Summary
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Do you offer septic tank emptying services in Wallonia? Do you have your approval as a septic tank operator? You must be officially recognised by the SPW ARNE (Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment) to carry out this activity. Applying for approval is free of charge.
Why become an approved septic tank operator?
Sludge accumulated in septic tanks, or in any other wastewater treatment sludge storage system, is considered waste. It must be collected and disposed of under the best possible conditions to avoid polluting the environment. By granting you approval, the SPW ARNE recognises that you have the technical and logistical resources required to operate in compliance with the law.
The approval is valid for 5 years. This official recognition is not automatically renewed. You must apply for a new approval sufficiently early before your current approval expires.
Once approved, you are included on the official list of approved septic tank operators in Wallonia.
Official recognition entails obligations
- complying with the approval conditions (see ‘Conditions’ section)
- carrying out your activities independently
- informing the SPW ARNE of any change in your details
- allowing monitoring agents access to the premises
How do you apply for or renew an approval as a septic tank operator?
To apply for an approval, or request the renewal of an existing approval, complete and validate the online form (link in the "Forms" section) following the procedure described below.
In detail
Any natural or legal person, or any company wishing to operate as a septic tank operator or as an operator for other wastewater treatment sludge accumulation systems in Wallonia.
The vehicle used must have a registration certificate, be compliant with roadworthiness inspection and insurance, and be equipped with a sealed tank fitted with the following elements:
- an opening allowing easy cleaning
- a volume gauge
- a vacuum or positive displacement pump
- a valve allowing suction and discharge
- a vacuum breaking valve
- a pressure relief valve
- Being approved allows you to operate as a "contracted" septic tank operator under the Gestion publique de l’assainissement autonome (GPAA) – Belgian public management of on-site wastewater treatment.
- Approval guarantees your customers that you have the necessary technical resources and knowledge to dispose of sludge correctly and in accordance with waste management legislation.
APPLICATION FOR APPROVAL
Complete and validate the online form available in French or German (see ‘Forms’ section).
PROCESSING OF YOUR APPLICATION
1° RECEIPT OF YOUR APPLICATION FILE: The SPW ARNE sends an acknowledgement of receipt within 10 days.
2° ANALYSIS (COMPLETENESS AND ADMISSIBILITY): decision within 30 days.
If your application file is incomplete, you have 30 days to send the missing elements. The administration then has 30 days to decide. If incomplete a second time, it is declared inadmissible.
If no decision is sent within the deadlines, your application is considered admissible.
3° GRANTING OR REFUSAL: decision within 60 days, extendable by 30 days.
Applying for approval is free of charge.
Code de l'Eau - Partie réglementaire (art. 392 à 400/2)
You may submit an appeal to the Minister for the Environment within 20 days of receiving the decision.
How? By registered mail with acknowledgement of receipt to: Chaussée de Louvain 2, 5000 NAMUR.
If you request a hearing, you will receive a date within 30 days. The Minister issues a decision within 30 days after the hearing.
Without a hearing, the decision is sent within 30 days of receipt of the appeal.
Forms
Online
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Registration of transporters, collectors, brokers and traders of other than hazardous waste, including septic tank operators 
Useful documents
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How do I access Mon Espace? - Company WITH Belgian company number (CBE)
Useful links
View the list of approved septic tank operators (only available in French)
