I think you have let this get out of proportion and it is causing you all sorts of unnecessary worry. It's water and detritus. No disease, no danger. Get a bucket, dip it in, take out a modest amount and tip it down a drain or onto a quiet border. Repeat. When you get to the sludge, scoop out small amounts and put it on the compost heap or soil. There are dewponds, and indeed, garden ponds that have existed like this for donkey's years. If there was any danger, we would know.
If you don't need the container perhaps you could make a hole in the side. Use a battery drill with a small drill bit or a hammer and nail - the water will then seep out gradually. Good luck with whatever you decide. 🙂
Unbelievably, many (lazy) people leave their horse troughs for years until they're mostly black sludge. 🤬 I can't count the amount of troughs I've bucketed out while almost gagging. The sludge will dry quickly if it's on the ground.
Bale out the liquid and use it on your beds/borders, then use a spade/trowel or similar to take out the gunk. It'll be fine You can put it in a compost bin if you have one, or add it to borders, although if you do the latter - I'd break it up and incorporate it, as it can easily become a solid, impermeable mass if it dries out.
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
@Posy thank you. Yes a certain perspective is important. As I said, safeguarding grandkids is top priority. Lovely advice from kind folks here has been brilliant to bring me back to reality.
@ShepherdsBarn thank you. Great idea. No I don’t plan to use the container. Was planning on advertising as a freebie on online, anybody that’s wants it are welcomed to it.
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I can't count the amount of troughs I've bucketed out while almost gagging. The sludge will dry quickly if it's on the ground.
You can put it in a compost bin if you have one, or add it to borders, although if you do the latter - I'd break it up and incorporate it, as it can easily become a solid, impermeable mass if it dries out.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...