Septic tanks will often play a crucial role in wastewater management for homes which are not connected to a municipal sewer system. If you do happen to own a septic system or you’re considering installing one, you may wonder: ‘Where does septic waste go after the septic tank is pumped?”
The short answer to the question is septic waste is transported to nearby facilities which are approved for the processing of wastewater. The wastewater could also be sent to a land application site, or a specialized disposal area. With this being said, the process is often much more involved than simply “dumping” the waste.
In this full-scale guide, we’ll cover the following:
How a septic tank works
What happens when a septic tank is pumped
Where septic waste is disposed of
Environmental impact and regulations
Best practices for septic system maintenance
Prior to discussing where septic waste is disposed of, it’s important to understand the ins and outs of how a septic system functions.
A septic tank is an underground container which will collect and treat wastewater from homes. The septic system will separate the waste into three layers:
Scum Layer – This layer is comprised of oils, grease, and floating debris
Effluent Layer – This middle layer consists of wastewater which flows out of the drain field.
Sludge Layer – This layer is composed of solid waste which will settle to the bottom of the septic tank and will require periodic pumping.
As time passes, the sludge layer will build up and must be professionally removed by a septic professional.
A septic pumping company will utilize a vacuum truck to properly remove the accumulated sludge and liquid inside the septic tank. This process will involve the following steps:
•Inserting a suction hose into the tank
•Suctioning out the waste into a storage tank on the truck
•Transporting the waste to an appropriate disposal facility
Once the waste is fully removed from the septic tank, it must be properly treated and disposed of in line with local environmental regulations.
Septic waste, also referred to as septage, cannot be dumped just anywhere. Septic waste must be transported to one of the several approved locations below for proper treatment and disposal.
Many septic professionals will transport waste to their local municipal wastewater treatment facilities.
The septic waste will be processed alongside sewage from city sewer systems.
This specific treatment process will remove harmful bacteria, solids, and contamination before releasing treated water back into the environment.
Some areas may have specialized treatment plants which are purely dedicated to handling septic waste.
These specialized facilities will utilize biological, chemical, and other filtration methods to process waste.
Properly treated effluent may be released into local waterways or irrigation systems, depending on local laws and regulations.
In some areas, treated septic waste is spread onto land as a fertilizer.
The treated septic waste must meet strict environmental guidelines prior to being spread across land, as to prevent contamination.
Land application is most commonly used for agricultural purposes or restoration projects.
Some forms of septic waste may be disposed of in deep, underground injection wells.
Deep, underground injection wells are regulated by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) and must be far away from any and all ground water sources.
Septic solids may be dried and thoroughly processed to be converted into biosolids for composting purposes.
Composting facilities will treat septic waste using extremely high temperature and bacterial decomposition methods.
The finished compost product may be used for landscaping or soil enrichment purposes.
Coastal regions may have permits for deep-sea waste disposal.
This practice is often quite rare, and is subject to very strict environmental controls.
Most wastewater is fully treated prior to being discharged into ocean water.
No matter where septic waste is treated, it must go through a full treatment process before it can be safely returned to the natural environment. This treatment process consists of:
Heavy solids and sludge will often settle at the bottom of a tank, while liquids are filtered out.
Beneficial bacteria and microbes will help to break down organic waste.
Aeration and oxygen will sometimes be added to accelerate the decomposition process over time.
Chlorine or UV disinfection may be used to kill pathogens in certain regions or for specific forms of septic waste.
Lime, or other neutralizing agents may be added to properly adjust pH levels.
Treated wastewater will be filtered prior to being released into any river, lakes, or irrigation system.
Solid waste (biosolids) may be dried, composted, or incinerated.
No, dumping septic waste in any unauthorized areas is illegal and may result in heavy fines and environmental damage to the surrounding areas.
Government agencies, such as the EPA, State Health Departments, and local municipalities will enforce regulation to ensure the septic waste is being disposed of properly.
Illegally dumping septic waste may lead to the following:
Water contamination
Soil pollution
Fines & legal action
Be sure to always enlist the help of a septic professional to best handle waste disposal in compliance with all local laws and regulations.
Properly disposed of septic waste helps to protect the environment and public health in the surrounding areas. Untreated septic waste may cause the following:
Contaminates groundwater – Harmful bacteria and chemicals may begin to seep into surrounding wells and drinking waster sources, resulting in tainted water sources.
Pollutes rivers & lakes – Untreated effluent may deplete oxygen levels within the water, harming aquatic life.
Causes air pollution – Improper disposal may release methane and hydrogen sulfide gases into the surrounding air.
When septic waste is properly treated, it can be safely and properly returned to the environment without presenting harmful effects.
A properly maintained septic system which has the right level of care employed across it will reduce the need for frequent pumping and will also help prevent environmental contamination. Through following the below best practices, you can have a healthier septic system:
A family of four will likely have their septic tank pumped every 3-5 years.
More frequent pumping of the septic tank may be required if your household uses a garbage disposal.
Avoiding harsh chemicals, antibacterial soaps, and bleach will help keep your septic system healthier for longer periods of time.
Be sure to choose biodegradable, septic-safe detergents and cleaning products.
Excess water may overload the septic system, resulting in a reduction of treatment efficiency.
Spread out your laundry loads if possible, and fix any leaks promptly.
Never flush wet wipes, paper towels, diapers, or feminine hygiene products down the toilet, as this will likely result in clogs and issues with your septic system.
Only flush septic-safe toilet paper and human waste down the toilet.
Avoid having any vehicles, heavy equipment, or trees near your septic tank drain field.
Try to reduce or eliminate excessive foot traffic over your septic drain field, as excessive foot traffic may compact soil and reduce drainage capabilities.
Schedule a septic professional to inspect your system every 1-2 years, as this will help ensure your septic system is being closely monitored for any problems which may arise over time.
Proactive, early detection of issues will help prevent costly repairs in the future.
After a septic tank is properly pumped, the waste is transported to an authorized treatment facility. From there, it undergoes biological, chemical, and filtration processes before it’s returned to the surrounding environment as fully treated wastewater.
When your septic wastewater is properly treated and reintegrated into the surrounding environment, it will protect public health, prevent pollution, and it will help to ensure sustainability practices are adhered to, every step of the way.
For a clean and healthier future with your septic system, shop our wide array of septic supply products by clicking the button below. We look forward to working with you soon!
Leave a comment