APPARATUS , DEVICE AND METHOD FOR WASTE TREATMENT

Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an apparatus, device and method for waste treatment, in particular but not limited to an apparatus, device and method for waste collection . Background of the Invention

Various different apparatus are used for waste treatment. One common apparatus for waste treatment are tanks. Various different tanks are used to collect and store effluent or liquid waste. Examples of these are septic tanks, grease traps, rainwater collection tanks, stormwater collection tanks and so on. These tanks often receive and store quantities of solid materials or solid waste that are included with the liquid contents. The solids may be dissolved solids or solid suspensions or simply solids mixed into the liquid. These solids often settle out of the liquid once in the tank. The solids may be in the form of sludge or a combination of solid

material and sludge.

Servicing such tanks involves pumping out the contents of the tank using a vacuum pump or any other suitable pump. The liquid contents are pumped out often leaving sludge and other solids materials that settle on the base or bottom surface of the tank.

For example septic tanks are used to collect and store liquid effluent and/or domestic sewerage. Septic tanks are generally used as a collection tank in septic system or a small scale sewerage system. Septic tanks are used in areas or premises that do not have access to the main sewerage lines. Septic tanks are generally flat bottomed tanks. Often sludge or solids materials tend to settle out of the liquid within the septic tank and settle onto the base of the tank and/or within the corners of the tank .

Septic tanks require regular servicing and cleaning. Septic tanks are generally cleaned by pumping out the liquid contents and then removing the settled sludge or solids by vacuum or by hand. Traditionally, one way to service a septic tank is for a person to climb into one of these tanks and physically remove all the solid material trapped within the tank by hand or using a vacuum nozzle. This can be dangerous for a person climbing into the tanks due to the confined space of the tank, the presence of noxious fumes and the presence of potentially toxic or hazardous sludge and effluent within the tank.

Servicing problems are associated with other waste collecting tanks such as grease traps, rainwater

collection tanks and stormwater collection tanks

Summary of the Invention

In accordance with a first aspect, the present invention provides an apparatus for waste collection comprising :

a body having a plurality of walls defining a hollow arranged to hold liquid and solid waste, the body having a bottom surface; and

a collection structure extending from the bottom surface ;

wherein the collection structure is arranged to collect sludge or other waste material. In an embodiment, the collection structure is arranged to collect sludge or solids waste as liquid waste and effluent is removed from the body.

In an embodiment, the collection structure comprises two or more walls and a base, the walls and base defining a hollow area arranged to collect sludge or waste.

In an embodiment the base slopes downwardly so that the channel increases in depth relevant to the bottom surface as it slopes.

In an embodiment the apparatus comprises one or more service outlets communicating with the collection

structure .

In an embodiment, the service outlets are positioned adjacent the collection area and being arranged to enable extraction of liquids, effluent, sludge and/or solid waste from the collection area.

In an embodiment the collection structure comprises a collection area, and the structure is shaped to direct sludge or other solid waste to the collection area.

In accordance with a second aspect, the present invention provides an apparatus for waste collection comprising :

a body, comprising a bottom surface and a plurality of walls, the base and walls defining a channel that extends from the bottom surface;

the channel being arranged to collect sludge and waste material.

In an embodiment, the channel comprises at least two walls extending downwardly from the bottom surface, and a base extending between the two walls, wherein the at least two walls and the base define a space for collecting sludge material.

In an embodiment the base comprises a sloped portion that slopes downwardly so that the channel increases in depth relevant to the bottom surface as it slopes.

In an embodiment the base includes a first sloped portion and a second sloped portion, the sloped portions being angled downwardly at a descent angle relative to the bottom surface, the sloped portions being angled such that they converge, the converging point of the two sloped portions defining a collection area.

In an embodiment, one sloped portion has a greater angle of descent than the other sloped portion.

In an embodiment, the angle of descent of one sloped portion is 1.5 to 3.5 times greater than the angle of descent of the other sloped portion, wherein the descent angle of both sloped portions is less than 90 degrees relative to a horizontal.

In an embodiment the apparatus further comprises at least one service outlet extending from the channel.

In an embodiment, the service outlet is arranged to be connected to an extraction device to extract effluent and collected sludge from the channel.

In a further embodiment the apparatus comprises a plurality of service outlets extending from the service channel, the plurality of service outlets extending outward from the channel and extending from adjacent the collection area of the channel such that sludge collected within the collection area can be withdrawn from the channel .

