A method and system for treating at least bioorganic, organic, wastewater,
and sewage sludge using recycle. The method of producing a treated sludge
product comprises the following steps: (a) forming a sludge mixture by
mixing untreated sludge with at least one alkaline material in an amount
sufficient to raise pH of the sludge mixture to a level of at least about
12 and to increase percent solids in the sludge mixture to at least about
40% by weight; (b) forming a dried sludge mixture by drying the sludge
mixture from step (a) in a direct or indirect dryer thereby increasing
the percent solids thereof to at least about 50% by weight; (c) recycling
a portion of the dried sludge mixture from step (b) to step (a); and (d)
pasteurizing the dried sludge mixture from step (b) at a temperature at
or above about 52.degree. C. to form a treated sludge product. Exemplary
applications for the treated sludge product include an agricultural
liming agent, a soil conditioner, a fertilizer, a topsoil blend
ingredient, and a fuel.