Septic & Waste
Waste splits into two streams: greywater (shower, basin) and blackwater (toilet). How you handle each shapes whether you can go off-grid. Pricing is shown per country; regions marked "being researched" are coming soon.
Waste & greywater options
Greywater Diversion
Lightly used water from the shower and basin is filtered and diverted straight to subsurface garden irrigation. The simplest greywater option.
Advantages
- Cheapest greywater setup
- Reuses water on the garden
- Good for off-grid
Considerations
- Kitchen water usually needs more treatment
- Must disperse within 24 hours (no storage)
- Council approval often required
Indicative pricing
Treated Greywater System
A sand filter or reed bed treats greywater to a higher standard before reuse. Larger footprint, better water quality.
Advantages
- Cleaner, safer reuse water
- Handles more volume
- Longer-lasting dispersal trenches
Considerations
- More expensive and larger
- Needs space and maintenance
- Approval and soil testing required
Indicative pricing
Mini-Septic / Holding Tank
A small septic or holding tank for blackwater where a flush toilet is used and composting is not allowed. Needs a drain field and periodic pump-outs.
Advantages
- Lets you use a normal flush toilet
- Traditional, well-understood
- Required in some council areas
Considerations
- Expensive, needs space and excavation
- Periodic pump-outs
- Strict approval and siting rules
Indicative pricing
Composting Toilet (avoids blackwater)
A composting or incinerating toilet handles waste on board, so you only need to manage greywater. The most popular off-grid tiny-home approach.
Advantages
- No septic or sewer needed for the toilet
- Greatly simplifies waste
- Very low water use
Considerations
- Regular emptying and bulking material
- Legality varies by council/state
- Behaviour change for users
Indicative pricing