Waste disposal is not a common topic of conversation but, whether you’re managing a construction site, hosting an outdoor event, or maintaining a rural property with a septic tank, understanding how waste is handled is essential.
At JB Event Facilities, our service tanker, vacuum pump truck, and septic pump service operators all work hard behind the scenes, to keep things clean, compliant, and environmentally responsible.
What happens to waste from portable toilets?
When you hire portable toilets, they eventually need emptying — and this is where portable toilet emptying services come in. JB Event Facilities’ team of specialist operators use our fleet of in-house vacuum tankers to remove waste safely from our portable toilet units, which we then transport to a licensed treatment facility. Once there, the waste is processed, with water often treated and released back into the environment, while solid matter is handled according to strict environmental guidelines. Find out more in Where does the waste from portable toilets go?
In the UK, companies carrying out these services must hold the appropriate licence from The Environment Agency. This ensures that all waste is collected, transported, and disposed of in compliance with environmental laws. It’s not just about hygiene — it’s about protecting waterways, wildlife, and public health.
At JB Event Facilities, we are Upper Tier Licence holders, registered with The Environment Agency (licence number CBDU283839).
How often should a portable toilet be emptied?
A common question (and one that people are often too polite or embarrassed to ask) is how often to empty a portable toilet? Unsurprisingly, the answer depends on usage. For example, a standard event toilet serving around 10 people can last about a week before needing attention. On busy construction sites, however, units may require servicing two or three times a week.
At JB Events, our professional portable toilet emptying services don’t just involve the removal of waste from our portable toilets – we also restock toilet paper and toiletries, deodorise tanks, and clean the interiors to keep facilities hygienic and fresh for users.
Cesspits and septic tanks - the hidden side of waste management
In the UK, not all waste systems are connected to mains drainage, particularly in rural and semi-rural areas where cesspits and septic tanks are still common. A cesspit is a sealed underground tank that stores waste until it’s removed by a vacuum tanker service, while a septic tank separates solids and liquids, allowing partially treated effluent to drain away safely. Septic tanks and cesspits – what’s the difference? looks at this in detail.
What these waste systems have in common is that they both require regular maintenance. A septic pump truck or tanker will empty and clean these tanks, preventing unpleasant smells, overflows, and costly repairs. Depending on household size and usage, septic tanks generally need emptying every 12–18 months, while cesspits often require more frequent servicing.
Ethical waste disposal - doing the right thing
Ethical waste disposal means more than just ticking a legal box. By law, licensed operators in the UK are required to follow the Duty of Care regulations, to ensure that every litre of waste is handled responsibly. That means transporting it using registered vacuum tanker services, disposing of it only at approved facilities, and keeping accurate records of every collection and disposal.
Choosing the right waste disposal company
Reputable companies like JB Event Facilities should:
• Hold a valid Environment Agency waste carrier licence
• Offer a full range of services — from portable toilet emptying to septic tank cleaning
• Provide transparent documentation for every collection
• Emphasise their environmental responsibility
Remember - reliable tanker services don’t just protect your reputation — they help safeguard public health and the environment.
Tanker services from JB Event Facilities
Waste disposal may not be the most glamorous subject, but it is one of the most important. Whether it’s a septic pump truck service keeping your home system in good shape, or a vacuum tanker service maintaining hygiene at a festival site, at JB Events, our behind-the-scenes operations keep life running smoothly. To find out more about our tanker services in any of our locations, email us at info@jbeventfacilities.co.uk or give the team a call on 01280 851200.
