The report discusses in detail the broad subject of water and wastewater sludge handling and disposal. Sludge handling and disposal procedures are reviewed and evaluated by discussing methods, materials and equipment used today and in the past. Thus, the report provides an information base and suggestions for new approaches to the sludge treatment art for use by researchers, design engineers, and operators of treatment facilities. The material is presented in the same sequence as solids processing steps used at treatment plants. The text begins with the grit chamber and ends with ultimate sludge disposal. A major conclusion from the report is: additional support should be given to the research and development of better ways to treat the solid portion of wastewaters, after separation from the liquid. Eight other major conclusions of the report are: (1) Standardized accounting and reporting procedures are needed. (2) Sludge handling and disposal should be integrated into the total wastewater treatment system. (3) Wastewater sludge disposal could be considered as a part of total solids-disposal system that includes refuse and other solid wastes. (4) Incineration is a promising ultimate disposal technique. (5) Mechanical dewatering systems are replacing more primitive dewatering systems. (6) There is a trend to ocean disposal of sludge by coastal or near-coastal cities. (7) Raw sludge handling is becoming more popular. (8) The cost of ultimate sludge disposal for most installations ranges from $5 to $55 per ton of dry solids.