I looked back through the archives and have seen some postings on this but no new solutions. I was planning on doing my own home tanning (about 100 skins per year)using Rittels Tanning Supplies. I know they are environmentally friendy when neutralized, but what about all the salt? I knew that Mr. Rittel posted awhile ago asking if anyone had any ideas other than dumping it on the ground or holding tanks. Are there any new ideas or techniques? I am in the process of building a shop and would like to put in a good system now that will be suitable to handle the waste. I know not to pump it in the septic and we have no access to a city sewer system. How would a holding tank work? How often would it needed to be pumped out? Any help on this would be great.
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i save some for the driveway and sidewalks at home and church but its messy and smelly on a warm trend then throw the rest away
I wasnt sure what to do with mine either.I went through about 3 tons this year and put every bit of it in the dumpster.No problems
Thanks for the tips on the salt. I guess if i had about 1,000 gallons of tequila we could have some party. Now, another question. What about all the water? From the pickle, tanning, etc. Once it is neutralized can it be dumped on the ground? We live in the sticks so my only concern would be the well water. I would run it away from my well but what about the folks "down stream" as they say. I think I remember reading in the archives that it will kill plants. Where I plan on running the drainage piepe to there is not anything that I would care if it dies as long as the stuff isn't dangerous to animals, etc. Any additional help would be great. Thanks again.
You may want to take advantage of your local environmental conservation department. They may have some good recommendations. You may be able to have them recommend a test on the waste based on your description of the process. You'd be able to send it to their health lab, local university or some other appropriate lab. You'd probably have to pay a pretty small fee depending on the tests, I'd say $10-$30. Based on the results, 1. ) they could recommend a way to neutralize it if necessary, 2.) they could say it's fine to dump 3.) they could tell you if it has some hazardous characteristics that you would not want to be responsible for dumping. If it is killing plants it likely a problem and needs some kind of handling. Obviously dump away from your well and down hill of your well. The impact to the underlying aquifer depends on the type of soils (clay versus sand) and sensitive receptors in the area (streams and neighboring wells). Good Luck