn or veggie garden). As time went on, the yard flourished. I decided to stop raking and overpruning things, letting Mother Nature do most of the soil building without interference. When we moved out 10 yrs later, the ground was a beautiful loamy, duffy soil about 2 feet thick that everything thrived in. No need for more fertilizer or amendments, and by that time I would have had no qualms about planting a veggie garden if there had been enough sun to support one. As a soil building base biosolids were incredible and I would not hesitate to use it again.

[@Blossomandbranch]

Despite the PFAS and heavy metals?

[@lauriedrake]

@@Blossomandbranch the original ground was really junky powdery topsoil, who knows where it had come from. The whole yard was also a septic tank sink 8 ft down. I figured that since the trees and shrubs had flourished, and they had laid a couple of feet of good composted material to plant in, and the 3 ft of rain we got every year had flushed through it all....well, I'd be safer than with what I could get in the grocery store! No, I wouldn't plant a garden in it immediately, but would let mother nature help flush things out.

[@jamesavalos8809]

Our company is working with San Francisco puc and webcor at a biodigester plant Kind of cool to learn, that we can turn on waste into by-products

[@suejarrard2221]

Always fun to go on a field trip with you even if it was poopy 🤣. Great information and thoughts about other alternatives. Blessings

[@michaeldufresne9428]

The president's last name is Filmore, not Freemore

[@ceecee-thetransplantedgardener]

Anyone see "The Martian" - a 2015 film with Matt Damon? Fiction, of course, but guess how he grew enough potatoes to survive until rescue? I think the idea and practice deserves continued research. But what an interesting vid and great discussion point. Thank you.

[@michaelholowati7437]

Thank you for the video. Another great video and great information.

[@whitneybrown4670]

I used it last year for my flower field, bc nobody is going to eat them, but I still need the soil to get a boost.

[@ThePracticalHomestead]

What an interesting discussion. Timely also because I just had a conversation with someone about composting toilets and gardening. I learned that "humanure" is only safe for ornamental plants, not food crops. But that was many years ago and I'm curious if that has changed, or if there is a better way to compost to make it safe.

[@Life-ch8rj]

If you ever start using bio solids please let us know before we order your seeds.

[@igleamingrace]

Right! It sounds like he may be interested in.

[@katieanneozarkhollowhomestead]

I agree. Makes me worry about his seeds. Plants take up chemicals and metals they are grown with.

[@healthyfitmom]

I was thinking the same!

[@jeffgegos7333]

My dog poops everywhere in my yard she makes great fertilizer for the grass and dandelions.

[@joshspohn4613]

Why didn’t the toilet paper cross the road? Because there’s a crack in the road.

[@louellenhackel9310]

😂

[@barbamft4846]

Just cracking me up Luke. 😂😂😂

[@diannemiller4754]

My son used to work at the treatment plants on the dark side.😮It's definitely a crappy job.

[@galeharris6696]

One fun fact is that in VT, my little community of hippies and kids was aware of this topic in the 80's, but not much info on the subject then. One thing we knew was that other cultures were using urine as quick nitrogen sources for gardens, and that human urine had the ability to deter the local deer from coming near, so we told our little boys to pee around the garden when they needed to go. We were out in the middle of nowhere, so that was fine, and helped our gardens stay intact. One correction though: Millard FILLMORE is our 13th president, Luke--his parents actually relocated from VT to NY, or I probably wouldn't have known. I didn't know his role to play in bio-solids, though! Interesting...

[@carolstuff]

Thanks for this very informative & interesting video.

[@KitchenFamilyFarm]

We bought a property with a detached in-laws suite. There was a lot of plumbing issues with it & the illegal septic system that was installed for it we decided the easiest & cheapest fix was to install a composing toilet. We don’t actually use the compost created from it because, eeew, I just can’t wrap my brain around that. We’ve been bagging it with biodegradable bags & sending it out to the dump. I am really interested in more information on how to utilize the compost that comes from it. Can I just add it straight to the compost pile? Is it Sanitary? Proper safe handling?

[@vickychen9391]

I was ok with using human waste in the garden because that's what my family did when I was little. However, now I'm not too sure about this because of all the medications people are taking nowadays, including chemotherapy.

