Limited knowledge exists about the fate of inorganic components, and especially metallic species, present in sewage sludge, upon gasification. This study shows that major elements are mainly retained within the sludge char, whereas minor elements such as Cd, Pb, Zn, As and Hg are partially or completely lost due to volatilization or melting from the sludge matrix. Hence, this work stresses the importance of monitoring the metal distribution during the gasification process.