As of 1 January 2026, the transport of sludge generated from residential properties has become the responsibility of Puhas throughout its entire operating area: Joensuu, Liperi, Kontiolahti, Polvijärvi and Ilomantsi. From now on, all septic tank and cesspool emptying services must be ordered through Puhas.

The change is based on a decision by the Joensuu Regional Waste Management Authority. The actual emptying work is carried out by contractors selected through competitive tendering, and it applies to both permanent residences and holiday homes.

Sludge tank emptying fees 2026 (in Finnish)

Regular and Planned Emptying Is Recommended

Sludge tank emptying services are divided into four service types based on scheduling and urgency. For regular and standard on-demand emptying, the exact date and time are determined by route planning. For this reason, a precise time slot cannot be given to the customer.

If the customer must be present during the emptying, for example due to a locked gate or required maintenance actions, the service should be ordered as a scheduled (time-specific) emptying.

Types of Emptying Services

Säännöllinen tyhjennys (regular emptying)
Regular emptying is carried out at an agreed interval, such as once a year. This allows cost-efficient route planning and is therefore the most affordable and environmentally friendly option.

Tilaustyhjennys (on-demand emptying)
On-demand emptying means the customer orders the service separately. The emptying is carried out within the next seven working days or during a separately agreed week.

Täsmätyhjennys (time-spesific emptying)
Scheduled emptying is carried out within three working days of the order or at a separately agreed time. This option is useful when the tank is locked or when the customer needs to carry out actions immediately after emptying.

Päivystystyhjennys (emergency emptying)
Emergency emptying is intended only for urgent situations. The emergency contractor is Joen Loka. Emergency emptying is carried out as soon as possible, and always within five hours of placing the order. The service is charged on an hourly basis, starting from the moment the emptying vehicle departs from Joensuu.

For emergency emptying, please contact Joen Loka directly by phone at 040 486 0367. Do note that emergency emptying is significantly more expensive than other emptying services.

Contractors by Area

The entire Puhas operating area has been tendered as five contract areas. The areas are designed so that each contractor can operate with a single vehicle. For this reason, the contract areas do not follow municipal boundaries.

When looking at prices, you don't need to know your contract area, just the actual municipality.

Contract area 1 – Hepex
Polvijärvi and the northern part of Liperi.

Contract area 2 – Verdis Oy
Liperi, excluding the area north of the Käsämänsalmi bridge. In Joensuu and Kontiolahti, the area extends to the Pielisjoki river at Jaamankangas.

Contract area 3 – Jokiville Oy
Most of Kontiolahti, parts of northern Joensuu up to Ilomantsintie, and the western part of Ilomantsi along the Haapajoki river.

Contract area 4 – Verdis Oy
Southern Kontiolahti south of Ilomantsintie, including the Hammaslahti area.

Contract area 5 – Metsäkiito Oy
Most of Ilomantsi and areas south of Ilomantsintie. Northern Joensuu up to Heinävaaran, with a straight southern boundary ending near the Rauanjoki river at the Tohmajärvi border.

How to Ensure a Smooth Emptying Service

To allow the emptying to be carried out without issues, please make sure that:

• The emptying vehicle has unobstructed access as close to the tank as possible. If the distance to the tank exceeds 40 metres, additional hoses are required and will be charged separately.
• Tree branches along the driveway have been cleared to a minimum height of four metres.
• The driveway is wide and load-bearing enough for heavy vehicles. The same standard applies as for emergency service vehicles.

What Happens Next?

We will inform customers about sludge transport arrangements by letter. Letters will be sent in phases during the first months of 2026.

If you have a septic tank, cesspool or small, local sewage treatment plant that you have not yet reported to us, please contact our customer service to provide the missing tank details and ensure your contact information is up to date. Acting early helps ensure that emptying services start in the way that suits you best.

You can handle this easily through our website, for example via our chat service between 8:00 and 16:00, or by phone between 9:00 and 15:00.

You can also check and update your contact details through our online customer portal. If your details are up to date, you will receive a text message one week before the scheduled emptying and an email confirmation once the emptying has been completed.

Our goal is to ensure that the service is reasonably priced and fair for end customers, and that it can be delivered in a cost-efficient manner. We understand that the new operating model may raise questions at first. For this reason, we want to make the service as smooth and effortless as possible for customers.

In addition to customer interests, we also take into account the perspective of local contractors. Sludge transport contracts will continue to be developed in cooperation with contractors to improve economic efficiency, logistics and environmental performance.

Get more information about wastewater treatment (in Finnish)