COLLECTION, EMPTYING & TRANSPORTATION

The first step is to identify the type of containment system connected to toilets. Systems such as lined single pits, septic tanks, and holding tanks require structured faecal sludge management.

Eight containment typologies are commonly found: T0 (open discharge), T1-T2 (single pits), T3 (twin pit), T4-T5 (septic tanks), T6 (holding tank), and T7 (others like EcoSan).

Desludging should be carried out every 3-5 years for most containment structures. An FSSM Policy establishes the regulatory framework, operational standards, roles and responsibilities, and guidelines for safe desludging.

Implementation guidelines provide technical standards, enforcement mechanisms, operational procedures, and monitoring systems.

DSOs are service providers who specialise in emptying, collection, and transportation of faecal sludge. Two types exist: Government DSOs (fixed pricing, monitored) and Private DSOs (independent, variable quality).

Steps include identification through various channels, newspaper notification, orientation meetings on FSM policy, and communicating disposal mandates.

Only licensed operators should provide desludging services. Requirements include: online portal, vehicle-specific licenses, urban/rural coverage, fixed-period validity with renewal, and fitness checks.

The licensing authority should ideally be a district-level body/agency/official.

Tariffs are directly charged to beneficiaries/households. Rates should be finalized in consultation with existing service providers, ensuring they are practical, market-aligned, and affordable.

Rates are fixed per trip for up to 10 km, with additional per-km charges. Separate rates apply for Non-BPL, BPL households, and commercial establishments.

States should develop call-centres, online portals, or mobile apps for citizens to register desludging requests. Services can be added to existing toll-free numbers or portals like UPYOG.

Requests should only be closed after successful collection AND disposal at designated treatment plants, ensuring the complete FSM value chain is followed.

IEC campaigns are crucial for community participation and compliance. Key messages include: "Septic Tank should be cleaned every 3–5 years" and toll-free service numbers.

Campaign channels: messaging on desludging vehicles, display at treatment facilities, wall paintings in villages, and media/digital campaigns.

Users initiate requests through the toll-free number, and the FSM portal assigns trips to the nearest licensed operator. The operator accepts, performs desludging with appropriate PPE, and transports to the FSTP.

The portal monitors trip status from booking to disposal. Once verified, the booking is marked complete.