We offer a wide range of drain services designed to address both domestic and commercial needs. These include expert solutions for unblocking drains, comprehensive CCTV surveys for diagnosing issues, and regular maintenance such as drain cleaning and sewer descaling. We also provide advanced services like drain relining for pipe repairs, interceptor and gully cleaning to prevent flooding, and pump station maintenance to ensure efficient operation.

We adhere to strict environmental and industry standards, including certifications like ISO 14001:2015, ensuring all drainage work is performed responsibly and sustainably.

Yes, we cater to both domestic and commercial clients, offering tailored solutions for homes, businesses, and industrial facilities to meet diverse drainage needs.

We offer a variety of domestic services, including drain unblocking, CCTV surveys for diagnostics, regular drain cleaning, and relining to repair damaged pipes without excavation. We also provide emergency services for urgent blockages.

We offer a comprehensive range of commercial drain services including drain unblocking, regular cleaning, and maintenance to prevent downtime. As well as advanced diagnostics with CCTV drain surveys, and specialist solutions like drain relining for repairs, interceptor cleaning to manage oil and grease, and sewer descaling to remove stubborn deposits.

Choosing Environmental Waste Management (EWM) for your drain services ensures you receive expert solutions backed by years of experience and industry certifications, including ISO 9001:2015 for quality management and ISO 14001:2015 for environmental responsibility. With a focus on sustainability, regulatory compliance, and customer satisfaction, EWM delivers reliable, tailored solutions for both domestic and commercial drainage needs.

Determining the right drain service depends on the specific issue you're experiencing. For minor blockages or slow drains, unblocking or cleaning services may suffice. Persistent problems like recurring clogs or unusual odours might require a CCTV drain survey to diagnose underlying issues. If you notice structural damage, such as cracks or leaks, drain relining or repairs may be necessary. For routine maintenance, high-pressure jetting or regular inspections can prevent future issues. If you're unsure, Environmental Waste Management offers expert consultations to assess your situation and recommend the most effective solution for your needs.

One of our drain specialists will assess the issue, perform diagnostics such as CCTV surveys if needed, and then resolve the problem using tools like jetting or relining.

It depends on your policy. Some insurance plans cover accidental damage to drains, while others may require separate coverage.

An interceptor is designed to capture and separate contaminants from surface water runoff before it enters the drainage system. It works by slowing down the flow of water, allowing heavier solids like silt to settle at the bottom while lighter substances like oil float to the top. Clean water exits through an outlet, while pollutants remain trapped inside.

Interceptor cleaning requires the removal of built-up contaminants such as oil, silt, sludge, petrol, and debris. This is done using a high-capacity vacuum tanker, and can include inspecting and jet-washing the chambers to ensure continued performance.

The Environment Agency recommends servicing interceptors at least every 6 months. However, if your site is high-risk or handles large volumes of waste you may need to have your interceptor serviced more frequently.

Failing to empty an interceptor regularly could lead to a system overflow, blockage, or contaminated liquids entering public drainage networks and nearby waterways. This risks fines, invalidated insurance, and legal action under environmental regulations.

As long as our team has clear access to the interceptor we can carry out the service without someone present. For first-time visits or sites with restricted access, it may be helpful to have a site contact available to guide us.

Yes, we work closely with site managers to arrange interceptor cleaning, emptying, and maintenance services at convenient times. Our team can visit out of hours or during low traffic periods to ensure your operations can still run smoothly.

The time it takes to empty and clean an interceptor depends on its size, condition, and the level of waste build-up. We find that most interceptor services take between 1 to 2 hours, however, larger or heavily contaminated systems can take longer.

Yes, interceptor waste is classed as hazardous. This is due to the presence of substances like oil, fuel, petrol, chemicals, and silt within the waste. Hazardous waste must be collected, transported, and disposed of by a licensed waste carrier at an authorised treatment facility.

Tanker services involve the vacuum collection, safe transport, and legal disposal of liquid waste (both hazardous and non-hazardous) using specialist vehicles.

We handle a wide range of waste including floodwater, sewage, food waste liquids, industrial wastewater, and hazardous materials such as chemical residues and contaminated liquids.

Yes. We are ISO-certified and fully licensed to handle hazardous and non-hazardous waste in accordance with UK environmental legislation.

We serve construction, manufacturing, agriculture, hospitality, and more—anywhere liquid or hazardous waste needs safe, efficient management.

