Valorization of organic biosolids at New York City Water Resource Recovery Facilities

New York City’s 14 Water Resource Recovery Facilities (WRRFs) treat 1.3 billion gallons of wastewater daily, producing 1,400 tons of biosolids. Historically landfilled, these biosolids present an opportunity for resource recovery within a biorefinery framework. This study explores three pathways: (1) fermenting biosolids to produce volatile fatty acids (VFAs) as an internal carbon source for nitrogen removal; (2) implementing thermal hydrolysis to enhance dewaterability and biogas yield; and (3) applying pyrolysis to reduce biosolids volume and destroy PFAS contaminants. Together, these innovations aim to support NYC’s goal of 90% landfill diversion by 2030 and improve sustainability across the wastewater treatment system.