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by Emily Nicolosi, PhD. May 14 2020.
First, fun fact: outhouse racing is a sport.
An outhouse race in Virginia City. Image: Tom Smedes
Environmentally-friendly options for sewage have grown considerably in recent years, especially with the boom of composting toilet technology. Here, we’ll take a look at the main options available for those who want to disconnect from the sewage treatment plant and take an alternative, ecologically-minded approach to disposing of their biological waste.
Environmentally-friendly options for sewage have grown considerably in recent years, especially with the boom of composting toilet technology. Here, we’ll take a look at the main options available for those who want to disconnect from the sewage treatment plant and take an alternative, ecologically-minded approach to disposing of their biological waste.
Off Grid Outhouse / Pit Latrine
Off Grid Outhouse / Pit Latrine
Time: less than a day Expertise: novice Cost: <$100
A traditional outhouse or pit latrine is very simply a hole dug in the ground. It does need to be done in a specific way: a foundation first needs to be built around a hole about four feet deep, at least 35 yards from water, and above the water table and flood level. The user must add lime from time to time to help break down the waste and smell. Eventually, the waste will need to be hauled out and discarded, or composted properly if it’s to be used as fertilizer. A traditional outhouse can contaminate ground water if it is not lined properly.
A pit latrine under construction. Image: Roche Health Center.
Septic System
Septic System
Time: 2-5 days Expertise: advanced Cost: $3k to $10k
There are several different types of septic systems: conventional, chamber, drip distribution, mound systems, recirculating sand filter, evapotranspiration, constructed wetland, and more. If a cluster of shelters is present, community septic systems can also be used. Each system is adapted to a different set of conditions (“soil type, site slope, lot size, proximity to sensitive water bodies, weather conditions, or even local regulations.”) The basic concept remains the same: sewage enters a buried tank. The heavy stuff sinks to the bottom of the tank to eventually be discharged by a vacuum truck, while the lighter liquid floats to the top and then is discharged to a drain field. It is possible to DIY your septic tank system.
Image: EPA.gov
Composting toilet
Composting toilet
Time: <1 day (premade) - 5 days (DIY) Expertise: intermediate Cost: $3k to $10k
Composting toilets turn your waste into a product (called ‘humus’) that is nearly indistinguishable from beautiful, quality topsoil. You can use the humus in your garden where you have non-edible plants. Composting toilets are available from a variety of manufacturers, top end toilets go for about $2k, but you can also build your own for much less, here’s a complete guide to building a DIY compooster. There are two types of composting toilets.
Split systems. A split system has a larger capacity, but does require space under the floor. The toilet is actually split into two sections- a pedestal and tank. These systems are better suited for use by more than 5 people.
Self contained systems. A self contained system combines the toilet and tank. It doesn’t have a large capacity, but they can fit in tight spaces that don’t have a place to put a tank, like in a van or tiny house. They are fine for use with a small amount of people.
Other Options
Other Options
These options do provide alternatives to a conventional system, but are to varying extents inconvenient and not environmentally ideal.
Sewage Tank. A sewage tank is just that, and has to be pumped out a few times a year.
Incinerator Toilet. An incinerator toilet burns your poo. This is not necessarily an environmentally friendly option because of the methane released in combustion.
A honey bucket. A literal bucket lined with plastic. The bags have to be disposed of. Can be used in a pinch, but this method uses a lot of plastic and does not compost the waste.
Choosing the right system
Choosing the right system
Pit latrines are not the best option from an environmental perspective, but if you live in a rural area and don't have a lot of money or time, they will work. If you have multiple indoor toilets and/or want the most low maintenance option, a septic system is for you. A composting toilet is the answer for someone after the most environmentally-friendly option, with some time to spare and interest in using the humus.
This $1800 Sun-Mar composting toilet is perfect for someone with deep pockets looking for a quick off-grid composting solution.
Further Reading
Anand, C. K., & Apul, D. S. (2014). Composting toilets as a sustainable alternative to urban sanitation–A review. Waste management, 34(2), 329-343.
Off-Grid Sewage by Primal Survivor
Off-Grid Toilets by An Off Grid Life
Instructables
How to build an outhouse
Books
Gord and Ann Baird. 2019. Composting Toilets: A Guide to Options, Design, Installation, and Use. New Society Publishers.
R. Dodge Woodsom. 1997. Builder’s Guide to Wells and Septic Systems. McGraw Hill.
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