Effluent Tank

What is an Effluent Tank

An effluent tank is a sealed waste storage tank designed to collect hold liquid waste, usually from toilets, sinks, and industrial processes. These tanks are commonly used in locations without access to main sewage systems, such as construction sites, portable toilets, caravans, and temporary event setups. They do not usually hold hazardous waste, dangerous substances or toxic substances.

Effluent tanks store non-hazardous wastewater and other waste including sewage, greywater, and trade effluent, until it can be safely removed and disposed of by a licensed waste management company.

Niplast water and effluent tanks are manufactured in polypropylene and high density polyethylene with UV stabilisation for outside locations. This ensures they are leak-proof and they corrosion resistance.

In industrial and commercial settings, effluent tanks are used to manage wastewater discharge before treatment or disposal, helping businesses comply with environmental regulations and guidelines from local authorities. Some industries, such as food processing or chemical manufacturing, may require specialised effluent tanks to handle specific waste types, which Niplast can build bespoke.

Regulations and Compliance

Effluent tanks must comply with environmental and waste disposal regulations set by government agencies such as the Environment Agency (EA) in the UK. These are the key compliance factors:

• Safe storage and disposal – Effluent must be disposed of by licensed waste carriers to protect human health.
• Regular maintenance and inspections – Tanks must be checked for leaks, damage, or blockages on a regular basis.
• Capacity management – Overflowing effluent tanks can cause contamination and legal issues, taking the necessary precautions for waste management is good practice.
• Industry-specific rules – Certain industries, such as food processing or chemical manufacturing, may need specialised tanks that comply with additional hazardous waste regulations and detailed guidance.

For construction sites, effluent tanks must comply with HSE (Health and Safety Executive) guidelines, ensuring proper sanitation for workers.

Effluent Tank Sizes and Capacities

Niplast offer effluent tanks in a range of sizes, up to circa 100,000 litres. Many UK effluent treatment companies and producers of trade effluents have benefited from the use of Niplast tanks for the containment of untreated and treated effluents, hot and cold process waters and for rainwater harvesting.

Tanks can be above-ground or underground depending on the site’s requirements. Some are designed with level indicators to monitor fill levels and prevent overflow of non hazardous substances and flammable liquids.

Niplast Tanks for cold water, hot water, softened water, slurry, effluent, pH balancing and de-watering applications can all be supplied with access ladders and inspection platforms. For further information on services and containers, contact Niplast’s team today.