In an embodiment, the apparatus for waste collection is a waste treatment tank.

In an embodiment the body comprises at least one spine that extends across at least three walls defining the body.

In an embodiment, the apparatus further comprises one or more longitudinal ribs that extend along at least wall of the body, the longitudinal ribs extending parallel to the spine along two surfaces and perpendicular to the spine and one surface.

In an embodiment, the apparatus comprises a plurality of transverse ribs that extends along the body and extend perpendicular to the longitudinal ribs and the spine.

In an embodiment the apparatus is any one of:

a septic tank;

grease trap;

sewerage collection tank;

stormwater collection tank;

rainwater collection tank.

In a further embodiment the apparatus comprises a plurality of channels that extend from the bottom surface.

In an embodiment one or more of the plurality of channels extends parallel to another of the channels.

In a further embodiment one or more of the plurality of channels extends perpendicularly to another of the channel.

In an embodiment the channel is retrofittable . It may be fastened to the bottom surface.

In accordance with a third aspect, the present invention provides a device for collection of waste material comprising:

a plurality of walls wherein the walls define a collection area within the device, the collection area arranged to collect sludge or solid waste.

In an embodiment the device comprises a base, the base comprises at least one sloped portion that slopes downwardly .

In an embodiment the downwardly sloped portion of the base and the walls defining a collection point. The sloped portion directs sludge or solids waste to the collection area.

In a further embodiment the device further comprises one or more service outlets extending from the device.

In an embodiment the device is arranged to be attached to an apparatus for waste collection as described earlier .

In accordance with a fourth aspect, the present invention provides method for waste collection and

management comprising the steps of:

collecting liquid waste, sludge and solid waste in an apparatus for waste collection;

extracting liquid waste from the apparatus;

collecting or sumping solid waste in a collection area via a structure or device for collecting waste; and removing solid waste from the collection area via a service outlet.

In an embodiment the structure or device for

collecting waste is a channel or similar structure that includes a volume for collecting waste.

In an embodiment the apparatus for waste collection may be substantially in accordance with the preceding aspects .

In an embodiment the collection structure or device for collecting waste may be in the form of a channel as described earlier.

In an embodiment the structure or device comprises one or more service outlets extending from the structure or device, the service outlets positioned adjacent the collection area and the service outlets arranged to extract liquid or solid waste.

In this specification the terms "effluent" and

"sewerage" mean liquid waste material. The terms "sludge" and "solid materials" mean substantially solid waste material which can comprise completely solid materials and also a viscous mixture of liquid and solid components.

In one embodiment the present invention is a solution to aid in the servicing of grease traps of septic tanks which will overcome or substantially ameliorate at least some of the deficiencies of the prior art or provide the public with a useful alternative.

The waste collection apparatus can be adapted for use in waste treatment operations (such as a settling tank for a water treatment facility) . The apparatus or device as described may also be used as part of a waste collection system or a waste treatment system. Brief Description of the Drawings

Features and advantages of the preset invention will become apparent from the following description of the embodiments thereof by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the septic tank with a sludge channel in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 2 shows a side view of a septic tank with a sludge channel in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 3 shows an end view of the tank with the sludge channel in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 4 shows a detailed end view of the channel in accordance with the present invention; and

Figure 5 shows a detailed end view of the channel with an outlet extending from the channel in accordance with the present invention. Description of Preferred/Specific Embodiments

The figures show an embodiment of an apparatus for waste collection. In general the waste collection

apparatus comprises a hollow body with an associated collection structure for collecting sludge and other solids in a collection area. The body is defined by a plurality of walls. The collection structure extends from at least one wall. The apparatus further comprises outlets extending from the collection structure to allow for quick and easy extraction of sludge and other solids material. The collection structure comprises a plurality of walls that define a collection area to collect sludge or solid waste. The outlets extend outwardly from

adjacent the collection area. The apparatus as shown in the figures is a septic tank and the foregoing description will be described with reference to a septic tank.

Figures 1, 2 and 3 show different views of an embodiment of the present invention. The Figures show an example of the apparatus for waste collection in

accordance with the present invention. In the illustrated example the apparatus is a septic tank 1 with a servicing channel 20. The tank 1 (or apparatus) comprises a hollow body 2 that encloses a space within the tank 1. The space within the tank 1 being adapted to hold liquids, solids, sludge and other materials within the tank 1. For the septic tank shown in the figures, the space is adapted to hold effluent and sewerage.

