Does Putting Raw Meat in a Septic Tank Keep it Clean?

In the realm of oddball home remedies and curious cleaning solutions, you’ve probably heard a myriad of unusual suggestions and “putting raw meat in the septic tank to keep it clean” is definitely at the top of the list of the most common crazy remedies. Let’s delve into this quirky proposal and see if there’s any substance to it or if it’s just another meaty myth.

The concept of putting raw meat in the septic tank seems grounded (weak pun intended) in the idea that septic tanks are teeming with bacteria, which, they are. These bacteria break down organic waste, transforming solids into a liquid (and gases) that can be safely dispersed into the drain field.

So, tossing in some raw meat seems logical, right? After all, more food for bacteria equals happier, more productive bacteria? Also, Grandpa did it for like 25 years so it must work because Grandpa was awesome.

Well, it’s not so straightforward (and Grandpa should have just given the meat to the dogs).

Septic System Basics

Firstly, a septic system works with a delicate balance of microorganisms, mainly bacteria, that break down waste products. These microbes feast on the organic matter in waste, primarily including proteins, fats, oils, and carbohydrates. When we flush, everything descends into the tank, separating into three layers: scum at the top, effluent (liquid) in the middle, and sludge at the bottom.

The Raw Meat Proposition

Raw meat is primarily composed of water, protein, and fats. Intuitively, introducing more of these into the tank would seem to provide additional nourishment to the bacteria, promoting their growth and activity. In theory, more bacteria should equate to faster decomposition of waste material, keeping the tank cleaner.

It’s easy to see how this idea came about. Someone (Grandpa) saw a dead animal and went, “I bet that there dead animal is full o’ bacter’a that’d be real good for eatin’ the oa’rganic solids [actually a different single word would have been used] in ma’ septic tank.” (My grandparents lived in Louisiana).

The Meaty Reality

However, dumping raw meat into your septic system can actually lead to a host of problems, such as:

1. Imbalance in the Septic Tank: Excessive amounts of any material, including meat, can disrupt the balanced ecosystem within the tank. This imbalance can lead to incomplete breakdown of solids, resulting in blockages and backups.
2. Grease and Fat Overload: Meat contains significant amounts of fats, and while some bacteria in the septic system can break down fats, overloading the system with them can lead to a buildup of grease, which can clog pipes and disrupt the normal flow of waste through the system. Fats, oils, and greases (aka “FOG’s” in the wastewater industry) are some of the hardest components to break down in wastewater and septic systems.
3. Potential for Pathogen Growth: Raw meat can be a source of harmful bacteria and pathogens. Introducing these to your septic tank can potentially contaminate the groundwater, posing serious health risks. You probably aren’t too concerned about this, but it’s a real thing — and a HUGE reason for increasing government regulation against septic systems.

A Meat-Free Solution

Keeping a septic tank clean and functional doesn’t involve carnivorous contributions (lame alliteration). Your system simply needs a healthy, well-rounded septic biome (which Accelerator by Dr. Pooper products facilitate), good septic practices (don’t put wipes, toys, plastics, and so on in the system), and occasional checks and pump outs to ensure the system is totally free of inorganic materials as well as organic solids.