Composting toilets

[Cris]

Has anyone used/does anyone know whether it's possible to use composting toilets to get past the "buildable conditional on installation of a septic system" clause on a property?

[Dave2]

Chris:

The whole area of sceptics and water supply has taken on a new dimension since Walkerton.
I personally have found the devil is in the details so you need to have the property specifics before you can talk intelligently.  A couple of pointers I have found successful:
a) I would suggest you talk to local township building department.  They may refer you to local health unit depending on who takes responsibility.
b) On potential purchases on regular property ( not tax sales) I have even offered to pump out existing sceptic tank for free prior to making an offer.  Saved me a lot of grief in a couple of case at a cost less then $200.  If an existing bed has to be lifted and replaced it is classified as contaminated waste in the townships east of Metro Toronto where I live.  Really expensive. 
c) Again on regular real estate purchases I have found a local sceptic system contractor helpful.
d) The issue of sceptic systems and water supply are interlinked so lot size can be an issue.
e) Note that flood plain can also be an issue with sceptics.  I have had potential purchases where I have had to bring in enough fill to put down a bed eight feet deep before it was accepted on property that had a viable commercial business currently operating.

Dave   

[Pfm1011]

I dont think you can use composting to get around it as it will not deal with the water from sinks, showers etc . You can check with Sun Mar in Burlington but still leaves water problem...unless you dont want to take showers

http://www.sun-mar.com/

I think you will find that most, if not all, municipalities require type 4 ( septic) and will not accept any less such as the composting toilet

[speedfreeksteve]

It's not just about where human waste goes. They want to prevent all waste water from contaminating an area.

You're going to use a toilet, but have no means of washing your hands? That doesn't sound like a great plan anyways.

Years ago if people couldn't get a septic permit, they would often make an outhouse and just put a nice trailer on the property, even on some of the nicer lakes. I still have seen this done by a couple of people the last few years, so I guess it is a quasi-legal option if you go by the theory.. it's legal if no one notices.