The tank 1 comprises a plurality of walls that define the body 2 and the space within the tank. The surfaces may be planar or curved depending on the shape of the tank. For example a rounded tank will have curved

surfaces defining the body. A rectangular tank will have planar walls defining the body 2.

In the illustrated embodiment the tank 1 is

substantially cylindrical in shape. The tank 1

illustrated in Figures 1 to 4 is described with respect to an absolute frame of reference. Various features of the tank 1 utilise gravity to perform a specific function (such as the collection structure 20 disposed at the bottom of the tank) . The tank 1 may have to be installed within an acceptable range of orientations to adequately perform some of these functions. The tank 1 is

illustrated in a preferred orientation in the side elevation presented in Figure 2. The figure (Figure 2) provides context for some of the relative terms (top, bottom, side, end) employed to describe the tank 1 in this specification.

The tank 1 comprises a top wall and a bottom wall that define the top surface and a bottom surface 4 respectively of the tank. Two side walls extend between the top and bottom walls to define the side surfaces 7 of the tank. The side walls terminate at either end in two opposing end walls. The end walls define the end surfaces 5, 6 of the tank. The walls form an integral body. The individual walls may not be clearly delimited (as

illustrated in the figures) because of the curvature of the tank body. The illustrated wall surfaces are formed as a single body, but for purposes of this specification will be referenced and discussed separately.

The tank body 2 may be formed in various

configurations (such as a prism shaped enclosure where the tank surfaces are substantially planar and offset at definitive angles) . However, cylindrical shaped tank bodies are typically preferable for underground

applications where the body supports an external load (such as top soil) . This is because cylindrical bodies generally exhibit better load (stress) distribution characteristics and require less reinforcement.

The tank 1 further comprises an inlet 9 and an outlet 10. The inlet 9 is adapted to connect to a pipe or any other suitable conduit or pump to receive sewerage and/or effluent. The outlet 10 is adapted to be connected to a pipe or conduit or a pump to allow the liquid effluent and/or sewerage to flow out of the tank 1. In the

illustrated form the inlet 9 and outlet 10 are aligned along a common axis (the longitudinal axis of the tank 1) . As shown in the figures, the inlet 9 and outlet 10 are positioned on opposing surfaces of the tank 1. In an alternate form, the inlet 9 and outlet 10 may not have a common longitudinal axis. In another form the inlet 9 and outlet 10 may be positioned on the same surface of the tank or may be positioned on any respective surface of the tank. The inlet 9 and outlet 10 may further comprise suitable couplings to allow the inlet 9 and the outlet 10 to be connected to any other device.

The tank 1 comprises at least one hatch 11 positioned on the top surface 3 of the tank 1. In the illustrated form the tank 1 comprises two hatches 11 positioned on the top surface 3. The hatches 11 are removable to allow a person to climb into the tank 1 to clean and service the tank 1. As described earlier, in order to clean the septic tank a person is required to climb into the tank and physically remove or vacuum the trapped sludge and solids materials that settle onto the floor or bottom surface within the tank.

The tank 1 includes a spine 12 that extends along at least three surfaces of the tank 1. In the illustrated embodiment the spine 12 extends along two end surfaces 5 and 6, the bottom surface 4 and the top surface 3 of the tank 1. The tank 1 may further comprise at least one longitudinal rib 13 that extends in a longitudinal direction along the two side surfaces 7 and the two end surfaces 5, 6 of the tank 1. The longitudinal direction is the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 40, shown in Figure 2. In the illustrated form, the tank 1 comprises two parallel longitudinal ribs 13a 13b that extend along the two side surfaces 7 and two end surfaces 5, 6. The two longitudinal ribs 13a 13b are spaced apart from each other and positioned about a longitudinal axis 40. The longitudinal ribs 13a 13b extend parallel to each other. The longitudinal ribs are 13a 13b perpendicular to the spine at the end surfaces 5 and 6, as seen in

Figure 3. The longitudinal ribs 13a 13b are substantially parallel to the spine in the longitudinal direction, along the side surfaces 7.

