Abstract: A septic system thermal recovery mechanism includes a septic tank. The tank has a top, a bottom, and at least one upstanding side wall joining the top to the bottom. The top, bottom, and at least one sidewall define an interior of the tank, and the at least one sidewall is devoid of angular corners. A septic inlet is adapted and constructed to conduct septic waste material into the interior of the tank, and a septic outlet is adapted and constructed to conduct septic waste material out of the interior of the tank. A thermal exchange fluid conduit is embedded in the at least one wall of the tank The thermal exchange fluid conduit is connected to a source of thermal exchange fluid.