Georgia Composting Toilet Laws: What Off-Grid, Rural, and Tiny House Owners Need to Know

From mountain cabins to backyard tiny homes, composting toilets are gaining popularity in Georgia for their eco-friendliness and water-saving design. But are they legal? And what does it actually take to get one approved? Here’s what you need to know about Georgia composting toilet laws, so you can plan with confidence and avoid headaches from code enforcement down the road.

Are Composting Toilets Legal in Georgia?

Yes, composting toilets are legal in Georgia, but you’ll have to follow specific rules. Georgia’s approach is similar to most states: the state and counties are mainly concerned with protecting public health and the environment. This means not every composting toilet is approved, and you must meet strict standards for installation, use, and disposal.

Who Regulates Composting Toilets in Georgia?

The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) oversees all onsite wastewater systems, including composting toilets. County health departments and local building officials are responsible for enforcing these rules and sometimes have stricter policies, so it’s crucial to check with your county before buying or installing any system.

What Does Georgia Law Require?

Composting toilets must be approved systems: Georgia generally requires composting toilets to be NSF/ANSI Standard 41 certified, which proves the unit meets national standards for performance and safety. Homemade, DIY, or bucket systems are rarely (if ever) approved for legal installation.
Permits are required: You’ll need a permit from your county health department to install a composting toilet, especially in a new build, accessory dwelling, or permitted structure. For replacement of an existing system, approval is also required.
Greywater must be addressed separately: Composting toilets only manage human waste. Georgia law requires a permitted, approved solution for greywater (water from sinks, showers, laundry). This usually means a small septic tank and leach field, or a legal greywater dispersal system. Discharging greywater directly onto the ground or into a creek is illegal.
System must be maintained and nuisance-free: The composting toilet must not cause odors, leaks, or attract pests. Health officials can order repairs, upgrades, or removal if the system fails or complaints are filed.

When Are Composting Toilets Allowed?

Composting toilets are most often approved for:

Remote or off-grid properties where septic isn’t practical
Tiny homes, cabins, and accessory buildings without easy sewer or septic access
Lots with poor soils, high water tables, or challenging topography

In urban or suburban areas, approval is less common unless there’s a compelling reason, and you can meet all code requirements.

Steps to Legal Approval in Georgia

Contact your county health department:
- Ask about composting toilet requirements and any local rules—they vary by county.
Choose a certified composting toilet system:
- Look for an NSF/ANSI Standard 41 approved model, and save all product literature for your permit application.
Submit your application and waste management plan:
- Your plan should address both toilet waste and greywater, showing how both will be managed according to code.
Get permits and schedule an inspection:
- After installation, an official may inspect to confirm the system meets all safety and environmental standards.
Maintain your system:
- Keep records, follow manufacturer maintenance instructions, and resolve any complaints promptly.

Greywater Disposal Rules

Composting toilets only handle solids and (sometimes) urine. All greywater from showers, sinks, and laundry must be disposed of through a legal, permitted system—usually a septic tank/leach field or, in some cases, an engineered greywater dispersal system. Illegal dumping can lead to fines or removal orders.

Penalties for Not Following the Rules

Installing a composting toilet without permits, using an unapproved system, or mishandling greywater can result in fines, legal action, and trouble with future property sales or insurance. Public complaints may also trigger health department inspections.

Tips for Hassle-Free Composting Toilet Approval

Always check with your county health department before you buy or build—rules and enforcement vary.
Stick to certified, commercially made systems to avoid permit delays.
Plan your greywater system together with your composting toilet for easier approval.
Keep maintenance and permitting records in case you sell or get inspected in the future.

Helpful Resources

Final Thoughts: Composting Toilets in Georgia—Legal, but Only If You Follow the Rules

Georgia supports composting toilets for off-grid, rural, or alternative homes—but you need to plan ahead. Get a permit, use a certified system, and address your greywater legally. Do it right, and you’ll enjoy sustainable, independent living without legal headaches.