Composting Toilets

Composting toilets provide a sustainable, eco-friendly alternative to traditional flush toilets and septic systems. As Ireland’s official distributor of Aquatron systems, Herr Ltd supports homeowners, off-grid properties, campsites, and eco-developments in reducing water usage by up to 25%, eliminating blackwater discharge to ground or watercourses, and minimising pollution risks from septic tank runoff. With growing focus on groundwater protection and stream pollution, composting toilets strengthen planning applications, especially in sensitive or poor-percolation areas.

Aquatron systems use patented gravity-based separation (no electricity required for core operation) to divert liquids from solids, enabling safe, odour-free composting. Finished compost serves as a nutrient-rich soil amendment (following best practices), promoting nutrient recycling and circular economy principles.

Why Choose Composting Toilets in Ireland?

• Significant Water Savings — Drastically reduce mains water demand, lowering bills and easing strain on overloaded treatment plants (e.g., in Dublin).
• Environmental Protection — No liquid effluent reaches groundwater or streams, cutting risks from pharmaceuticals, nitrogen, and phosphorus pollution.
• Planning Benefits — Enhance applications where conventional septic systems face restrictions due to site conditions or environmental concerns.
• Low Maintenance — Proprietary Aquatron designs need minimal intervention; no chemicals, pumps, or frequent desludging.
• Proven Durability — Certified systems (e.g., European Technical Approval ETA-13/0078 for certain models) with lifespans up to 50+ years.

The Aquatron system is scalable, making it suitable for single toilet homes right through to larger scale sites with multiple toilets. See our WISER Life project case study to read about a large scale example.

How Aquatron Composting Toilets Work

Aquatron connects to standard flush toilets. The momentum of flush water separates solids from liquids in the separator unit:

• Solids drop into composting chambers (often enhanced with worms for faster breakdown).
• Liquids are diverted for further treatment (e.g., UV disinfection followed by greywater reed beds or soakaway).
• No power is needed for separation or composting; some models feature rotating chambers for straightforward management.

This delivers hygienic, low-odour operation and produces compost suitable for non-food use (or food crops with proper maturation).

Waterless Toilets

In addition to our flush-connected Aquatron systems, we offer porcelain waterless toilets for truly minimal-water or zero-water applications. These hygienic, clean, and odourless units reduce mains water demand and charges by 25% or more.

• Solids remain semi-dry and are removed monthly to an external bin for composting with earthworms (similar to the Aquatron separation process).
• Urine is diverted separately and can serve as a natural fertiliser, recycling phosphorus for crop growth.
• Ideal for off-grid setups, combined with low-water-use flushing urinals and rainwater harvesting systems for non-potable uses (e.g., clothes washing).
• With efficient design, even a modest rainwater system suffices; larger setups allow full household water independence.

Waterless options complement Aquatron flush systems, offering flexibility for sites aiming for maximum water conservation and independence. 

Benefits for Irish Homes and Sites

• Perfect for rural, off-grid, coastal, or environmentally sensitive properties.
• Supports sustainability targets, nutrient recycling, and reduced reliance on public sewage infrastructure.
• Pairs seamlessly with greywater systems (e.g., reed beds) for complete wastewater management. We also offer design and build services for reed bed systems.

Composting Toilet Regulations – Republic of Ireland

There is no nationwide ban on composting toilets (including waterless variants), and they are increasingly viewed as effective alternatives under wastewater and building regulations. Key frameworks include:

• EPA Code of Practice for Domestic Waste Water Treatment Systems (Population Equivalent ≤10) (2021 edition) — Primarily addresses septic tanks and packaged systems but recognises low-discharge alternatives (including composting/dry toilets) in supporting research for water-saving and pollution reduction. View the 2021 Code of Practice
• Building Regulations – Technical Guidance Document H (Drainage and Waste Water Disposal) — Outlines performance standards for sanitation; composting and waterless systems can comply through manufacturer documentation proving hygiene, safety, and no untreated discharge. View Technical Guidance Document H

Approval Process:

1. Planning Permission — Include system details (e.g., Aquatron’s zero-liquid-effluent or waterless designs) in your application. Proprietary systems often appeal to planners in pollution-sensitive zones.
2. Building Control — Show compliance during construction using certifications and technical data.
3. Local Authority Consultation — Contact your City/County Council early for site-specific guidance.
4. Greywater — Manage separately (e.g., via reed beds) for full compliance.

Precedents support approvals for one-off houses, campsites, and eco-projects. Always check with your local authority for the most current advice.

Composting Toilet Regulations – Northern Ireland

No specific prohibition applies; composting and waterless toilets are considered alternative sanitation options under the Building Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2012 (as amended). Oversight rests with district councils, with environmental input from DAERA.

Key Guidance:

• Technical Booklets (e.g., P for sanitary appliances, N for drainage) — Emphasise traditional systems but permit alternatives meeting hygiene and pollution standards. Department of Finance NI – Building Regulations Technical Booklets
• DAERA Pollution Prevention — Composting toilets reduce risks associated with septic systems. DAERA guidance on regulating wastewater discharges

Approval Process:

1. Building Control — Submit plans to your district council, demonstrating no health nuisance or pollution.
2. Planning (if required) — Incorporate the system in applications; favourable for sustainable developments.
3. Certification — Manufacturer performance data (e.g., Aquatron) bolsters applications.

Ideal for remote or rural sites. Consult your local council early.

Why Aquatron from Herr Ltd?

• Expert Irish supplier with local expertise.
• Comprehensive support: design consultation, installation advice, and compliance documentation.
• Reliable, eco-friendly systems proven across Ireland and Europe.

Ready to embrace off-grid living or upgrade your sustainability? Contact Herr Ltd today for a tailored Aquatron composting or waterless toilet solution.

For the latest regulations or site-specific assessments, contact local authorities, the EPA, or DAERA directly. Composting toilets align perfectly with Ireland’s goals for water conservation and pollution prevention — a forward-thinking choice for the future!