The tank 1 further comprises a plurality of

transverse ribs 14 that extend perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 40 and perpendicular to the longitudinal ribs 13a 13b. The transverse ribs 14 extend along the two side surfaces 7, the top surface 3 and the bottom surface 4 of the tank 1. The transverse ribs 14 are spaced from each other. In the illustrated embodiment the transverse ribs 14 are spaced equidistant along the body 2. The tank 1 may further comprise two additional partial ribs 15a 15b that extend across the entire end surfaces 5, 6 and partially along the side surfaces 7, as seen in Figures 2 and 3.

The spine 12, longitudinal ribs 13a 13b and

transverse ribs 14 increase the strength, rigidity and structural stiffness of the tank. The spine and ribs provide flexural stiffness (stiffness against flexing and deformation when the tank is filled with effluent) to reinforce the structural integrity of the tank 1. Septic tanks, and other similar tanks, are often used

underground. These tanks, when in use, are required to bear large loads due to dirt, concrete or other structural elements positioned over the tanks. The spine and ribs increase the tanks stiffness and rigidity, bracing the body against external loading so that the tank can support large loads without significant deformation. The two additional partial ribs 15a 15b provide further strength and stiffness to the end surfaces of the tank.

Figures 1, 2 and 3 show a structure, for collecting sludge and other solids waste, from the tank. The illustrated structure is integral with the tank and includes a collection area. The structure is shaped to direct solid waste to the collection area for extraction. In Figures 1 to 4, the structure is in the form of a channel .

The waste collection apparatus 1 illustrated in Figures 1 to 4 incorporates a service channel 20. The illustrated service channel 20 extends from the bottom surface 4 of the tank 1. The channel may extend the entire length of the tank 1 (as illustrated in Figures 1 to 4) or a partial length of the tank 1. The length depends on the size of the tank and the intended

application. For example, a settling tank in a waste treatment facility will typically have a greater channel volume than a stormwater tank..

The servicing channel 20 is shaped to collect sludge and solids from the tank when liquids are pumped out of the tank 1. The servicing channel allows for easy removal of the sludge and solids material and simplifies servicing of the tank 1 because the sludge and solids material is collected within the channel 20.

The illustrated servicing channel 20 comprises two sides 21, 22 that extend downwardly away from the bottom surface 4 of the tank 1. The sides 21, 22 are

substantially parallel to each other in the illustrated embodiment, defining a channel of substantially constant width along the length of the tank 1. The two sides 21, 22 are spaced apart from each other as shown in Figure 4. The sides 21, 22 of the channel may also be angled toward each other. In this configuration, the walls 21, 22 preferably converge toward each other. The walls 21, 22 may converge to a trough that extends along the tank or terminate in an auxiliary base section.

The illustrated service channel 20 further comprises a bottom wall 23 that extends between the two sides 21, 22. The edges 24a, 24b where the channel sides 21, 22 meet the base 23 are rounded. The rounded edges 24a 24b extend parallel to each other along the length of the tank .

The size of the servicing channel 20 typically reflects the size of the tank 1. Large tanks have large servicing channels, whereas small tanks have smaller servicing channels. The intended application of the tank may also influence the capacity (i.e. volume) of the service channel 20. The depth of the walls 21, 22 is between lmm-500mm. In other forms the depth of the walls 21, 22 can be any suitable size depending on the size of the tank. The edges 24a, 24b are preferably arcuate (i.e. shaped as an arc segment) with a radius between lmm-200mm (depending on the size of the tank and the servicing channel) . The illustrated embodiment of the edges 24a, 24b has a radius of approximately 60mm. The rounded edges of the service channel 20 reduce the Mead space' where sludge and solids may collect when the channel 20 is drained .

In one form the service channel 20 is formed within the spine 12. The channel 20 may be part of the spine 12. This provides for additional rigidity and strength for the channel and tank. In an alternative form, the channel may be positioned adjacent the spine 12.

The service channel includes a hollow space 25 that is defined by a plurality of walls of the channel 20. The illustrated embodiment shows the channel comprises walls

21, 22 and a bottom wall 23. The side walls 21, 23 of the channel are generally upright and perpendicular to the bottom wall 23 in the illustrated embodiment. The bottom wall 23 forms the base of the channel (bottom wall and base may be used interchangeably to describe this

feature) . Both terms describe the same feature. The hollow space is arranged to collect sludge and other solids as liquid effluent and sewerage is pumped out of the tank. As the liquid level drops, the sludge and solids settle to the bottom of the tank 1. As the sludge and solids settle, they are directed toward and collected within the service channel 20.

