Liquid waste can come from multiple commercial, industrial or domestic sources. There are a number of IWMA members who operate a tanker service in order to deal with this type of waste. Non-hazardous liquid waste sources include, but are not limited to, the following:
Septic Tanks:
Since 2013 all domestic septic tanks must be registered and can be inspected to ensure they are not having an adverse effect on the environment. The EPA recommends, at the very least, an annual inspection and deslugding (where necessary) of the contents. Only a permitted contractor may carry out this work.
Grease Traps:
A number of city and county councils in Ireland operate some form of Fats, Oils and Greases (FOG) management programme for food service establishments. A main part of the FOG programme is the installation and maintenance of a grease trap. Depending on the type of grease trap in use it is recommended to completely empty and clean it every 3 – 6 months. Grease trap waste must be collected by a permitted waste haulier.
- Drain maintenance/unblocking
- Emptying of tanks or bunds
- Sludges from the food industry e.g. dairy sludge
Most tanker services also carry out CCTV surveys which can identify problems with drains and which are required to be carried out every three years for sites that hold an IPPC or waste licence issued by the EPA.
All liquid waste must be disposed of in an approved licensed facility and all liquid waste collectors must have a valid National Waste Collection Permit for the waste type collected.
