Treatment FAQ

what does emptying a porta potty in a wastewater treatment plant do to the plant

by Jennyfer McGlynn Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago

After every event waste is pumped out of porta potties. An industrial “vacuum” of sorts transfers waste to septic trucks. The waste from multiple units is consolidated into the tank and is then taken to a treatment plant. At treatment plants, waste is broken down (typically with microbes) and processed.

How do porta potties get rid of waste?

The hoses suck out the waste using vacuum technology and empty the remains into their trucks large tanks. Depending on the type of truck, these hoses can extract the waste from the porta potties pretty quickly.

What happens to the waste from porta potties after the festival?

Once they’ve extracted all of the waste, the crews will restock the porta potties with fresh toilet paper and fill the empty waste bins with a blue chemical substance that fights bacteria and keeps the bathroom smelling fresh. Some crews will leave a deodorizing substance or fragrance as well.

What happens if you overflow a porta potty?

An overflowing porta potty will make an extremely unpleasant mess. Each porta potty has a output hole on the side of the emptying bin. Many porta potties will have sensors on them that will indicate whether the bin needs to be emptied, saving you the trouble and disgust of having to pop your head in there to see first hand.

Why is it important to properly dispose of waste from portable toilets?

With all of those people using the portable toilets, it’s important to safely and quickly dispose of the remains. If waste isn’t disposed of properly there can be significant human health hazards as well as pollution of the environment.

What happens when a porta potty is full?

Once they've extracted all of the waste, the crews will restock the porta potties with fresh toilet paper and fill the empty waste bins with a blue chemical substance that fights bacteria and keeps the bathroom smelling fresh. Some crews will leave a deodorizing substance or fragrance as well.

What do the chemicals in a porta potty do?

Biocides hinder the growth of gram-positive odor-producing bacteria, which helps to maintain freshness for longer periods of time. They also prevent some odor-causing bacteria from multiplying. The blue dye hides the waste and debris that lies beneath the surface and the fragrance covers lingering odors.

Can you empty a chemical toilet into the ground?

Never empty into a toilet on a septic system as the chemicals can kill the bacteria that makes the septic system work. Always ensure that the breather mechanism is operated when emptying the tank to avoid any “glugging” causing splashes. Thoroughly rinse the tank to ensure a complete clean.

How often should a porta potty be emptied?

The standard service frequency for a portable toilet is twice per week, for up to 8 people over a normal work week. Routine weekly service will ensure sanitary conditions inside your restroom for all users, and includes replenishing of supplies.

What is the fluid in a porta-potty?

What is the Blue Liquid Exactly? It's a deodorizer meant to help mask the smells that may be produced by a portable restroom. Every portable restroom provider is a little different, but at On Site Companies, we use a non-formaldehyde liquid deodorizer product, which we get from Satellite Industries.

What is the smell in porta potties?

The lye was meant to cover up the smell, but when mixed with Urea, a chemical in urine, it creates ammonia, (available in many cleaning ingredients because of its effectiveness in cleaning) which is a very strong smell on its own.

Where do chemical toilets empty?

What is a chemical toilet? Unlike most toilets at home, chemical toilets do not flush into a sewer system, instead, toilets in caravans and motorhomes empty into a cassette which is then removed and emptied at a chemical waste point, also known as an Elsan point.

Can you empty a porta-potty down the toilet?

If you've ever used a porta potty, you may have wondered if and when a toilet of its size is ever emptied. The answer, of course, is yes.

Can I empty chemical toilet into septic tank?

The chemicals used in chemical toilet fluid kill friendly bacteria and must not be allowed to contaminate the ground. Additionally, chemical toilet waste should not be disposed of through septic tanks or small sewage treatment plants, as they rely on bacterial action for correct treatment.

How do you empty a Porta Potty?

0:091:05How to Empty a Portable Toilet - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipUnder you undo the gauge with the back of the toilet. And then just lift up the valve never taughtMoreUnder you undo the gauge with the back of the toilet. And then just lift up the valve never taught it needs to be off the ground by about a meter and then gravity will feed the waste out safely.

Where can you empty a Porta Potty?

As with any other portable toilet, the first thing to do is to remove the waste. Small-scale waste can be disposed of through the main sewage system, or at a designated waste point. These are often found on camping and RV sites.

How many times can a Porta Potty be used?

Stages: the life cycle of a porta potty. Heavy-duty plastic construction and water-saving technology means porta potties only need to be serviced every 200 uses or so.

Why are portable toilets important?

Portable toilets are essential for any large outdoor gathering. Concerts and sporting events can draw tens of thousands of people who will all require access to restrooms. Public restroom facilities are not always available, especially in remote areas where some of these events take place.

What is the blue substance in porta potties?

Once they’ve extracted all of the waste, the crews will restock the porta potties with fresh toilet paper and fill the empty waste bins with a blue chemical substance that fights bacteria and keeps the bathroom smelling fresh. Some crews will leave a deodorizing substance or fragrance as well.

Do porta potties work the same way?

Especially if you are hosting a multi-day event where visitors will be expecting access to clean and comfortable toilets each day. Most porta potties operate in the same way. The waste falls from the toilet into a large bin that can hold gallons of waste.

Do sanitation trucks leave deodorizing substances?

Some crews will leave a deodorizing substance or fragrance as well. From there, the sanitation trucks will pack up and take off. The trucks will go to an authorized sanitation cleaning facility that will treat the waste safely and sanitarily.

Do porta potties have sensors?

Many porta potties will have sensors on them that will indicate whether the bin needs to be emptied, saving you the trouble and disgust of having to pop your head in there to see first hand. How you get the waste out of the bins requires contacting a sanitation company.

