How do cesspits work?

Cesspits, also known as cesspools, are underground chambers designed to collect and store human waste and wastewater from toilets and sometimes other household sources. As waste enters the cesspit, it settles at the bottom, where solids decompose over time through anaerobic digestion, while liquids seep out through the porous walls or bottom into the surrounding soil. Unlike septic tanks, cesspits do not treat wastewater, so they require regular pumping and maintenance to prevent overflow and contamination. Their use is declining in favor of more advanced sewage treatment systems that offer better environmental protection.