This depends on your waste type and volume. Contact us for a tailored service plan based on your site’s needs.

Absolutely. We issue all required documentation, including waste transfer notes and hazardous waste consignment notes, for full traceability and compliance.

Yes. We offer flexible scheduling, including off-peak and weekend services, to minimise disruption to your operations.

Yes. All services include fully trained operators who manage the entire process, from setup to safe waste removal, using our modern vacuum tankers.

We do. Our rapid-response team is available for urgent waste removal, including floodwater extraction and hazardous spill containment.

Yes. Our vacuum tankers are ideal for removing excess water from construction sites, excavation areas, and flooded zones - ensuring safety and preventing delays.

Emergency tanker services provide urgent removal of liquid waste (both hazardous and non-hazardous) to prevent damage, disruption, or environmental risk.

Yes, we operate 24/7, including out-of-hours and weekends.

We respond to sewage overflows, flooded sites, blocked interceptors, chemical spills, and full cesspits.

We aim to arrive as quickly as possible. Our regional coverage ensures prompt response.

We handle both non-hazardous and hazardous liquid waste, including sewage, floodwater, chemical waste, and contaminated liquids.

Yes. Our trained operators handle all equipment and waste removal from start to finish.

Absolutely. We follow strict environmental protocols and are ISO 14001:2015 certified.

Yes. Our vacuum tankers are designed for high-capacity waste removal.

Yes. We offer preventative maintenance advice and ongoing service plans.

Yes. Whether you're a new or existing customer, we’re ready to help.

Yes. Untreated waste can carry harmful pathogens. Fast removal is essential for safety.

Call us immediately. We’ll remove the waste safely and minimise damage.

Yes. It poses a serious electrocution risk. Emergency removal is critical.

Yes. They can contaminate land and watercourses and may lead to regulatory penalties.

It creates health hazards, liability risks, and reputational damage. Immediate clean-up is essential.

Festival sewage tankering involves the removal, transport, and disposal of liquid waste from on-site toilets, welfare units, and catering areas at events. We use high-capacity vacuum tankers to ensure a clean, safe, and sanitary environment for your guests and staff.

We recommend booking as early as possible to secure your preferred dates and allow for proper planning. Early coordination helps us align with your event schedule and logistics.

Yes. We regularly work with portaloo toilet providers, site managers, and other contractors to ensure seamless service delivery without disrupting other operations.

We provide sewage tankering for music festivals, food and drink events, sporting events, and private or public functions—anywhere temporary toilet and waste facilities are in use.

Our services are discreet and efficient. We plan around your schedule, use non-invasive methods, and operate cleanly to avoid interfering with guests or performances.

Yes. We empty holding tanks connected to toilets, welfare units, and catering areas. Services can be scheduled or provided on-demand during your event.

We are ISO 14001:2015 certified and transport all waste to licensed treatment facilities. We also use fuel-efficient vehicles and optimise routes to reduce emissions. Documentation is available to support your sustainability goals.

Yes. We assess your site in advance and select the right equipment for tight spaces, uneven ground, or remote locations.

We provide full documentation for each service visit, including waste transfer notes and disposal records, to support licensing, insurance, and environmental compliance.

Absolutely. We can provide ongoing support across multiple days or locations, with flexible scheduling to meet your event’s changing needs.

Commercial waste tankering is the process of collecting, transporting, and disposing of liquid waste generated by businesses. This includes sewage, wastewater, and industrial effluent. It’s typically carried out using high-capacity vacuum tankers and can be arranged as a one-off service or on a scheduled basis to suit your operational needs.

Our tankers are equipped to manage a wide range of liquid waste, including:

• Sewage and greywater

• Floodwater and stormwater

• Food waste liquids and grease

• Waste from interceptors, cesspits, and process tanks

• Hazardous waste, such as chemical residues, contaminated liquids, and oil-based waste

We serve sectors including construction, manufacturing, hospitality, and property management.

Our operators are trained to work in high-risk and complex environments. We follow strict site-specific safety protocols and are ISO 45001:2018 certified. We also conduct risk assessments and liaise with your site’s health and safety team to ensure safe and compliant operations.

Yes. We provide full waste transfer documentation, including collection, transport, and disposal records. These documents are essential for environmental audits, regulatory inspections, and internal compliance tracking.

Commercial tankering involves:

• Larger volumes of waste

• More complex site access and logistics

• Higher compliance standards

• Greater coordination with on-site teams

We tailor our approach to meet these demands while minimising disruption to your business.

