Cesspit emptying

Cesspit emptying is the periodic removal of the entire contents of a sealed cesspit by vacuum tanker, since unlike a septic tank a cesspit has no outlet and provides no treatment. Frequency depends on household size and capacity, but emptying is typically required every four to twelve weeks. The contractor must be registered as a waste carrier with the Environment Agency and dispose of the waste at a permitted treatment works. Cesspits remain in service on some rural fringe London properties and in greenbelt areas of Surrey and Essex where mains drainage is unavailable. Owners should keep waste transfer notes for at least two years as evidence of lawful disposal under the Environmental Protection (Duty of Care) Regulations 1991.