Published on 26 March 2003

Ban on the use of sludge as a fertiliser

Bern, 26.3.2003 - The use of sludge as a fertiliser is to be banned throughout Switzerland; in the future sludge will have to be incinerated using an environmentally friendly method. The Swiss Federal Council will modify the Ordinance on Materials accordingly on 1 May 2003. The ban will be introduced in stages: from May this year, sludge may no longer be used in the production of fodder crops and vegetables. A period of transition lasting until 2006 at the latest has been accorded for other types of cultivation which until now have been fertilised using sludge; in individual cases the cantonal authorities may extend this period until 2008. This decision is part of the Federal Council’s implementation of precautionary provisions for the protection of soils and public health.