The service channel may have a variable depth. The base 23 of the service channel may comprise at least one portion that slopes away from the bottom of the tank so that a section of the channel 20 increases in depth. The sloped portion of the base 23 is ideally angled downwardly from the bottom surface 4 of the tank. The downward angle of the sloped portion is referred to as the angle of descent. The angle of descent is measured or determined relative to the horizontal.

The downward slope of the channel directs sludge and solids toward the lowest point of the tank 1. This may be used to concentrate sludge and solids in a section of the channel to simplify evacuation of the tank 1. The illustrated channel 20 is sloped toward a collection area. The sloped portion descends at an angle to the collection area 26. The collection area 26 is disposed within channel 20 in the illustrated embodiment. The collection area 26 being the lowest point of the tank. The sloped portion is arranged to direct sludge or solids material or other waste to a collection area for removal.

In another form, the base of the service channel 20 may comprise a first sloping portion and a second sloping portion. The sloping portions are angled downward relative to the bottom surface or the horizontal. The sloped portions extend downwardly from the bottom surface 4 of the tank. The first and second sloped portions are angled such that they converge, wherein the meeting point of the two sloped portions (i.e. the convergence point) defines a collection area 26 as illustrated embodiment in Figure 2.

The base 23 of the illustrated tank comprises two sloped portions. Both the first sloped portion 27 and the second sloped portion 28 are angled downward relative to the horizontal. The sloped portions 27, 28 extend away from the bottom surface of the tank. The sloped portions are angled such that they converge to a collection area

26. In the illustrated embodiment one sloped portion has a greater angle of descent than the other sloped portion. In one embodiment the first sloped portion 27 has a greater angle of descent than the second sloped portion 28. In another embodiment the second sloped portion 28 has a greater angle of descent than the first sloped portion 27. In a further embodiment the two sloped portions may have an equal angle of descent. The depth of the channel varies due to the sloped portion of the base. The depth (or the vertical dimension) of the walls 21, 22 also varies .

In the illustrated embodiment, the sloped portion 27 is has an angle of descent A between 20-89°. The second sloped portion 28 has an angle of descent B between 5-65°. In the illustrated embodiment one sloped portion has a greater angle of descent than the other sloped portion. As described earlier, either the first 27 or second 28 sloped portions may have a greater angle of descent than the other respective sloped portion. The ratio of the angle of one sloped portion to the angle of the other sloped portion is between 1.5-3.5:1. This means that the angle of one sloped portion is between 1.5 to 3 times greater than the angle of the other sloped portion. In the illustrated embodiment the sloped portion 27 is angled at approximately 67 degrees, while the sloped portion 28 is angled at approximately 33 degrees.

The sloped portions converge to a collection area 26 within the channel 20. The base 23 includes sloped portions so that sludge or solids material or other waste material is directed to a collection area 26 within the channel and is not trapped at the ends of the service channel 20. The angle of the sloped portions 27, 28 allows for collection of the sludge and solids material within the collection area 26, of the channel as liquids are drawn out of the tank 1.

The servicing channel 20 further comprises at least one service outlet that extends from the channel. The service outlet is adapted to be connected to a vacuum pump to draw out liquids from the tank and also to draw out collected sludge and solids material from the service channel . The illustrated embodiment shows the channel comprises two service outlets 30 and 31 that extend outward from the service channel 20. The service outlets 30, 31 extend from the walls 21, 22 of the channel 20. The service outlets 30, 31 are apatures facilitate extraction of liquid, sludge and solid materials. Further the service outlets 30, 31 are in fluid communication with the service channel 20. The service outlets 30 and 31 are positioned at or near the collection area 26, and extend in opposite directions to each other from adjacent the collection area 26. The service outlets 30 and 31 extend substantially parallel to each other. The service outlets are adapted to be connected to a vacuum pump such that liquid effluent, solids materials and sludge from the tank can be removed via the servicing channel. The service outlets 30, 31 may comprise suitable coupling arrangements to allow the service outlets 30, 31 to connect to a vacuum pump or any other pump.

