Living off the grid has become increasingly popular in the US in recent years, with more and more people seeking to live self-sufficiently and sustainably. A critical aspect of off-grid living is having a toilet system that is reliable, sanitary and environmentally friendly. With this in mind, let’s explore some off-grid options for waste management.
Composting Toilets (most popular)
Composting toilets are one of the most popular bathroom options for off-grid living. They use an all-natural composting process called aerobic decomposition to break down human waste without using chemicals.
What’s left over is a top-soil-like product that’s great to use as a fertilizer and can be applied in gardens and also on fruit trees.
Composting toilets come in many different styles, from self-contained units (which are great if you don’t have a lot of underfloor space) to some that require a separate composting chamber (these types of systems are called split systems and typically allow for higher usage levels). They’re typically easy to install and maintain (you can do this with only basic DIY knowledge) and they don’t require water.
The electricity needed to operate exhaust fans can be easily hooked up to solar power, giving you a complete off-grid toilet system.
Bucket Toilets
Another option for off-grid living is the bucket toilet. These toilets are exactly what they sound like – a bucket or other container is used to collect waste, which can then be disposed of properly. Bucket toilets are inexpensive and easy to set up (and they require no water or electricity to operate) however, they do require regular maintenance and disposal of waste, which may not be practical for everyone and can pose a health risk if not managed properly.
Incinerating Toilets
These types of toilets use a heating element to incinerate waste (yep, they literally burn your poo), leaving only ash behind. They require no water or sewer connection, and they produce no odor or waste that needs to be disposed of, but incinerating toilets can be expensive to install and maintain, and they require an abundant source of electricity to operate, which may not be an option if a majority of your power comes from solar or hydropower.
Pit Toilets
These toilets use a deep pit or hole to collect waste, which can then be covered with soil or other materials. Pit toilets are easy to set up (as you’re literally just digging a big ol’ hole) and require no water or electricity to operate. They can produce a strong odor if not properly maintained and can cause issues with groundwater depending on their placement and the depth of the hole.
Portable Toilets
Similar to toilets used in RVs, these toilets are designed to be easily moved and set up in a variety of locations. They come in many different styles, from basic models to those that include a sink or shower.
Portable toilets don’t typically use water or electricity although some models have the ability to be hooked up to a water receptacle. They may not be practical for long-term off-grid living as most models don’t treat waste – only store it, which then needs to be disposed of.
Some final thoughts on off-grid toilet options
Depending on which toilet system you choose for your home, it’s essential to follow some simple rules to ensure your waste management is sanitary and environmentally friendly.
- Make sure you dispose of your toilet waste properly: Waste from your toilet may need to be composted, incinerated, buried, or disposed of. Make sure you know your local regulations, so you’re not creating a health hazard for your family or an environmental problem for the community.
- Make sure you have proper ventilation: All toilets require proper ventilation to ensure odor and moisture are managed correctly. This is particularly important for composting toilets.
- Maintain your toilet: It’s crucial to maintain your toilet system properly, so it functions as intended. This can be anything from regular cleaning, and emptying, to making sure foreign items aren’t added to the toilet and adding natural enzymes or organic matter (the case for most composting toilets).
Off-grid living can require some unique approaches when it comes to toilet systems. Your budget, location and requirements will determine which system is best for you and by following some basic principles for sanitary and environmentally-friendly waste management, you can enjoy all the great benefits of off-grid living while also making sure that your waste is managed properly.