Where Does It Go?

Sometimes customers asks what happens to the contents that we pump out of a septic tank. It’s pretty simple: at the right time, it goes back to the earth as fertilizer and nutrient-rich ground cover. This recycling process meets Oregon DEQ rules. We're proud of our environmentally responsible process!

It Starts At Your Tank

When we arrive, we uncover and pump out your tank, cleaning out the three layers:  the scum, the effluent, and the sludge. Then we clean out the tank, extracting as many solids as possible. Next we conduct our 28-point septic system check-up to evaluate how efficiently the tank is performing. Lastly, we transport the tank contents to our treatment facility in eastern Oregon. 

Treatment Facility

The contents of your tank (and many others) are pumped into large holding tanks, where the screening process begins. This process separates solid debris from the liquid waste. Next, we treat the liquid waste with hydrated lime, which prevents the growth of pathogens and helps stop water pollution. The treated waste is stored and regularly tested until it’s safe to be land-applied to local farmland. The contents of your tank are now fertilizer.

Local Farmland

We transport the fertilizer to local farmland and pastures. Some farms use inorganic fertilizer which contains chemicals that can contaminate waterways and harm ecosystems. With little or no cost to local farmers, we save them money on fertilizers they would otherwise buy to keep their land at optimal farming condition. You save money too since we turn the contents of your tank into fertilizer rather than paying to dump the contents at a city or county facility.

Our Environment

The earth converts the nutrient-rich fertilizer so its minerals are available to the soil, crops, wildlife, and ground water.