The management of domestic wastewater is an important issue in terms of environmental protection and public health. An essential step in this process is the management of waste generated by non-collective sanitation systems, known as septage. The aim of this article is to provide a clear definition of what septage is, to examine its various constituents and origins, and to present different treatment options.
Treating and recovering these materials poses major technical and environmental challenges. This waste contains organic matter, often partially digested, mineral substances, pathogens of faecal origin, and residues of household chemicals. It is therefore essential to manage these materials rigorously in order to reduce, as far as possible, the threats they pose to the environment and human health.
The aim of this article is to provide a precise definition of these materials, and to explore their various components, origins and possible treatment methods. With this in mind, various approaches are detailed, ranging from good emptying practices to modern waste treatment processes.