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Both the agencies responsible for sewerage and private entrepreneurs may operate vacuum trucks, although the price and level of service may vary significantly. Some public operators may not service informal settlements, whereas some private operators may offer a reduced price, but can only afford to do so if they do not empty the sludge at a certified facility. The cost of hiring a vacuum truck can sometimes be the most expensive part of operating a sanitation system for some homeowners.
===Vacutug===The UN-HABITAT Vacutug Project was conceived in 1995 with the goal of developing ‘fully sustainable system for emptying pit latrines in unplanned, periurban areas and refugee camps in the developing countries’. The Vacutug consists of a 0.5 m³ 500 litre steel vacuum tank connected to vacuum pump which is connected to a gasoline enginethat has the capacity to remove sludge (or urine) at 1,700 litres a minute. On level ground, the vehicle is capable of around 5km/h. The waste sludge can be discharged under gravity or by slight pressurization from the pump. Recent results indicate that under certain circumstances (constant number of pits, transfer station, short transfer distance, etc.) the Vacutug can be sustainable and cover its operating and maintenance costs.
