Wisconsin § 281.49 - Disposal of septage in municipal sewage systems.

Full text of Wisconsin Wisconsin Statutes § 281.49 — Disposal of septage in municipal sewage systems., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 281.49. Disposal of septage in municipal sewage systems.

281.49(1) (1) Definitions. In this section: 281.49(1)(b) (b) “Licensed disposer” means a person engaged in servicing, as defined in s. 281.48 (2) (f) , under a license issued under s. 281.48 (3) (a) . 281.49(1)(m) (m) “Septage” means the scum, liquid, sludge or other waste from a septic tank, soil absorption field, holding tank or privy. This term does not include the waste from a grease interceptor. 281.49(2) (2) Requirement to treat septage. A municipal sewage system shall accept and treat septage from a licensed disposer during the period of time commencing on November 15 and ending on April 15. The sewage system may, but is not required to, accept and treat septage at other times during the year. 281.49(3) (3) Exceptions. 281.49(3)(a) (a) Notwithstanding sub. (2) , a municipal sewage system is not required to accept septage from a licensed disposer if: 281.49(3)(a)1. 1. Treatment of the septage would cause the sewage system to exceed its operating design capacity or to violate any applicable effluent limitations or standards, water quality standards or any other legally applicable requirements, including court orders or state or federal statutes, rules, regulations or orders; 281.49(3)(a)2. 2. The septage is not compatible with the sewage system; 281.49(3)(a)3. 3. The licensed disposer has not applied for and received approval under sub. (5) to dispose of septage in the sewage system or the licensed disposer fails to comply with the disposal plan; or 281.49(3)(a)4. 4. The licensed disposer fails to comply with septage disposal rules promulgated by the municipal sewage system. 281.49(3)(b) (b) The municipal sewage system shall accept that part of the total amount of septage offered for disposal which is not within the exceptions in par. (a) . 281.49(4) (4) Priorities. If the municipal sewage system can accept some, but not all, of the septage offered for disposal, the municipal sewage system may accept septage which is generated within the sewage service area before accepting septage which is generated outside of the sewage service area. 281.49(5) (5) Disposal plan. 281.49(5)(a) (a) Each year a licensed disposer may apply to the municipal sewage system, prior to September 1, for permission to dispose of septage in the sewage system. 281.49(5)(b) (b) The municipal sewage system shall approve applications for septage disposal, or reject those applications which are within the exceptions in sub. (3) , no later than October 1 of each year. 281.49(5)(c) (c) The municipal sewage system may impose reasonable terms and conditions for septage disposal including: 281.49(5)(c)1. 1. Specific quantities, locations, times and methods for discharge of septage into the sewage system. 281.49(5)(c)2. 2. Requirements to report the source and amount of septage placed in the sewage system. 281.49(5)(c)3. 3. Requirements to analyze septage characteristics under sub. (6) . 281.49(5)(c)4. 4. Reasonable disposal fees that meet the requirements in sub. (10) . 281.49(5)(d) (d) The municipal sewage system shall prepare a disposal plan for each licensed disposer whose application for septage disposal is approved. The disposal plan shall consist of the approved application and all terms and conditions imposed on the licensed disposer. 281.49(6) (6) Analysis of septage. The municipal sewage system may require the licensed disposer to analyze representative samples of septage placed in the sewage system in order to determine the characteristics of the septage and the compatibility of the septage with the municipal sewage system. The municipal sewage system may not require the analysis of septage from exclusively residential sources. 281.49(7) (7) Disposal facilities. A municipal sewage system which is required to accept and treat septage shall provide adequate facilities for the introduction of septage into the sewage system. 281.49(8) (8) Model regulation. The department shall prepare a model septage disposal regulation which may be used by municipal sewage systems in the implementation of this section. 281.49(9) (9) Land disposal not prohibited. This section shall not be construed as a prohibition of the land disposal of septage. The land disposal of septage is governed by s.

Source: official Wisconsin text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Wisconsin § 281.49

What does Wisconsin Statutes § 281.49 cover?

Section 281.49 ("Disposal of septage in municipal sewage systems.") is part of the Wisconsin Statutes, the codified statutory law of Wisconsin. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Wisconsin § 281.49?

A common citation format is "Wisconsin Statutes § 281.49" (Wisconsin). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Wisconsin law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Wisconsin official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Wisconsin attorney.

How does Wisconsin § 281.49 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Wisconsin can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Wisconsin.