1. Definition of septage

Faecal matter is the residue left over from the treatment of individual wastewater systems. They are retained in pre-treatment facilities, i.e. :

• septic tanks (for black water only) ;

• all-water pits (which receive a mixture of black water and grey water).

These materials come from :

• the settling of organic and inorganic suspended solids;

• of the floats making up the cap (figure 1 ).

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