Licensing Guides
State Septic License: How to Become a Septic Contractor in New York
Septic, NY
Table of Contents
Septic License Requirements in New York
We all need safe, reliable sewage management for our homes and businesses. Those homeowners and businesses that rely on septic tanks, also known as on-site sewage facilities (OSSF) or onsite wastewater treatment systems (OWTS), depend on people who know how to install and maintain those systems.
In New York state, 22% of homes use septic systems, according to the Cornell University Geospatial Information Repository.
New York employs 1,680 septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). There are 27,900 nationwide.
The projected growth rate nationally is expected to be 8% from 2023 to 2033, adding 3,000 of these skilled workers to the ranks. In New York, according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website, the projected growth rate is double at 16% for septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners.
If you’re thinking about starting a septic business or working in the field, you need to know the requirements in your state or local jurisdiction. This guide will help you determine what you need before you get started.
Who Issues Septic Licenses in New York?
In New York, both the state and local jurisdictions issue septic licenses. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) issues waste transporter permits for those who transport and dispose of septage.
Local jurisdictions also set licensing rules for septic installers, pumpers, and haulers. Typically, county health departments require septic contractors to complete training and receive a license. Since each jurisdiction follows different rules, it’s important to check with government agencies in each locality where you plan to work to ensure you meet all licensing or registration guidelines.
The New York State Department of Health Center for Environmental Health provides septic system standards and guidelines. Its design handbook informs property owners about the septic system installation process, such as percolation tests, septic tank size determinations, and leach field placement. It also educates the public about system components and operational recommendations, such as regular pump outs and effluent pump maintenance.
New York Code Title 10, Department of Health Chapter II, Part 75, Appendix 75-A sets out the state sanitary code and design standards for residential onsite wastewater systems, and New York Code Title 6, Chapter IV sets out waste transporter permitting requirements. These guidelines work to protect drinking water quality, the surrounding water bodies, and public health.
Types of Septic Licenses in New York
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation issues waste transporter permits for those who transport and dispose of septage. Local jurisdictions also issue permits or licenses for septic contractors who install, service, pump, and haul septage.
The types of local septic licenses vary based on the jurisdiction, so you’ll need to check with local health departments and government agencies where you plan to work to meet local licensing requirements.
We’ll cover New York’s waste transporter permit and the licensing requirements in Suffolk County, which has the largest number of septic systems in the state, according to the Suffolk County Stormwater Management Program.
New York Waste Transporter Permit
The DEC issues a Part 364 Permit for transporting septage. A Part 364 Registration is for transporting commercial solid waste.
The Part 364 Permit allows businesses to transport:
Residential septage
Residential raw sewage, including portable toilet wastes
Non-residential raw sewage or sewage-contaminated wastes
Sludge from a sewage treatment plant or water supply treatment plant
Septic businesses must carry a copy of the waste transporter permit in each vehicle used to transport waste, and follow additional state requirements. For a full list of permitted waste types and requirements, visit the DEC’s waste transporter page.
Suffolk County Liquid Waste License
Local septic licenses vary based on jurisdiction. The Suffolk County Department of Labor, Licensing, and Consumer Affairs issues the following liquid waste licensing endorsements relating to septic system installation and service.
The license is for the member, officer, owner, or partner of the business. Applicants must have work experience for five of the past 10 years of employment in the appropriate field.
Septic tank pumping, cleaning, and maintenance (Endorsement 1)
This endorsement requires:
Proof of ownership of a dedicated pump/vacuum truck for sanitary and/or organic waste.
A Long Island Liquid Waste Association (LILWA) certification or completion of a National Association of Wastewater Technicians (NAWT) vacuum truck technician class.
Waste line cleaning and inspection (Endorsement 5)
This endorsement requires:
Proof of ownership of dedicated jetting or waste line cleaning equipment.
A LILWA certification.
Bulk liquid waste transportation (Endorsement 6)
This endorsement requires:
Proof of ownership of a dedicated pump/vacuum truck for sanitary and/or organic waste.
A LILWA certification or completion of a NAWT vacuum truck technician class.
Vactor (pump/vacuum) services (Endorsement 7)
This endorsement requires:
Proof of ownership of a dedicated pump/vacuum truck for sanitary and/or organic waste.
A LILWA certification or completion of a NAWT vacuum truck technician class.
Conventional septic system installation (Endorsement 9)
This endorsement requires:
Current LILWA certification, or completion of the Suffolk County Department of Health Services with University of Rhode Island’s conventional system installation overview class, or the NAWT onsite installer certificate of completion professional training class.
Innovative and alternative treatment system installer (Endorsement 10)
This endorsement requires:
An Endorsement 9 for conventional septic system installation.
Completion of the Suffolk County Department of Health Services with University of Rhode Island’s innovative and alternative onsite wastewater treatment technology class.
Prior to installing any systems, the applicant must have an installation training certificate from the manufacturers.
Innovative and alternative treatment system service provider (Endorsement 11)
This endorsement requires:
Completion of the Suffolk County Department of Health Services with University of Rhode Island’s innovative and alternative onsite wastewater treatment technology class.
Prior to servicing any systems, the applicant must have an installation training certificate from the manufacturers.
Steps to Get a Septic License in New York
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation provides all the information about getting a waste transporter permit for transporting septage on its website.
To get a waste transporter permit, follow these steps.
Download and complete the waste transporter permit application.
Include business contact information, receiving facility, and vehicle information.
