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A hose is sticking out of a hole in the ground.

Emptying of septic tanks

Emptying of septic tanks occurs yearly between May and November. On this page you can learn how you as a property owner prepare for the emptying.

Updated:

Please note that all forms, digital applications (e-services) and some linked websites are currently in Swedish. Contact Citizen Service if you need help in English.

When is my tank emptied?

All septic tanks are emptied once a year. The emptying is carried out by the municipality’s contractor between May and November. Enter your address in the search box to see when your septic tank or waste will be emptied next.

How to prepare the tank

As the property owner, you are responsible for making sure the tank is marked, in good condition, and that the road is accessible. When the emptying is completed, the lid will be marked with a color dot. If special instructions are needed, you must provide them in advance.

Extra fees

If emptying requires extra hose length or special measures, additional costs may apply.

To make the emptying run smoothly, you as the property owner need to make sure that the following is in order:

The access road

  • At least 3.5 meters wide and 4 meters free height.
  • The road must withstand a truck weighing up to 30 tons.
  • Branches, bushes, and obstacles cleared at least 0.5 meters from the road edge.
  • In winter, the road, turning area, and parking space must be plowed and free from ice.
  • There must be a safe turning area. Avoid long stretches where the truck has to reverse.
  • If there is a gate or barrier, provide the code or make sure it is open.

The tank lid

  • Maximum 15 kg if it must be lifted, or 35 kg if it must be slid aside.
  • The lid must be intact, with functioning locks and handles for a good grip.
  • Remove pots, objects, bushes, and grass around the lid.
  • The lid must not be covered.

Can I get a break from emptying?
Yes, but you must apply to the Environment and Building Committee. Applications must be submitted by March 31. A break is only granted if the tank is not in use.

Can I choose when my tank is emptied?
No, regular emptying is done area by area between May and November. If you want to choose the time yourself, you can order an extra emptying for a fee.

I share a tank with a neighbor – how does it work?
The tank is emptied once a year as usual. The cost is shared equally, unless you agree otherwise for an extra emptying.

Can someone other than the municipality’s contractor empty the tank?
No, only the municipality or the contractor hired by the municipality is allowed to do the emptying.

How do I close a tank that is no longer in use?
Notify the Environment and Building Committee. The tank must be removed or filled in. A final emptying must be ordered from the Department of Water and Waste.

Why have I been charged a no-access fee?
A fee is charged if the tank could not be emptied, for example if it was not marked or if the road was not accessible.

Why have I been charged for a heavy lid?
A tank lid must not weigh more than 15 kg (or 35 kg if it slides aside with a handle). Heavier lids result in an extra fee and should be replaced with a lighter one.

Why have I been charged for hose length?
15 meters of hose are included. If the distance is longer, a fee is charged for every additional 10 meters. Try to make sure the truck can park close to the tank.

Order an extra emptying

If the tank needs to be emptied outside the regular schedule, you can order an extra emptying through the municipality’s online services. This emptying is normally carried out on Fridays.

Emergency emptying

If you need emptying before Friday or within 24 hours, you can order an emergency service through the municipality’s Citizen Service.

On-call service

For urgent needs in the evenings or weekends, there is a special on-call number you can call.

When the road can’t handle heavy vehicles

  • If the road is only temporarily inaccessible, for example due to snow or thawing, contact Citizen Service or email va_renhallning@boden.se. Remember to notify when the road is accessible again.

EXEMPTIONS FROM SLUDGE EMPTYING

If your property is used rarely or not at all, you may in some cases apply for an exemption from regular sludge emptying.

  • Extended collection interval: You can apply to have sludge collected every other year instead of every year. An extended collection interval can be granted for a maximum of six years.
  • Temporary suspension of sludge collection: You can apply for a suspension if the property will not be used for at least 12 consecutive months. The application must be submitted between 1 January and 31 March for the year the suspension applies to. A suspension can be granted for a maximum of three years.
  • Exemption from sludge collection: You can apply for an exemption if the property is only used occasionally, for example for inspection visits. The application must be submitted no later than two months before the planned sludge collection.

Applications are submitted to the Environmental and Building Services Department and must be sent well in advance of the planned sludge emptying. Please note that the annual basic fee always applies, even if an exemption is granted. Only the fee for the emptying and treatment of sludge can be waived.

Contact

Department of Water, Sewage, and Waste

E-mail: va_renhallning@boden.se

Phone: 0921-620 00