Scavenger Waste Permits

Businesses that will transport scavenger waste that will need to be discharged into the New York City sewer system must obtain a Scavenger Waste Discharge Permit from the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).

Scavenger Waste is defined as the sludge from sanitary wastewater that is discharged into cesspools, septic tanks or privies. Sanitary wastewater includes bodily wastes, washwater, culinary wastes or similar matter. Waste from industrial and/or manufacturing processes, as well as any waste (sanitary and / or non-sanitary) generated outside New York City, are not covered under the Scavenger Waste Permit and must not be discharged in the city’s sewer system. Scavenger waste permits are issued to the vehicles transporting scavenger waste. The permit is not valid for vehicles that, at other times, transport other wastes.

Business owners should become familiar with the Rules of the City of New York (RCNY) Sewer Use Regulations Title 15 Section 19 to learn about the requirements and prohibitions of the use of the city’s sewers. Failure to comply with the Sewer Use Regulations might result in significant civil and financial penalties.