Which item should be avoided in an on-site sewage treatment system?

In an on-site sewage treatment system, food scraps should be avoided because they can contribute to clogs and buildup in the system. These materials are organic and can break down anaerobically, which may produce unpleasant odors and may create conditions that favor harmful bacteria or pathogens. Unlike some other waste types, food scraps can ferment and create sludge that does not decompose as easily within the septic tank, leading to issues such as system overloading or failure of the drainfield.

While water-based paints, fabric softeners, and green waste may also pose issues, their impacts are generally less significant compared to the problems caused by food scraps. Water-based paints, for instance, can dilute and often break down in a wastewater treatment setting, and fabric softeners can affect the biological activity in the system but typically do not lead to immediate clogging issues. Green waste might actually break down and provide nutrients in a composting context rather than harm a sewage treatment system directly. However, food scraps present a more immediate risk to the operational efficiency and longevity of onsite sewage systems.