What Is Septage?
Septage is what a septic company pumps out of a septic tank: the settled sludge, the floating grease and scum, and the liquid in between. Florida law defines it as "a mixture of sludge, fatty materials, human feces, and wastewater removed during the pumping" of a septic system (s. 381.0065(2)(p), F.S.).
Explanation
Florida's septic rule leaves some wastes out of the definition: the contents of portable toilets, holding tanks and grease interceptors are not septage (Rule 62-6.002(52), F.A.C.).
No land spreading in Florida
Since January 1, 2016, Florida law has banned the land application of septage from septic systems (s. 381.0065(6), F.S.). Rule 62-6.010 adds that untreated domestic septage must not be applied to the land, that septage must be transported to an approved treatment facility without leaks or spills, and that it must be disposed of at a site and by a method approved by DEP.
Rules for the company that pumps it
Under Rule 62-6.010, F.A.C.:
- Permit: no one may pump a septic tank until the service company has an annual operating permit from DEP.
- Truck: the company must have a tank truck holding at least 1,500 gallons, inspected and approved by DEP. The permit number, company name, phone number and tank size must be permanently displayed on the truck; magnetic signs do not count.
- Whole tank: each tank and every compartment is to be pumped out completely. If the pumper decides a full pump-out could cause a problem, they must tell the owner in writing why, how many gallons were removed and what was left.
- Access: tanks must be pumped through the lid or a manhole, not through the inlet or outlet. The lid goes back on and is sealed, and a broken lid is replaced.
- Records: haulers keep a log of each load, including the address, the gallons and the treatment facility that received it, for 5 years.
The EPA notes that disposal of domestic septage is also regulated at the federal level.
When to seek help
- Before you book, ask whether disposal is included in the price or billed separately.
- Ask for a receipt that shows the gallons pumped. If the tank was only partly pumped, ask for the written reason.
- A truck shows no permit number or company name. Ask to see the company's DEP permit.
- You see septage dumped or spilled on land. Report it to DEP or your county health department.
Learn more in what happens during a septic pump-out, the septic pumping cost guide and how to read a septic quote. Use the contractor checklist, find your county permit office, or compare septic pumping companies.