PFAS Standards Set Stage for Fertilizer Shake-Up

Legal and regulatory pressure accelerates shift toward cleaner fertilizer production before 2026

3 Feb 2025

US fertilizer producers are moving toward cleaner and safer production as scrutiny over PFAS contamination intensifies. The synthetic “forever chemicals,” linked to cancer and other illnesses, are at the centre of lawsuits, local bans, and forthcoming federal regulations expected to reshape the industry within the next two years.

Biosolid fertilizers, made from treated sewage sludge and once promoted as a sustainable solution for soil enrichment, have come under increasing criticism. Major distributor Synagro faces lawsuits alleging its products polluted farmland and water supplies. In response, some local authorities, including Albany County in New York, have issued temporary bans, while several states are drafting more rigorous testing requirements.

The Environmental Protection Agency plans to issue nationwide PFAS guidelines for biosolids by 2026. Industry analysts say this clarity could mark a turning point, paving the way for innovation in waste management, fertilizer chemistry, and soil treatment practices.

Companies are already positioning for the shift. Clean Earth and others are enhancing testing systems and developing new fertilizer blends using compost or manure. Although these alternatives often cost more to produce, they are seen as key to restoring public trust and securing future market access. Insurance providers have also adjusted coverage terms, encouraging faster adoption of safer methods.

“This is a wake-up call,” said one agricultural analyst. “Firms that adapt early will shape the next generation of sustainable farming.”

As legal risks grow and federal rules near completion, the industry’s trajectory appears set toward greater transparency and environmental responsibility. For fertilizer producers, the PFAS reckoning is no longer just a challenge but a chance to redefine how America feeds its soil.