Which material should never be introduced into a septic system?

Heavy metals should never be introduced into a septic system because they can be highly toxic and non-biodegradable, posing significant risks to the environment and the functionality of the system. Septic systems rely on a balanced ecosystem of bacteria to break down organic waste. Heavy metals do not decompose and can disrupt this delicate balance, potentially leading to system failure and contamination of groundwater. Moreover, heavy metals can accumulate in the soil and groundwater over time, causing long-term environmental harm.

In contrast, biodegradable waste, household soap (in moderation), and food scraps (in small quantities, depending on the system) can be processed by the septic system, as they are designed to handle organic materials. However, excessive amounts or specific types of these materials could also lead to issues, but the introduction of heavy metals is unequivocally detrimental to any septic system.