Effluent tanks perform an important function when it comes to storing liquid waste. Find out more about the application of these tanks & when to hire one.
Good liquid management is an important part of any project where liquid waste is produced.
Smart storage solutions ensure that you can effectively meet the necessary liquid storage requirements for particular events, construction projects and planned or unplanned maintenance.
We consider the integral role of effluent tanks in various industrial and commercial spaces.
What is Effluent?
The term effluent can mean slightly different things depending on the context but it generally refers to a form of liquid waste that can include wastewater and sewage.
We most commonly talk about trade effluent, which is a type of liquid waste that is discharged from industrial and trade processes. Proper management of this effluent is essential for a smooth project or event, limiting the impact on the environment and protecting public health.
This is when access to the right effluent tank comes in handy.
What are Effluent Tanks?
Effluent tanks are typically large-scale storage tanks designed to collect and temporarily store wastewater, greywater, sewage or other liquid products at sites where there is no suitable permanent plumbing or drainage system or there is strain on the existing system.
Depending on the type of tank, they can also play a part in treating waste during the initial stages of the treatment process. You can find out more about this process in our guide on what happens to wastewater. Or, they can function as safe storage before waste can be properly disposed of.
Effluent tanks can be installed above or underground, although above-ground tanks are more common as they allow for easy access, maintenance and relocation.
When are Effluent Tanks Used?
Effluent tanks, whether used for trade effluent or domestic sewage, are used in a range of scenarios:
- Outdoor or one-off events such as festivals, concerts or conventions where there is no permanent plumbing or sanitation system.
- Camping and leisure facilities.
- Construction sites and other remote premises.
- Manufacturing facilities and processing plants.
Storing high volumes of trade effluent in emergencies. - Managing the flow into treatment plants.
- Effluent tanks can vary in size, design and features depending on the scenario they are required for.
Industrial effluent tanks will often be much larger and made from materials that can withstand harsh chemicals or waste. They may also house more specialist treatment and mixing features, as well as more complex monitoring systems and tank gauges.
What is the Difference Between an Effluent Tank & a Septic Tank?
Effluent tanks more commonly function as storage and management tanks for short-term use while septic tanks have a more active role in treating liquid waste by separating solids and breaking down organic matter.
Septic tanks also tend to be used for longer-term domestic wastewater and sewage management, whereas effluent tanks have wide commercial and industrial application, especially when used on a larger scale.
The Benefits of Effluent Tank Hire
Because of their often shorter-term application, it can be useful to hire a suitable effluent tank rather than buying one for a particular project or circumstance, especially if you are dealing with abnormally high volumes.
Effluent tank hire can be incredibly cost-effective and offers great flexibility for your current needs.
Built-for-purpose effluent tanks also provide all the features you need for bulk liquid storage, ensuring safe and efficient management when you need it.
Hiring a TerraTank Effluent Tank
We’ve worked with numerous valued partners over the years to meet a range of liquid storage needs. From supporting works at airports and stadiums to urgent waste storage, TerraTank is on hand to provide an efficient and flexible effluent tank solution.
Our industrial effluent tanks are made with a corrosion-resistant lining and larger valves for fast liquid transfer to withstand the demands of bulk storage.
The TerraTank fleet can provide in excess of 15 million litres of storage capacity, with various individual tank capacities available. The simple delivery process also means you can get set up quickly, efficiently and safely.
If you would like to hire an effluent tank or discuss your liquid storage requirements with a member of the team, please get in touch on 01264 243 116 or request a quote via our web form.


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