Composting toilets are an alternative type of toilet that convert human waste into organic matter, or compost, that can be added back to your garden soil. While it’s true that modern composting toilets are clean, odorless, and relatively easy to install, they’re not necessarily the best option for everyone. Purchasing a composting toilet is also not a cheap undertaking. For a good system, consumers should expect to spend between $1,000 and $3,000, depending on the type of drive and the capacity needed. So how do you determine if a composting toilet is right for you before you spend the money? We will address the top 5 critical questions to ask yourself before making this important decision.

1. Why are you interested in a composting toilet? For most people, your answer will fall into one of two categories: either you are extremely environmentally conscious and want to do your part to conserve water and help the environment, or you are looking to save costs. There really is no wrong answer to this question, and both of the reasons listed above are good ones. However, it’s still a good idea to evaluate your motives to make sure a composting toilet is the best solution for you.

2. Are you skilled enough to be able to install the drive yourself? Since composting toilets are not very common, it can be difficult to find a professional installer. Most composting toilet systems are relatively easy to install, particularly free-standing units. However, before purchasing any system, it’s always a good idea to download the product’s installation guide and review all the steps to understand what is involved in installing the unit.

3. Would you personally be willing to perform the necessary maintenance? For the same reason that it’s hard to find a professional installer, it can also be hard to find a repairman familiar enough with composting toilets to do the necessary repairs or maintenance. In most cases, the manufacturer will be happy to talk to you about possible repairs, as long as you are capable of doing the work yourself.

4. Is a composting toilet code compliant in your municipality? In many towns and cities across the US, composting toilets are not mentioned in the building code, and this is usually because no one has installed one yet. Don’t be afraid to be a pioneer. Print out all the detailed specifications for the unit you are interested in, take the information to your local council or building department, and have the toilet reviewed and approved as an acceptable fixture. Most cities will approve composting toilets without any argument once they realize that they are clean and sanitary systems.

5. Do you have a way to connect the emergency drain? Most composting toilets have some form of emergency overflow drain connection so if the unit is overused or unable to evaporate liquids fast enough to meet usage needs, the excess liquid will have a place to go Again, you may need to check with your local building code to see if you can connect the emergency drain to a culvert, leach field, French drain, or some other approved installation.

For many homeowners, a composting toilet is a great solution to save water and money and help the environment in the process. Once you’ve evaluated all the options and asked yourself the questions above, you should be ready to make a good informed decision about whether a composting toilet is right for you and your family.