Yes. We offer flexible service plans, including routine maintenance and 24/7 emergency response. Whether you need regular servicing or urgent support for an overflow or spill, we’re ready to help.

Absolutely. We work with regional and national businesses to provide consistent service across multiple locations. You’ll have a dedicated point of contact and a coordinated service plan for all your sites.

Call us immediately. Our emergency response team is available 24/7 and can often be on-site within a few hours. We’ll contain the spill, remove the waste, and help you mitigate environmental and operational risks.

The ideal frequency depends on your waste type, volume, and industry regulations. We can conduct a site assessment and recommend a tailored schedule to ensure compliance and avoid costly disruptions.

We are responsible for the safe operation of our equipment and waste handling. Your business is responsible for providing safe site access and coordinating with our team. We work closely with your site manager to ensure a smooth and safe service.

Sewage tanker services involve the vacuum removal, transport, and legal disposal of sewage and wastewater from septic tanks, cesspits, and holding tanks.

It’s a specialist vehicle with a powerful suction system used to collect sewage and wastewater. The waste is then transported to a licensed treatment facility for safe disposal.

Yes. We work with private homeowners, rural properties, construction sites, hospitality venues, and industrial facilities. Our services are tailored to each site’s volume, frequency, and access needs.

Absolutely. We offer rapid-response services for overflowing tanks, blocked cesspits, and sewage backups. Our team is trained to act quickly and restore safe conditions.

This depends on tank size, usage, and type. Domestic tanks typically need emptying every 6–12 months, while commercial tanks may require more frequent servicing. We can assess your needs and recommend a schedule.

Yes. Only licensed waste carriers can legally transport and dispose of sewage waste. We are fully licensed and certified to ISO 14001:2015, ensuring safe and compliant service.

Yes. We issue liquid waste transfer notes and disposal records after every collection, ensuring full traceability—especially important for commercial compliance.

A septic tank treats wastewater on-site by separating solids and liquids. A sewage tank (or cesspit) stores waste without treatment and requires more frequent emptying.

Most domestic tanks can be emptied within an hour. Larger commercial tanks may take longer, but our experienced team typically completes the job within a few hours.

Signs include slow drainage, gurgling pipes, unpleasant smells, pooling water near the tank, or sewage backups. If you notice any of these, book an inspection immediately.

Portaloo emptying is the removal of liquid waste with a vacuum tanker. A professional service ensures this is done safely, responsibly, and in line with environmental regulations. All liquid waste from portaloos should be transported to a licensed disposal facility to be destroyed.

Anyone using portable toilets such as construction site managers, event organisers, or private individuals hosting outdoor functions will need portaloo / welfare unit emptying to keep facilities clean and usable, especially during extended use or before unit removal.

We offer flexible scheduling and can provide next-day or same-day service where possible. We recommend booking in advance, especially before the toilets are due for collection, to guarantee availability.

The frequency depends on how many people are using the units and for how long. If you have a single standard portaloo that is being used by up to 10 people over a working week, you should organise emptying at least once a week. For larger events where a lot of people are using the same toilet in a short time frame, you will need to schedule daily emptying. We can help you to work out the ideal emptying schedule based on the expected usage and duration of your event.

Absolutely. Our team uses professional equipment and works quickly and respectfully to minimise odours, noise, and disruption to your site or event.

Yes, we offer portaloo emptying for domestic use such as garden parties, building work at homes, or private events. We’ll arrange a convenient time and ensure a smooth, tidy service.

Not necessarily. As long as you give us clear instructions and we can get to the toilets safely, we can easily empty your portaloos for you. We’ll confirm everything before we visit to give you peace of mind.

Portaloo waste is classed as non-hazardous waste, but it must still be handled and disposed of by a licensed waste carrier. It contains human waste and can therefore pose health and environmental risks if not managed properly. That’s why you must use a professional service to ensure the waste is transported safely and disposed of at an authorised treatment facility to comply with UK regulations.

We can service portaloos / welfare units in locations that are hard to reach such as rural sites, tight urban spaces, or large event fields. Our team will work out the site access and best tanker size before our visit, accounting for hard-to-reach areas with longer hose lengths where it is difficult to get a tanker vehicle. Working with site managers and organisers, we can plan around potential site challenges to make sure waste is removed safely and efficiently, without disrupting the rest of your site or event.

