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What is up with the composting toilet? All these off grid houses you see on YouTube are using composting toilets. It’s like these people have never heard of a septic tank before.

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If you're sincere, it's likely cost and sustainability — it's much cheaper to make a composting toilet than install a septic system; and a composting toilet is environmentally beneficial compared to a septic tank.

Edit: I just noticed that you also specify off grid. That as a foundational principle would lead one to simpler choices. A composting toilet is much simpler than a septic system.

If you’re stuck with a mobile dwelling, then it’s reasonable. If you’re permanently siting it, then there’s no reason not to simply dig a hole, and put a septic tank in. It’s a proven technology, that maintains itself. I grew up with one. My parents’ house has had one for 60 years without issue.

You may argue that it is more complex, but almost everything is more complex than defecating into a bag.

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