[@terrivance8750]

Luke, Never realized where Milorganite came from--fascinating.

[@tamrawhitney]

Great info, Luke. I wonder if you could extend the topic to “how to “?

[@jeremyascher130]

You should have kept saying crapland instead of cropland. Lol. Seriously though, very interesting and informative video. Thanks.

[@MikeIsCannonFodder]

Maybe I missed this bit in the video, but I'm surprised to help the acceptance factor that they aren't just incorporated into hot compost piles which I believe get hot enough to kill off any viruses and bacteria that may be in them. Do biosolids that get burned as power fuel get burned along with other stuff? If it's just biosolids I'd think the ash would be full of good stuff that could be mixed in.

[@JamesJones-gj1ii]

Biosolids from large scale sources are not safe AT ALL. If you are going to use it you need to make your own. I’d suggest the book “the humamanure handbook”.

[@samanazeez9637]

The Babylonians is the first people who used clay pipes for the waste water. The Europeans stole a lot of knowledge and they addressed it as they the one who invented it.

[@DNGJustSnakes]

Those of us that are into off grid living have used and known about humanure for decades... It is a way of life.

[@maryloomis8075]

My question to the Milorganite people is : How do they remove drugs such as birth control, and other prescription drugs that get into the water/humanure system? ...Chemicals from runoff ?...or is there a different system for rainwater runoff than human waste? As a former Michigander I remember the polluting of the great lakes from industry, PCB's PBB's, DDT etc. which most of us old timers were probably exposed to.

[@chrisfisher3900]

Would be fine for fruit trees but not sure I’ll spread it on my veggies anytime soon

[@rianamanley7256]

What about PFAS? Isnt it a bit scary to recommend for home fruit and veggies gardens?

[@Blossomandbranch]

Yes. studies have shown biosolids are incredibly contaminated with PFAS. It’s why Maine banned their use.

[@ruthl359]

It's a minor point, and I'm only halfway through the video, but it's Millard Fillmore, not Freemore.

[@GraeMatterz]

Luke, Have you any info or know if there have been any studies that determine whether plants uptake the pharmaceuticals that pass thru sewage treatment (no way to filter them out) when they are fertilized with biosolids?

[@warrenschwartz5653]

This is my biggest concern.

[@Blossomandbranch]

They know the plants will uptake the PFAS in the biosolids.

[@Pumpped]

no studies needed. Applying human waste to food soil is just absolute idiocy.

[@matthawkins4579]

I would want to check out the regulations and oversight in my area but if both are solid AND if biosolidds are organic, then I would consider it.

[@user-ov9ts6nb7m]

this is interesting - in summary, names Milorganite, a biosolid - and that you wouldn't use them. What do you recommend as a fertilizer, though? I am questioning the intention of this video.

[@newearth1912]

Pathogens aren't the issue with Bio-sludge/Bio-solids fertilizers. PSAF and other synthetic chemical compounds ("forever chemicals") that can only be removed by incineration, or, broken down to an elemental-non-toxic state by fungal and/or bacterial treatment. Both "typeA" and "typeB" contain these chemicals. Please research

[@DonDufresne]

"Farmers of a Thousand Years " Great read

[@annebiedenstein395]

How familiar are you with PFAS contamination from biosolids and what are your opinions of the risk (seriously asking)? The full cycle person is me says poop=fertilizer, why waste it. However, I’ve seen a lot of situations where the pollution reduction really doesn’t seem to be cutting it. Maine has had some pretty devastating impacts of bio sludge pollutants basically poisoning farmland. I don’t know if it just needs more regulation. If the decontamination process aren’t sufficient or if it’s just not a good idea. I’m curious to hear your thoughts if its something you’re aware of.

[@Blossomandbranch]

It is a bad idea. Numerous studies show PFAS contamination is high in biosolids.

[@philip7313]

Millard Fillmore, I believe.

[@sallyweiner4180]

Great video

[@nancygrove8318]

I think that President Filmore was the person you wanted to refer to....

[@araceliadams34]

Interesting

[@joeyl.rowland4153]

Biosolids should absolutely be banned for food crops. Anyone violating the law should get life.

[@Pumpped]

agreed, just another sickening part of our world.