Question: Disposal issues are a growing problem in our marketplace. We face higher rates at the treatment plants where we dispose of waste. More alarmingly, we are no longer allowed to dispose at more and more treatment locations. We drive additional miles to dispose of our waste. What can be done?
Answer: This issue has been identified by more and more PROs over the last several years. Disposal is an issue over which we have had little control in the past. If we cannot empty our trucks, we are basically out of business.
As of August, however, this issue may be headed toward resolution. After over a year of investigation and diligent work, NAWT, NOWRA and the PSAI collaborated and compiled a document that addresses this issue. What is needed is for all of us to publicize this document and to work together to educate local, state and federal officials about the issue and the proposed solutions.
The major points of this important document that pertain to all PROs include:
- Portable restroom septage is not hazardous but does contain wastewater constituents much greater than those found in domestic septage.
- Some treatment facilities restrict the volume of portable restroom waste or do not accept it at all.
- PROs are having to pay higher rates and travel longer distances to find facilities that will accept this waste.
- Portable restrooms save fresh water while providing for the sanitary needs of the general public. Portable restroom requirements in both construction and in special events have grown through the years, while capacity at older wastewater treatment plants has not.
In response to the question, here are specific ways in which PROs can help to publicize this document that will help to bring resolution to these disposal issues:
Become Familiar With the Problem and Proposed Solutions:
Go to the PSAI website (psai.org) and click on “National Septage Disposal Crisis Alliance Task Force.” Download this thorough, easy-to-understand seven-page document that:
- Gives a summary as to why there is pushback from plants accepting portable restroom waste
- Provides facts that will help PROs to counteract these claims
- Imparts suggestions as to how to publicize and to share this document with the proper officials who can bring resolution to this impending crisis
Share This Information With Fellow PROs in Your Market:
Once you have familiarized yourself with this document, contact your fellow competitors and share the document with them. This issue affects all PROs, and working together is the most efficient and effective way to resolve this critical situation.
Consider a Meeting or Zoom Call With Competitors:
Discuss meeting with the local officials who regulate your local water and sewer facilities to review rules and policies. A group of PROs working together is more effective in dealing with these issues.
Establish Continued Communication With Local PROs:
Share information on disposal facilities’ procedures, work hours, contact numbers and required paperwork. If your company becomes aware of any changes at the treatment facility, immediately notify your competitors. Similarly, any new policies or changes from the local health department need to be shared with all affected PROs.
Communicate and Educate Your Customers:
If you have a contract for portable restroom service with a local community, yet you cannot dispose of the waste at that local treatment facility, make the community leaders aware of this fact. Internal pressure can be extremely effective in working to resolve disposal issues.
Homebuilder associations are effective forums with which to share local disposal issues. Local governments and communities benefit from new home growth, and any issues with the home development marketplace are usually promptly addressed.
Spread Awareness to Others:
Contact key customers who may be able to share this information with the officials with whom they work or interact.
If your company is a member of the local Chamber of Commerce, make them aware of these disposal challenges.
Sharing your specific local disposal issues with your state wastewater treatment association can be extremely effective. These associations, which exist in 30 states, maintain detailed information and are well-connected with various state and local government bodies.
Take Advantage of Your Company’s Social Media and Industry Publications:
Use your company’s website to briefly explain that despite the steady growth and increased demand for portable restrooms, disposal facilities have not kept up with the required capacity to support additional waste.
If you have a disposal issue that may be of interest to others in the industry, consider contacting PRO magazine to discuss the possibility of a feature article.
Stay Informed and Maintain Up-to-Date Records for Each Treatment Facility:
For each location where your company will be disposing of waste, ensure that any permits are current and valid. Have copies on each service truck.
Have a profile sheet on each truck for each disposal location listing address, phone number, key contact, hours of operation and any notes outlining any special procedures at that facility.
Contact the wastewater facilities on occasion to verify that your company is in compliance with procedures and obtain feedback. Establishing a good working relationship with the various wastewater treatment plants is imperative for PROs.
Final thoughts
Proper waste disposal is vital for our ever-growing industry. Portable sanitation is a vital part of maintaining a healthy environment. Our industry must educate and work with local health and governmental officials to ensure that disposal of portable restroom waste is done efficiently and as economically as possible. Identifying this problem and educating others about it is vital to its resolution.
All of us need to share these documents with as many health departments, waste treatment facilities, governmental officials, community organizations and social media outlets as possible.
