Are There More Environmentally Friendly Alternatives to Septic Tank Systems?

If you live in an area that’s not served by a municipal sewage system, you likely have a conventional septic tank on your property that’s used to store wastewater. They're highly effective but not ideal for all homeowners. Areas with rocky soil or poor drainage may require a different septic solution.

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Whether you’re looking for a way to reduce your environmental footprint or seeking septic tank alternatives, there are several options to choose from.

Are Septic Tanks Environmentally Friendly?

Traditional septic systems use watertight underground tanks made from fiberglass, concrete or plastic. They're buried approximately 10 to 25 feet away from a home’s foundation. When you flush your toilet, run the garbage disposal, drain water from your tub or run any water in your home, the water flows through an inlet pipe out to a residential septic tank.

As waste sits in the tank, the solids and liquid separate from one another. The top layer, or scum, consists of oil and grease. The second layer is wastewater combined with waste particles. The bottom layer is heavier waste called sludge. The liquid is filtered and eventually seeps out of the tank through the outlet pipe to surrounding soil.

A well-designed septic system is environmentally friendly. Inadequate septic tank designs can cause surface water contamination and spread disease-causing pathogens to destroy local ecosystems. In some cases, a septic drain field can interfere with private wells, contaminating drinking water. Failing systems can leak untreated sewage into the environment, causing harm to children, pets and anyone who comes in contact with the waste.

There are a few things you can do to ensure your septic system is environmentally friendly, including:

• Schedule an appointment for regular maintenance and inspections.

• Avoid flushing or using harsh chemicals that can harm the environment.

• Conserve water.

• Practice safe waste disposal.

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What Are Some Eco-Friendly Septic Solutions?

Septic tanks are efficient and are typically environmentally friendly ways of storing residential waste. However, there are a few septic tank alternatives that are better for the planet.

Composting Toilets

Composting toilets are ideal for cabins and off-grid properties. Typically, a composting toilet doesn’t use water. Instead, waste is separated into two containers, one for liquids and one for solids. Solid waste is placed in a compost bin and used for various applications, such as fertilizer. They need little maintenance and are low-cost. However, they require regular removal of the composted material.

Constructed Wetlands

A constructed wetland system is an eco-friendly alternative for homes on large lots. This consists of a septic tank and a constructed pond lined with rocks and tire pieces. Water from your home travels down an inlet pipe into the septic system. From there, wastewater moves from the septic tank into the pond, where plants and microorganisms break down bacteria from the tank.

After the water is treated in the pond, it travels down an outlet pipe and into a nearby drain field, where it fertilizes the soil, making it ideal for places with poor soil conditions. This type of system can last 20 to 40 years but requires regular maintenance, including planting and maintaining plants.

Aerobic Treatment Units

Aerobic treatment units use a single tank with multiple compartments to break down waste efficiently. These systems include an air pump, which pumps air into the wastewater treatment process to speed up decomposition. The result is a much cleaner and more environmentally friendly process that prevents groundwater contamination. Because ATUs use electricity, they're more expensive to operate and require regular maintenance. However, they have a low environmental impact and a lower initial cost.

Evapotranspiration Systems

ET systems are ideal for use in climates that receive little to no precipitation throughout the year. Waste spreads out over an area with vegetation, where it gets absorbed into the soil or evaporates into the air. There's little to no threat of groundwater contamination, which makes it ideal is areas with a high water table.

Drip Distribution Systems

Waste moves into a septic tank where solids are separated and treated. Distributed effluent, or treated wastewater, then moves along several drain channels to the roots of planted vegetation. This septic tank alternative does use electricity and requires regular maintenance to keep it operating as it should.

Sand Filter Systems

Sand filter systems are a type of mound system that treats wastewater by passing it through a layer of sand. Solids separate from the liquid and settle at the bottom of a septic tank, while liquids flow to a recirculating sand filter before passing into a drain field.