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Alternatives to septic system? (self.offgrid)

submitted 1 year ago by inmoderation to c/offgrid

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I'm purchasing a property which will not perc for a conventional septic system. There are alternative septic systems that are possible, but also I'm wondering, what about an alternative system altogether? Does anyone have experience with handling greywater and waste separately (say composting for waste) in a home with several members?

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[–] tallwookie@lemmy.world 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

whereabouts (just general area) can you get away without a septic system? the little bit I've looked into it (not seriously considering buying property yet but maybe in the future) you're basically legally required to have septic, even out in the middle of nowhere.

[–] CadeJohnson 2 points 1 year ago

I think it depends on the country to a large degree. In industrialized nations, regulations are much more complex and surface- and ground-water protections tend to be more stringent. In more agricultural locales, the issue becomes one of not creating a nuisance or hazard with one's waste, more than complying with the letter of a regulation. But you still need some means of managing waste - septic tanks are common because they are effective, but they depend on an abundant supply of water. If there is not water to flush, there will not be a septic tank.