1. Pre-treatment Phase

The pre-treatment phase that occurs at a wastewater treatment plant is designed to get rid of the larger and easier to remove items from the water. These items can include everything from tree branches and cans to plastic bottles and rags.

2. Primary Treatment Phase

Once the pre-treatment phase concludes, the primary treatment phase can begin. The wastewater will be collected in sedimentation tanks and large basins at this point, which is done to allow contaminants to sink to the bottom of the water.

3. Secondary Treatment Phase

This is a very important phase of the wastewater treatment process that involves the agitation and aeration of the water within secondary basins. It’s at this point in the process that microorganisms are added to the water in order to break down any organic matter into sludge that can be more readily discarded.

4. Sludge Treatment Phase

The final phase of the wastewater treatment process is referred to as the sludge treatment phase. During the secondary treatment phase, the solids and organic matter that remain in the water are converted into sludge that can be treated and recycled.

How do ponds treat wastewater?

Algae relies on energy from the sun, inorganic compounds, and carbon (IV) oxid e released into the water by bacteria to grow. Through photosynthesis, algae release the oxygen required by aerobic bacteria. Sometimes, experts introduce mechanical aerators to provide more oxygen.

What are the stages of wastewater treatment?

Wastewater treatment plants oversee three main stages: primary, secondary, and tertiary. However, some pollutants require advanced treatment, such as the quaternary, which involves fine filtration or oxidation processes to lower emergent pollutants dissemination.

How long does aeration last?

Aeration is a timely process that can last for 30 hours and is equally instrumental, as it involves combining wastewater with a microorgan ism solution. Aeration gives the bacteria oxygen to stabilize and treats the wastewater by biodegrading the organic substance containing carbon to create carbon (IV) oxide and water. Without sufficient oxygen, breakdown has to occur under slow and odorous septic conditions, resulting in an incomplete transformation of pollutants.=

What is the purpose of tertiary treatment?

Its primary purpose is to increase the water quality to meet industrial and domestic standards or the specific safe discharge requirements while also removing nitrates and phosphates. For municipal wastewater treatment, this stage also involves eliminating pathogens, making the water safe to drink. The tertiary treatment process is usually performed using substances such as sand and activated carbon.

What is biofiltration in aquaculture?

Biofiltration is a standard method in greywater recycling, wastewater treatment, and aquaculture, as it helps raise the water quality while lowering water replacement. Biological filters eliminate contaminants through biodegrading natural components, filtering suspended solids, and absorbing micro-pollutants. Biofiltration processes are typically aerobic, so the microorganisms need oxygen for metabolism.

Why use a waste disposal unit?

Only use a waste disposal unit if your plant is specifically designed to accept higher organic loads.

What can you not put down the toilet?

Don’ts. Don’t put sanitary towels, tampons, cotton wool or cotton wool buds, incontinence pads or any baby, cleaning or facial wipes down the toilet. Don’t flush rubber products or other non-biodegradable products down the toilet. Don’t pour fat, grease or cooking oil down the sink or drains. Fats suffocate the bacteria and inhibit ...

How to get rid of bacteria in plants?

Try to spread your clothes washing throughout the week. Stick to the same washing, dishwasher and other cleaning products as the bacteria will work more efficiently with products it is used to treating. Think before you put anything down the sink, toilet or drains. Desludge your plant when required.

How to contact KEE for sewer service?

Request a quote for a maintenance contract or call KEE on: 01296 634500. Book a Visit / Service. Call now.

Can you tip a mouthwash down the drain?

Don’t tip medicine, mouth wash or any chemicals such as photographic fluid or garden products (e.g. Insecticides, weed killers and fungicides) down the drains as they will damage the biological treatment process.

Can you flush organic waste down the drain?

Do not flush organic waste down the sink or drain.

Can you dump RV chemicals in a septic tank?

Here's one example of one manufacturer's comment about dumping RV chemicals into a septic. "Yes [you can empty your RV holding tank into your septic system], as long as your septic system is fully functioning, adequately sized and properly maintained.

Is Elsan toilet fluid biodegradable?

The product literature for some septic holding tank additive and toilet cleaner manufacturers such as Elsan's Organic Toilet Fluid - UK informs us that their products are harmless, biodegradable, and acceptable to empty into septic tanks, drainfields, reed beds, etc. We are researching the topic and will report here.

Pre-Treatment Phase

  • http://www.instagram.com/p/CBuVtZ1DbHv/ The pre-treatment phase that occurs at a wastewater treatment plant is designed to get rid of the larger and easier to remove items from the water. These items can include everything from tree branches and cans to plastic bottles and rags. Some of the operations that can occur during this phase include collec...
See more on sensorex.com

Primary Treatment Phase

  • http://www.instagram.com/p/B-WWIQHlkY8/ Once the pre-treatment phase concludes, the primary treatment phase can begin. The wastewater will be collected in sedimentation tanks and large basins at this point, which is done to allow contaminants to sink to the bottom of the water. Once the smaller particles in the water have settled, scrapers are used to collect the solids and send t…
See more on sensorex.com

Secondary Treatment Phase

  • http://www.instagram.com/p/B_ZLcJVhNJD/ This is a very important phase of the wastewater treatment process that involves the agitation and aeration of the water within secondary basins. It’s at this point in the process that microorganisms are added to the water in order to break down any organic matterinto sludge that can be more readily discarded. Certain plants will grow a sub…
See more on sensorex.com

Sludge Treatment Phase

  • http://www.instagram.com/p/B5CI6DapAH8/ The final phase of the wastewater treatment process is referred to as the sludge treatment phase. During the secondary treatment phase, the solids and organic matter that remain in the water are converted into sludge that can be treated and recycled. The sludge treatment phase involves the treatment of the remaining water as well as a…
See more on sensorex.com

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