The service outlets 30, 31 may have an apature diameter between 50-80mm, for the illustrated embodiment. However in other embodiments the service outlets may be any suitable diameter depending on the size of the service channel 20 and the size of the tank 1. For example, large tanks would have larger service outlets 30, 31 because a greater volume of liquid and solids needs to be pumped out of the tank. In another embodiment, the apature size of the service outlet 30, 31 may be any standard pipe size.

The service outlets 30, 31 are positioned at or adjacent the collection area 26 so that a contractor or a cleaner does not need to position a vacuum inside the tank (through the hatches) or a cleaner does not need to climb into the tank 1 to clean the tank. A vacuum pump can be connected to the service outlets 30, 31 and the contents of the tank can be removed via the service outlets 30, 31.

The apparatus for waste collection is manufactured using any standard manufacturing technique such as casting or moulding. The tank may be formed from a suitable polymer (such a polyethylene or other plastics) . The tank may be fabricated by a moulding or casting process using a steel or aluminium moulder cast. In an alternate form, the tank may be made of steel, aluminium or another suitable material that is resistant to corrosion and at least substantially resistant to degradation associated with sewerage or effluent material. A tank 1 with a service channel 20 as described above can be formed by casting. The tank 1 and service channel may be cast as two pieces using suitable dies and subsequently joined. In another form the service channel 20 may be machined from the body after the outer structure has been formed.

In a further form, the channel 20 may be a separate retrofittable device that can be attached to a suitable tank or another suitable waste collection or treatment apparatus. The channel 20 may be formed by casting or machining and subsequently welded, bolted, riveted or otherwise affixed to a tank body or to the body of any suitable waste collection or treatment apparatus. The service outlets 30, 31 may be cast or machined as part of the service channel. In an alternate form the service outlets 30, 31 may be a separate part that can be either welded, bolted, riveted or otherwise affixed in place.

The channel 20 may also be formed from a suitable corrosion resistant plastics material. The plastics material is ideally suited for use in waste material applications and is corrosion resistant. In one form, the channel 20 is formed from a plastics material (such as polyethylene) . The channel may be formed by casting or moulding. In another form, the channel 20 may be formed from a metal such as steel or aluminium.

The service channel 20 is advantageous because it allows for a more efficient cleaning and removal of sludge and solids materials from a tank 1. Traditionally, when septic tanks are emptied, the sludge and solids material are left behind and require a cleaner or contractor to climb into the septic tank through a hatch or at least use a vacuum line and vacuum through the hatch to clean the septic tank. The servicing channel 20 collects the sludge from tank within the collection area when the liquid from the tank is removed via the service outlets 30, 31. The sludge and solids materials are collected in the channel 20 as the liquid level drops.

Further the channel comprising angled or sloped portions allows the sludge to be directed to a collection area 26. This is advantageous because at least the majority of the sludge is collected in one area and does not remain trapped in the corners of the channel. The collected sludge is also removed through the service outlets 30, 31 because the service outlets extend from the channel. The sludge may settle in the channel while the waste material is held in the tank or collect within the channel 20 when the tank is drained. Both collection mechanisms are gravity induced and the angled shape of the channel 20 directs the sludge and solids to a collection area .

The illustrated tank 1 is substantially cylindrical in shape and has rounded edges so that minimal sludge gets trapped in ' corners ' . The rounded edges of the tank converge to a sludge channel 20 such that when liquid is removed from the channel, sludge and solids collect within the channel (in particular within the collection area 26) . The service outlets 30, 31 are connected adjacent the collection area 26 so that collected sludge and solids can be easily removed from the service channel 20 and the tank 1 (because the majority of the sludge collects at the collection area 26) . The structure of the illustrated tank 1 and service channel 20 is advantageous because it makes cleaning and removing sludge from the tank easier and safer. A cleaner does not have to climb into the tank with a vacuum line to extract sludge trapped in the various crevices of the septic tank.

The sludge channel and service outlets can be used with any other suitable tank structure in applications where solids are likely to settle within the tank (and require subsequent removal) . The embodiment of the service channel 20 as described is in relation to a septic tank but can be used in conjunction with any other suitable tank for example, with grease traps, rain water collection tanks, industrial waste collection tanks, bio-hazard collection tanks and the like.

