How to Distinguish Between Proper & Improper Sewage Disposal Practices

Look for waste practices in which everything is dumped into the same garbage can or container. Put on plastic gloves to protect your hands and a face mask if the smell is too much for you. Lift the container lid and visually examine the contents for signs of improper disposal, such as paint and harsh chemical containers, un-bagged garbage, leaking residue in and around the garbage container, or signs of animal or human fecal matter.

Examine a leech field by walking the perimeter with old shoes or boots you don't mind getting dirty. Confirm by sight that there is a sufficient bed of soil on the entire leech field so the waste water isn't draining to natural channels without being first filtered by the soil. Look for any overflows or bubbling that could signal flooding and insufficient drainage.

Check storage areas and garages for hazardous chemicals such as old paint, paint thinner, automotive chemicals and solvents. Confirm that they are properly contained and boxed for shipment to a hazardous treatment center. Do not throw these items in the general garbage, even if the container is empty (it can still contain poisonous residue).

Confirm that a grease trap is installed in the sink drain line for a commercial food preparation kitchen. Lift the grease trap lid and check the filter weekly. Pull the filter out and scrape off the filter catch material into a garbage container with a plastic bag. Seal the bag and wash the filter down outside with water, a hose, brush and grease-breaking soap. Reinstall the filter after cleaning out any other solid food material stuck in the trap box. Repeat the process regularly to confirm proper sink drainage occurs. Keep a written log of the cleaning dates.