Facilities often focus on visible costs like labor and equipment. However, hidden costs can make the biggest difference for your organization, draining revenue if you don’t account for them. For example, manual septage receiving can cost a facility a lot due to inefficiency if it can’t process it properly. Lakeside Equipment looks into hidden costs like slow disposal and landfill fees that your facility should know, so you can make the best decision for your company on how to manage them.
What is Manual Septage Receiving?
Manual septage receiving in the practice of using a truck for septage to be pumped into, leading to a manual process done by a person. It begins with a hauler truck that arrives to pump the septage into it, but what makes this a manual process is that a person receives and handles the septage, not automation. Staff monitor unloading, physically remove debris, and even skim off grease by hand, making it fully manual compared to automated options. Without automation, this labor-intensive process can become a hidden cost for facilities.
The Hidden Costs of Manual Septage Receiving You Need to Know
There are many different hidden costs of using a manual septage receiving system. Although this is a common method in the industry, it isn’t efficient or effective for wastewater treatment plants. Here are a few hidden costs of manual septage receiving compared with automated methods.
Slow Unloading Times
Manual screening options take a lot of time without automation, so haulers wait longer for fewer loads, which can limit how much revenue a facility can make. These slow unloading times add inefficiency, so it’s important to consider what kind of receiving best fits your organization, since automated systems can unload a 3,000-gallon tank in just under 10 minutes.
Frequent Maintenance
Maintenance on machinery is always expected, but frequent maintenance can be time-consuming and inefficient. Debris can clog screens and pumps, which the team must clean manually. From a facility efficiency standpoint, this manual cleaning can take significant time and requires labor and resources. This is especially true for older systems that may need this done more frequently than newer ones, but it’s an inconvenience either way.
Increased Labor Costs
Labor costs aren’t necessarily “hidden,” but the difference in labor costs between automated and manual systems is huge. Facilities typically plan for labor costs, but the difference between hiring staff to do manual grease skimming and grit removal and investing in an automated system can be significant. Another issue with manual systems is inconsistency, which can lead to bigger problems like faster equipment wear, odor, and disposal issues.
Disposal and Landfill Costs
Landfill and disposal costs are typically affected by poorly dewatered screenings. Screenings need to be properly dewatered to avoid wasting money hauling mostly water instead of septage. A proper dewatering system can bring screenings to around 40% solids, which can lead to savings over years by switching to a system built for effective dewatering.
Compliance and Safety Concerns
Manual processes also carry higher safety and compliance risks. Those doing the manual labor must stay on top of cleanings, efficiency, and permits, as these can all lead to issues if not considered. Automated tracking and security can help keep your process secure and safe overall.
The Automated Alternative
If you currently use a manual septage receiving system and want a more efficient alternative, we’ve got the solution for you. Our Raptor Septage Complete Plant is an all-in-one solution that lets you do screening and grit removal in one automated unit. It offers reduced plugging, faster loading, and less manual labor. It’s perfect for above- and below-ground installs and even fits facilities with limited space. If your facility needs something else to help you reach the next level of efficiency and productivity, our Raptor Complete Plant option can help you get there.
Take the Next Step to Automation
With the hidden costs that can come with manual septage receiving, it’s often not worth the risk for facilities to utilize this method. This is where automation helps facilities keep things moving, avoid compliance and safety issues, and reduce the excess costs that come with manual receiving. If you are a facility operator for a wastewater management facility, we recommend looking into our Raptor Septage Complete Plant option so you can set up automation and avoid the hidden costs of manual septage receiving options. Contact us today to learn more!