The sludge channel is equally applicable for other applications and may be retrofitted to existing tanks as already specified.. The service channel 20 is ideally arranged to collect solids and/or sludge in a collection area. The service channel may comprise at least one angled or sloped edge that directs collected sludge to a collection area. The service channel further comprises at least one, but preferably two service outlets that extend in opposite directions to each other. The service outlets are ideally adapted to connect to a vacuum pump or another pump to evacuate the contents of the tank. The service outlets are positioned adjacent a collection area within the servicing channel so that sludge and collected solids materials can be removed from the servicing channel. In an alternative embodiment the apparatus for waste collection may comprise two or more structures for collecting sludge or other solids materials. The

apparatus may comprise two or more channels. The channels may all have a construction substantially as described earlier, with two walls, a base and at least one sloped portion angled downward from the bottom surface of the tank (i.e. the waste collection apparatus) toward a collection area. In a further alternative embodiment the two or more channels may be parallel to each other. In a further alternative embodiment, the two or more channels may extend perpendicular to each other. In this form, the channels may intersect and can be in fluid communication with each other so as to allow collected sludge to move between various channels. The channels may all include at least a sloped portion, wherein all the sloped portions of the channels converge to a single collection point. In an alternate form each channel may comprise a separate collection area. As a further alternative, some channels may include sloped portions that converge to a common collection area of some channels while other channels may have their own collection area within the channel.

A method for waste collection and management comprises the steps of collecting liquid waste, sludge and solid waste in an apparatus for waste collection,

extracting liquid waste, collecting solid waste in a collection area via a structure or device for collecting waste, removing solid waste from the collection area via a service outlet. The structure or device for collecting waste is a channel or similar structure that includes a hollow area for collecting waste. The structure typically includes at least two walls and a base formed in the shape of a channel. The base may further comprise at least one sloped portion that is angled downward toward the

collection area. The channel and service outlets are ideally substantially as described earlier.

In an alternative embodiment, the present invention relates to a device for collection of sludge arranged for use with an apparatus for waste collection, wherein the device comprises at least two walls, a base and a

collection area as part of the base. The device further comprises a hollow area defined by the walls and the base. The hollow area being arranged to collect sludge or solids . The base may comprise at least one sloped portion that is angled toward the collection area to direct sludge or solid material to the collection area. The device may be in the shape of a channel. The device further

comprises one or more service outlets extending outward from the device. The service outlets are substantially similar in structure to those described earlier. The device may be formed by casting, machining, moulding or another suitable fabrication process. The device is arranged to be attached to an apparatus for waste

treatment or collection such as a septic tank.

The device for collecting sludge or waste material may be removably attached to the base of a waste

collection tank or any other waste treatment apparatus. The device for sludge or waste collection may be attached to a waste collection tank by using bolts, rivets or other suitable fasteners. The device may be a retrofittable channel, with substantially similar structure as the channel described earlier. The channel may comprise a flange extending from the top of the walls. The flange may in the form of a lip that extends from the top of the wall. The flange can be used to removably attach the channel onto a waste collection apparatus such as a septic tank, grease trap, rainwater tank or any other waste treatment or collection apparatus. Some examples of removable attachments include bolting or riveting the channel to the tank body. In another form the device for collecting waste or sludge may be welded to an apparatus for waste collection, such as a septic tank, rainwater tank, grease trap or other waste collection apparatus.

Attaching the sludge collections device to a tank may involve invasively altering the tank structure by cutting a suitable opening to affix the device over. In one embodiment, a channel is arranged to align with the opening so that the waste from the tank settles into the channel (i.e. the device for collecting sludge or waste material) , such that the waste or sludge can be removed from the apparatus for waste collection.

In another alternative embodiment the apparatus 1 may comprise a plurality of service outlets that can extend from various locations along the channel. If there are multiple channels, each channel may have at least one, but possibly more service outlets extending from the channel. In another embodiment service outlets may extend through a plurality of channels and be in fluid communication with two or more channels.

The invention has been described with reference to a septic tank. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to this particular field of use, and can be used with other types of tanks that are used in waste collection, such as grease traps, rainwater

collection tanks, stormwater tanks and others.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the invention as shown in the specific embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as broadly described. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

An exemplary embodiment has been described with reference to the accompanying figures. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description and depicted in the drawings are not intended to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilised and changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein and illustrated in the drawings can be arranged, substituted, combined, separated and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are contemplated .

In this specification (including the claims, the summary of invention and the detailed description) , except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention .