Sewage Pumping Vehicles and Chemical Toilets in Los Angeles County
About Sewage Pumping Vehicles
A sewage pumping vehicle removes waste from both underground wastewater treatment structures known as septic systems and chemical toilets also known as portable toilets. Sewage pumping vehicles then transport wastewater to an approved sewage treatment plant. Treatment plants are built to clean wastewater and release it into streams or for reuse.
- Los Angeles County Health and Safety Code requires that all sewage pumping vehicles are registered and wastewater from these vehicles are disposed properly. Sewage pumping vehicles must follow regulations to properly collect and dispose of waste to protect public health and the environment, as wastewater likely contains disease-causing viruses, bacteria and parasites.
About Chemical Toilets
Chemical toilets are portable sanitation structures that use a tank to store toilet waste and use chemicals to control odors and break down waste. Chemical toilets are not connected to any septic systems. Sewage pumping vehicles are responsible for emptying the chemical toilet tanks and disposing the wastewater at an approved sewage treatment plant.
- Los Angeles County Health and Safety Code requires that chemical toilets are used appropriately, maintained in sanitary condition, and that the waste is disposed of properly. It is important to keep chemical toilets clean and to dispose of wastewater properly to avoid sewage spills and ensure adequate protection of groundwater and the environment.
In Los Angeles County, Sewage Pumping Vehicle Operators, are required to obtain an annual Public Health Permit. The Onsite Wastewater Treatment Program of the Environmental Health Division issue permits and performs sanitation inspections of pumper truck vehicles, chemical toilet pumping vehicles, and toilet rental agencies.
The Onsite Wastewater Treatment Program processes and approves vehicle registration applications and performs inspections for sewage pumping vehicles for LA County.
Permit Application
Businesses that clean septic tanks, cesspools, chemical toilets, and sewage seepage pits are required to obtain an annual Public Health Permit to register their sewage cleaning and carrying vehicles. Submit an application along with the required information listed in the "Required Documentation" section on page 1 of the application.
Download Public Health Permit/License Application and Sewage Cleaning Vehicle Registration Application
Ongoing Documentation
Businesses are required to submit Quarterly Pumper Truck Reports electronically to the Department of Public Health Land Use Program at dlanduse@ph.lacounty.gov.
Report a Problem
If you see or encounter a problem with sewage pumping vehicles and/or chemical toilets, you may report the problem to the Environmental Health Call Center at (888) 700-9995 or file a complaint online.
Contact Us
Monday - Friday
8:00am - 5:00pm
Tel: (626) 430-5380
Fax: (626) 813-3016
County of Los Angeles Public Health
Environmental Health
Onsite Wastewater Treatment Program
5050 Commerce Drive
Baldwin Park, CA 91706