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The Ultimate Guide to Off Grid Toilets

Off-Grid Toilets: Sustainable Solutions for Human Waste Management

For over 140 years, the motto of waste management has been “out of sight, out of mind.” But what happens when you live off the grid, away from modern sewage systems? Managing human waste responsibly in such conditions is crucial—not just for hygiene, but for the environment.

Most of us are accustomed to the convenience of centralized wastewater systems, where a simple flush sends everything away. But times are changing. Water is a precious resource, and human waste is a nutrient-rich material that can be harnessed rather than discarded. Sustainable waste management is essential, especially when living off-grid.

So, what are the best ways to manage human waste without flushing it down the drain?

Types of off grid toilets: 

  1. Composting Toilets (Bucket System): This method involves using a bucket with sawdust or a similar bulking agent. While affordable, it can become a nightmare to manage—a messy sludge that requires frequent dumping and careful oversight. A good starting point for beginners, but not ideal long-term.
  2. **Urine Diversion Toilets (Basic Separation Systems): These toilets aim to separate urine and feces (physical separation bowl), following the “golden rule” of waste management. However, aiming properly can be a challenge for children, elders, or guests, which can lead to messy failures and compromised systems. Adoption rates are often low due to the complexity of use.
  3. Sump Fields (Water-Based Systems): Effective for those with access to flushing water, electricity, and a healthy budget. However, they require ongoing maintenance and approval from local authorities, making them less feasible for remote dwellings. Overloading the system can lead to backups and failure.
  4. Rotating Composting Toilets: This system uses a rotating bin to mix waste, aiming to facilitate composting. However, balancing the correct ratio of urine, feces, and bulking agents can be difficult. Overflow and incomplete composting are common challenges, particularly when multiple people use the system.
  5. Moldering Toilets: Essentially, a large bucket/shoot that allows waste to seep into the ground. While it requires less active management, the smell can become a persistent issue, and you’ll need to relocate the toilet every couple of years to allow the waste to break down naturally.
  6. Incinerator Toilets: These systems burn waste at high temperatures, turning it into sterile ash. Incinerator toilets are convenient as they eliminate waste entirely, but they come with some significant drawbacks. They require electricity or fuel to operate, which may be a challenge in off-grid locations. Additionally, incinerator toilets can be expensive to purchase and maintain. They also generate emissions, which may not align with the sustainable goals of many off-grid dwellers. For those looking for a low-maintenance solution and don’t mind the reliance on power or fuel, this could be an option, but the environmental trade-offs and costs make it less ideal for eco-conscious users.

The Wasted*Offgrid Conveyor Toilet: A Superior Solution

Having tested every system mentioned above, we can confidently say that the *Offgrid Conveyor Toilet stands out as the most robust urine diversion solution on the market. Unlike other systems, this toilet doesn’t require users to change their behavior. This means it’s easier for people, especially guests, to use effectively, making it an excellent choice for off-grid homes or vacation properties.

Once urine and feces are separated, the urine can be safely returned to the Earth as a natural fertilizer rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK), while the feces dehydrates and breaks down through natural processes. The biomimicry behind the Offgrid Conveyor Toilet means it works with nature to manage waste efficiently. With proper use, a family of eight could go nearly two decades without needing to remove solid waste

When it comes to off-grid sanitation, the *Offgrid Conveyor Toilet* is the clear winner. Its ease of use, low maintenance requirements, and sustainable approach to waste management make it the best solution for off-grid living. With a system that works in harmony with nature, you can finally take human waste management off your list of worries—while doing your part to protect the planet.

Want to learn more? See these helpful resources below: 

  • Water conversation: Additional information about the importance of conserving water, Water Use It Wisely campaign
  • Urine diversion and recycling: More information about the science behind nutrient recovery from urine and the amazing work going on at the Rich Earth Institute.
  • Composting toilets: For those interested in DIY composting systems, check out the Humanure Handbook
The back side of a offgrid trailhead building
Offgrid Trailhead structure next to a cabin
An open door looking into an outhouse with a Offgrid Toilet Solution retrofit.
Offgrid toilet system retrofit. Wood outhouse

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