The collection, sorting, transport and treatment of all waste streams in a safe and legal way complying with all legislation.

Contact a registered waste company that provides a waste collection service – for example Environmental Waste Management

Take your waste to a permitted landfill/waste transfer station.

Section 34 of The Environmental Protection Act 1990 imposes a duty of care on persons concerned with handling waste. This Duty of Care affects anyone who produces, imports, carries, keeps, treats or disposes of controlled waste, or as a broker has control of such waste.

Contact a waste management company, Environmental Waste Management Ltd.

There are many differentials that can mean your waste is hazardous.

Hazardous waste generally means it can cause an environmental or health issue if its not contained and disposed of correctly. In most cases wastes are classified by from the way it is produced. However, in some cases samples are required which are tested to determine its EWC Code (European Waste Catalogue).

What is an EWC code?

The EWC is a list of waste types which categorises wastes based on a combination of what they are, and the process or activity that produces them. The EWC is divided into 20 chapters. Waste types are assigned a six-digit code: The first two digits are the chapter. The next two are the sub-chapter.

As a private individual or business, you have a legal responsibility to ensure that you produce, store, transport and dispose of your business waste without harming the environment.

Waste management compliance involves critical yet complicated regulations on the handling and disposal of universal, special and hazardous waste. To comply with tighter restrictions, rising taxes and stricter rules, companies need to maintain a clear yet comprehensive view of applicable requirements.

The Environment Agency - The role of the environmental permit, regulated by the Environment Agency, is to provide the required level of protection for the environment from the operation of a waste facility.

High COD waste, landfill leachate, pharmaceutical and cosmetic wastes, chemical wastes, food wastes and contaminated waters.

Since 2010 the Environment Agency regulations mean, liquid waste cannot go to landfill. Each substance has different guidelines for its removal but while most liquid waste has a safe route to disposal or recycling; hazardous liquid waste must be handled carefully. Under the Environment Agency’s regulations, businesses that produce hazardous liquid waste must:

• Store hazardous liquid waste safely

• Use the appropriate danger symbols on the waste container

• Register each site where hazardous waste is produced

• Only move or transport hazardous waste with the correct identifying paperwork

• Keep full auditable records of all waste transfers

• Ensure waste is managed safely and correctly by competent people

The same duty of care applies to waste management companies when the waste is transferred to them. This should be to a third party that can treat or reduce the waste until it’s either recyclable or rendered harmless. Liquid waste handling is specialist in its own right. However, companies need to be aware of the procedures to ensure that no harm is done.

Fluid wastes, consisting of sewage and domestic wastewater, or processed water, or other liquids, produced by industrial activity, particularly by such industries as pulp and paper production, food processing, and the manufacture of chemicals.

Commercial wastewater, Industrial wastewater, Runoff waste, Residential sewage, Fats, oils, and grease (FOG), Used vehicle and machinery oils, Hazardous household liquid waste, Leachate

Where does liquid waste go? Some liquid wastes only need light treatment, while more heavily contaminated wastes require aggressive treatment before being disposed of. Many liquid wastes go directly into deep wells, industrial wells, municipal sewer systems, and saltwater disposal wells.

Liquid waste is removed by utilising vacuum recovery systems to load into tanks varying in size dependant on the waste requirements.

Yes, liquid waste is recycled where possible.

Any liquid waste that seeps into the earth rapidly can result in pollution. The resulting pollution contaminates the food produced by plants growing in that soil. Consuming polluted food produce is harmful to people and animals. Generally, people may not associate air pollution with liquid waste.

Sewage can be in solid or liquid form, when sewage has solidified it is common practise to utilise high pressure water jetting to break up the sewage to enable remove from the sewers/drains.

It includes inorganic waste like industrial wastewater with toxic metals and organic waste like biodegradable materials from households, contributing to water pollution and posing risks to the environment and human health.

Solid waste consists of discarded materials in a solid state, while liquid waste includes liquids or sludges. Both require proper management to prevent environmental pollution and health hazards.

Yes, without adequate treatment, wastewater can contribute to habitat loss and extinction.

Any waste that comes from a commercial activity is business waste. If you use part of your home to run your business, then any waste from that part is business waste.

Examples of commercial waste include food waste, construction waste, and hazardous materials. Commercial waste refers to any type of waste produced as a result of commercial activity, such as businesses, offices, or construction sites.

Business and commercial waste must be taken to a waste transfer station where it will be weighed and a charge made for its disposal.

