Residential assessment and perception toward biosolids compost use in an urban setting

A survey of Nevada residents in the Las Vegas Valley was conducted to determine perceptions and attitudes as they may contribute to the marketing potential of composted biosolids for residential use. Currently only 5 percent of Nevada's sludge is being composted, 15 percent is land applied while 80 percent is being sent to landfills. Sludge generated in the Las Vegas Valley is extremely low in heavy metals due to the low presence of industries that are characterized with the release of heavy metals. A residential survey was developed and mailed to over one percent of the valley's households resulting in a 21.5 percent return. Seventy-six percent of the respondents rated recycling as important or very important and 74 percent indicated that it is important or very important to find uses specifically for sewage sludge. A large percentage of residents were not aware of how sewage sludge is disposed (73.7%), but felt the community should be examining sewage sludge recycling options (75.1%). After a descriptive paragraph defining and describing composted sludge, there was a high level of support for the use of composted sludge on golf courses and public landscapes but a much smaller level of support for its use on vegetable gardens and houseplants. Respondents were more concerned about safety and health than they were about the cost of the product. Respondents looked to public health officials and University scientists for information concerning its safety. Backward multiple regression analysis indicated that males, individuals with higher incomes and higher education were more supportive of the use of composted sludge. Comparing responses from two different cities within the Las Vegas Valley, it was found that differences in demographics between communities led to differences in response. In particular, differences in the level of education, income, sex and ethnicity influenced responses from the two communities. Evaluation of the data suggests that based on a community's demographics, different educational and marketing approaches may need to be considered.