Septage
Encyclopedia
In the United States
, the partially treated waste store in a septic tank
is called septage. It generally consists of all the household wastes that are disposed of through a home's plumbing system that neither drain out into the soil nor are converted to gases by the bacteria in the tank.
Disposing of septage in the United States is becoming an increasing problem as people build homes outside of city sewer
systems. Septage waste can be transported to local waste water treatment centers, used by farmers for fertilizer, or stored in large septage waste storage facilities for later treatment or use on crops.
as well as other sources such as portable toilet
, RV
, and boat wastes.
Septage waste is periodically removed (with a frequency depending on tank capacity, system efficiency, and usage level, but typically less often than annually) from these septage tanks by specialized vehicles known as septage, pumper, or "honey" trucks. They pump the septage out of the tank, and transport it to a treatment facility.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, the partially treated waste store in a septic tank
Septic tank
A septic tank is a key component of the septic system, a small-scale sewage treatment system common in areas with no connection to main sewage pipes provided by local governments or private corporations...
is called septage. It generally consists of all the household wastes that are disposed of through a home's plumbing system that neither drain out into the soil nor are converted to gases by the bacteria in the tank.
Disposing of septage in the United States is becoming an increasing problem as people build homes outside of city sewer
Sewer
Sewer may refer to:* Part of sewerage, the infrastructure that conveys sewage*Effluent sewer, a collection system that transports only the liquid portion of wastewater through small-diameter pipes laid at contour...
systems. Septage waste can be transported to local waste water treatment centers, used by farmers for fertilizer, or stored in large septage waste storage facilities for later treatment or use on crops.
Septage makeup
Septage is generally split into three parts in a septic tank:- Scum, which floats to the top and is generally where the bacteria live that treat the waste.
- EffluentEffluentEffluent is an outflowing of water or gas from a natural body of water, or from a human-made structure.Effluent is defined by the United States Environmental Protection Agency as “wastewater - treated or untreated - that flows out of a treatment plant, sewer, or industrial outfall. Generally refers...
, which is the semi-treated liquid that comprises the majority of the material in the septic tank - SludgeSludgeSludge refers to the residual, semi-solid material left from industrial wastewater, or sewage treatment processes. It can also refer to the settled suspension obtained from conventional drinking water treatment, and numerous other industrial processes...
, the solids which collect at the bottom of the tank
Sources of septage
Septage is the material pumped out of a septage tank or onsite sewage facility. Septic tanks can be residential or non-residential. Non-residential sources can include wastewater from commercial/industrial development, grease interceptorGrease interceptor
Grease traps are plumbing devices designed to intercept most greases and solids before they enter a wastewater disposal system. Common wastewater contains small amounts of oils which enter into septic tanks and treatment facilities to form a floating scum layer...
as well as other sources such as portable toilet
Portable toilet
Portable toilet are simple portable enclosures containing a chemical toilet which are typically used as a temporary toilet for construction sites and large gatherings and events. Most of the portable toilets have black open-front-U-shaped toilet seat with cover...
, RV
Recreational vehicle
Recreational vehicle or RV is, in North America, the usual term for a Motor vehicle or trailer equipped with living space and amenities found in a home.-Features:...
, and boat wastes.
Septage waste is periodically removed (with a frequency depending on tank capacity, system efficiency, and usage level, but typically less often than annually) from these septage tanks by specialized vehicles known as septage, pumper, or "honey" trucks. They pump the septage out of the tank, and transport it to a treatment facility.