Biosolids
Watch what you put down the drain!
Many materials, especially household hazardous waste, should NOT be poured down the drain, either to a septic tank or field or to wastewater treatment plants. These chemicals are toxic and will kill organisms that break down waste. These chemicals are not broken down in such systems and will enter surface and groundwater supplies. Flushing prescription drugs down the toilet should also be avoided as these have been shown to negatively affect aquatic life including fish and amphibians.
Do not flush these items down the drain or toilet:
Cat Litter
Cat litter does not dissolve in water and will create clogs even if it is labeled “flushable.”
Coffee Grounds
Coffee grounds stick to pipes and can cause clogs to form.
Condoms
Materials used in condoms are not biodegradable.
Contact Lens
These do not degrade and will pass most treatment plants and end up in receiving waters.
Dental Floss
Nylon and Teflon do not degrade and can block pipes.
Disposable Wipes
These contain artificial materials that do not degrade and can block pipes.
Facial tissues, cotton balls and paper towels
These are very slow to degrade and should be put in the trash instead. Facial tissues are treated with a chemical and increase the time for biodegrading.
Feminine hygiene products
Tampons and pads do not degrade and can cause problems in both septic systems and treatment plants.
Grease, fat, oils
These will definitely cause clogs.
Plastics
Plastics do not degrade in the environment and can cause clogs in pipes. Plastics may be broken into smaller pieces that can be consumed by animals.
Produce Stickers
These may get stuck on pipes and in filters in treatment plants.
How does your septic system work?
Residential and commercial septic systems generally consist of an underground tank that collects wastewater. Within the tank, organisms digest organic matter and solids can sink to the bottom. Periodically this tank should be pumped to remove all of the accumulated solids, also known as sludge or biosolids. The partially treated effluent then goes to a drain field, usually consisting of a series of pipes, also underground. The effluent runs into the soil where organisms can further break down materials and where the fluid can be dispersed. If working properly, harmful organisms and organic matter will be removed in the soil and the water will discharge to the groundwater. Groundwater can make its way to wetlands and streams and is a source of drinking water from wells. The EPA provides information on septic system management here.
How does a wastewater treatment plant work?
At wastewater treatment plants, such as those in Bennington, Manchester, and Pownal, materials are screened and allowed to settle in a sedimentation tank, resulting in sludge or biosolids. This process, called “Primary Treatment,” removes a large proportion of organic matter. The liquid effluent may then be filtered and/or run through activated sludge where bacteria can further digest materials. This may involve aeration to facilitate these biological processes. Again, there may be residual biosolids. Chlorination, filtration, carbon absorption and other means may be used to further treat the effluent to reduce pathogens, chemicals, heavy metals, and other materials. Generally, the treated effluent is discharged into surface waters once it has been treated to design standards.
Biosolids
Biosolids may need to be disposed on landfills. However, if wastewater is treated properly the resulting biosolids can be used to enhance soil nutrients and water holding capacity and reduce soil erosion. Land application of biosolids has been recognized as a potentially beneficial use in Vermont.
The take-away...
We all need fresh water and each of us must do our part to avoid overtaxing the systems that clean or at least partially clean our wastewater.