Provide a certificate of insurance for workers’ compensation insurance, showing the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation as the certificate holder; or provide a certificate of attestation of exemption; or provide a certificate of workers’ compensation self insurance.
Email new permit applications to: transport@dec.ny.gov; fax to (518) 402-9034; or mail to: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Division of Materials Management 625 Broadway, 9th Floor Albany, NY 12233-7251
Applicants do not send payment with the application. The DEC will send applicants an invoice. Annual fees include $250 for the first vehicle transporting residential septage and residential raw sewage or portable toilet waste and $100 for each additional vehicle of the same waste type. For all other regulated waste, the cost is $500 for the first vehicle and $200 for each additional vehicle of the same waste type. The DEC provides a regulatory fee PDF for more information.
The DEC also provides a FAQ section for general information about waste transporter permits on its waste transporter page. For other questions, contact the department at (518) 402-8792 or email transport@dec.ny.gov.
Other licensing requirements, including business licenses, vary depending on local regulations. To get a license to install or service septic systems, check with the local jurisdictions where you plan to work. Some localities require completion of initial training, while others require a specific number of years of work experience. In Suffolk County, the application requirements for a Liquid Waste License can be found on its application.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Septic License in New York?
To obtain an annual New York waste transporter permit, it costs $250 for the first vehicle transporting residential septage and residential raw sewage or portable toilet waste and $100 for each additional vehicle of the same waste type.
The cost of other septic licenses in the state vary depending on local regulations. For instance, in Suffolk County, a liquid waste license application for septic tank installations or servicing costs $200. Applicants also pay a $400 license fee for one endorsement, with additional endorsements costing $200. Applicants must also hold a certification and/or complete a training class, which incurs an additional cost.
What Business Owners Need to Know
Getting the most out of a septic operator license, no matter where technicians are in their licensing journey, takes work. ServiceTitan cloud-based, all-in-one septic business software gives technicians and business owners the technology they need to do the work efficiently, and the data they need to do it smartly.
ServiceTitan features:
SMS communications that keep customers informed about the technician’s visit.
Location-specific service history, including recorded calls, accessible from the mobile app.
Required forms that ensure every job is done right, driving consistency.
The ability to build multi-option proposals with photos, on-site, in minutes.
Sales presentations that make conversations with customers easier and drive the average ticket.
Mobile payment acceptance, eliminating lost checks and increasing cash flow.
To learn more, schedule a demo with a product expert today.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Septic License in New York?
The time it takes to get a septic license in New York depends on the requirements and processing times of local agencies. Getting a New York waste transporter permit can be accomplished fairly quickly, since there are no prior training or education requirements.
Some localities require training or a specific number of years of work experience before the applicant is qualified for a license. For instance, in Suffolk County, septic contractors seeking a particular license endorsement must have worked five of the past 10 years employed in the same field. They also must obtain a specific certification and/or complete a training class.
New York Septic Training Programs and Schools
The state waste transporter permit does not require completion of a training program. Approved training programs and schools depend on the regulations of the local jurisdiction. Many county health departments require septic contractors to complete training through a licensing instruction program.
In Suffolk County, applicants for the liquid waste license conventional septic system installation endorsement must hold a LILWA certification, or complete the Suffolk County Department of Health Services with University of Rhode Island’s conventional system installation overview class, or complete the NAWT onsite installer professional training class.
It’s important to check with agencies in the county or city where you plan to work in order to meet training requirements.
New York Septic Licensing Exam Details
Whether a septic license requires an exam depends on the licensing requirements of local agencies. Some counties require septic system contractors to pass an exam before receiving a license. Those applying for the state’s waste transporter permit for transporting septage do not need to pass an exam.
The #1 newsletter for the trades.
Do I Need to Renew My New York Septic License?
Yes. Those with a New York waste transporter permit must renew their permit annually. Renewal applications must be submitted to the New York State DEC no less than 30 days before permit expiration. The permit costs $250 for the first vehicle transporting residential septage and residential raw sewage or portable toilet waste and $100 for each additional vehicle of the same waste type.
The renewal cycle of local septic licenses depends on the regulations of local jurisdictions.
Does New York Reciprocate Septic Licenses?
The state of New York does not hold reciprocity agreements with other states for septic licenses. Waste transporters must obtain an annual permit from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. In addition, septic contractors will need to meet local licensing or registration requirements, which vary by jurisdiction.
National Septic Certifications
Other certifications can help you demonstrate your proficiency to potential employers and clients. The National Association of Wastewater Technicians and The National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association offer certifications. Those and other professional certifications are not required but add to your marketability by showing your commitment to industry standards and environmental health, potentially increasing your opportunity to make more money.
To find local training resources, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) lists onsite wastewater treatment training centers by state. You can also learn more about wastewater treatment standards, proper treatment of effluent, and watershed and groundwater protection through other industry associations in New York. These include:
Continuing Education
The state waste transporter permit for transporting septage does not require continuing education. Whether a septic license requires continuing education before license renewal depends on the regulations of local agencies.
Resources
You can stay up to date on all septic industry news several ways:
Check top septic blogs, including ServiceTitan’s blog.
Read about the latest industry trends, and discover ideas on how to grow your septic business.
Listen to top septic podcasts like ServiceTitan’s “Toolbox for the Trades” podcast.
States have licensing requirements for other trades, too. You can find out more about how to get an HVAC, plumbing, electrical, or general contractor license in New York, or in any of the other 49 states and the District of Columbia, through the ServiceTitan Licensing Hub.