Contact your local waste management company.

Waste collection costs can vary depending on the makeup and consistency of the waste. Non-Hazardous liquid waste collections costs start at around £165.00.

escaping from your control) it is still an offence, and you may be prosecuted.

Yes, all waste collections are chargeable.

The Environmental Protection Act deals with issues relating to waste on land, defining all aspects of waste management and places a duty on local authorities to collect waste. As a business, you have a duty to ensure that any waste your company produces is handled safely and within the law.

Section 34(1) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 imposes a duty of care on any person who imports, produces, carries, keeps, treats or disposes of controlled waste or, as a broker, has control of such waste.

Commercial waste is generated by the activities of not-for-profit organizations and businesses. It also includes industrial waste. We can say that all non-domestic waste is commercial waste. It doesn't matter whether the waste is generated in a residential or commercial area.

Slurry - defined in the legislation as “excreta, including any liquid fraction, produced by livestock whilst in a yard or building; or a mixture consisting wholly of or containing such excreta, bedding, feed residues, rainwater and washings from a building or yard used by livestock, dungsteads or middens.”

Slurry presents two particular safety and health problems - drowning and gas poisoning. Drowning is by far the most common cause of death involving slurry. Children and the elderly are at particular risk.

Disposal is carried out at a suitable authorised facility. The material is in suspension, and a tanker barrel washout is performed to remove the chance of future contamination.

Slurry is technically classes as a hazardous waste, so you need a licensed waster carrier to collect it and properly dispose of it.

Slurry can be produced from many different processes, concrete slurry is one type of slurry.

Contact your local liquid waste management company, they will then collect the waste utilising vacuum recovery systems and carriage to the local waste treatment recycling facility for treatment.

Slurry has significant environmental impacts, including water pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and sometimes, negative effects on soil quality. Large volumes of slurry seeping into water sources cause numerous problems.

A vacuum truck works similarly to a shop vac. A powerful pump removes air from the holding tank, which creates a vacuum inside. Opening the primary and secondary shutoff valves on suction hoses forces the tank to try to equalize the pressure inside, letting the truck vacuum up solids, liquids and sludges.

Bentonite itself is probably not more toxic than any other particulate not otherwise regulated and is not classified as a carcinogen by any regulatory or advisory body, but some bentonite may contain variable amounts of respirable crystalline silica, a recognized human carcinogen.

Bentonite, a clay with numerous industrial and consumer applications, is mined and processed in many countries of the world. Its many beneficial uses also create the potential for widespread occupational and consumer exposure. The available studies on toxicity and epidemiology indicate that the principal exposure pathway of concern is inhalation of respirable dust by occupationally exposed cohorts. Bentonite itself is probably not more toxic than any other particulate not otherwise regulated and is not classified as a carcinogen by any regulatory or advisory body, but some bentonite may contain variable amounts of respirable crystalline silica, a recognized human carcinogen. Therefore, prudent management and adherence to occupational exposure limits is appropriate. This review summarizes the literature available on production, applications, exposure, toxicity, and epidemiology of bentonite and identifies data gaps and limitations.

The term bulk liquid describes liquid that's transported in huge volumes using the relevant bulk liquid transport. Typically, bulk liquids can't be transported conventionally, unlike granules or powders. Such liquids include vegetable oils, crude oil, and certain chemicals.

A tank trailer, or a bulk tanker, is a tank that carries bulk liquid freight, such as gas, acids, agrichemical products, and hazardous materials, in a trailer pulled by a freight truck. The tanks are usually cylindrical.

Most standard on-road water trucks hold between 2,000 and 6,000 gallons of water. Larger models of water tanker trucks, like the ones used in construction, can hold up to 20,000 gallons. Specialised models for large-scale construction and mining can hold up to 60,000 gallons.

Contact your local waste management company.

Contaminated waste refers to any waste that contains hazardous or harmful substances, including chemicals, medical waste, asbestos, and radioactive materials.

Solvent-based paints, Pesticides and other garden chemicals, Motor oils (for example from cars or mowers), Petrol and kerosene, Cleaning and polishing chemicals, Swimming pool or spa bath chemicals.

The waste will need specialist collection and treatment to enable safe disposal.

Utilising specialist equipment and machinery. If you’re not highly trained and experienced with the waste, contact your local waste management company.

Contact your local waste management company to collect and carriage to a waste treatment facility.

It is treated and recycled where possible by utilising technologies to separate the waste.