For a toilet to be considered off grid it must not be hooked up to municipal services. This means no electricity from the grid but also no municipal water or sewer either.
A septic system is the most common type of waste management for homes not connected to the municipal sewer system. And while many homes with septic systems aren’t technically off grid, it’s still an option for off-grid living.
Composting toilets are one of the very best options for doing your off-grid business. They take human waste and break it down into rich organic compost.
In a short-term emergency, there isn’t a much better option than a couple of bucket toilets in the garage for most people. Essentially a bucket toilet is two buckets with seats.
The chemical toilet we are most familiar with is probably the often maligned porta-potty you get to use at public events or on construction sites. Several manufacturers make smaller versions for home use as well.
When you “flush” a dry toilet, the bag inside twists shut, creating an air-tight and odorless seal. The sealing process does take a small amount of power, which can be supplied by a 12-volt battery or solar panel.
Latrines are essentially a hole in the ground with a shelter and seat to do your business. If you have the space on your property, a latrine can still be a good simple option for a long-term off-grid toilet.