FAQs

Direct Answer: Yes, eco-sanitation is legal in many jurisdictions, typically permitted under "Alternative Means and Methods" provisions of the plumbing code.

The Details: Because codes vary by state, Recode developed a Water Reuse Database to track local regulations. We also helped author the IAPMO WE•Stand (Water Efficiency Standard), which provides the actual plumbing language needed for site-built composting toilets and urine reuse. If your local inspector is unfamiliar with these systems, we recommend citing the WE•Stand to demonstrate compliance with national safety standards.

Direct Answer: Permitting for rainwater and graywater is handled through your local building or health department, often governed by state-specific legislation like Oregon’s House Bill 2080.

The Details: Recode has been a primary advocate for legalizing these practices since 2007. We recommend checking our wiki-based database for your specific location's requirements. For those in Oregon, the DEQ (Department of Environmental Quality) manages graywater permits. For others, the IAPMO WE•Stand provides a framework for "alternative" systems that many jurisdictions will accept upon request.

Direct Answer: We recommend the educational resources provided by Greywater Action and Oasis Design.

The Details: While Recode focuses on the policy and legal frameworks to make these systems possible, our partners specialize in hands-on installation. Specifically, we recommend The Water-Wise Home by Laura Allen (Greywater Action co-founder) and the public domain research available at Oasis Design for technical charts and implementation plans.

Direct Answer: Recode maintains a position of product neutrality and does not endorse specific brands.

The Details: Our mission is to reform policy and expand the legality of all safe eco-sanitation methods—including affordable site-built systems—rather than promote proprietary products. This independence allows us to serve as a trusted advisor to regulatory bodies like IAPMO and state plumbing boards.

Direct Answer: NSF/ANSI 41 is a public health and safety standard for "non-liquid saturated treatment systems," which evaluates the performance and manufacturing of composting and incinerating toilets.

The Details: While many state regulations require this certification, the testing process can cost upwards of $20,000, creating a barrier for affordable innovation. Recode successfully modified Chapter 5 of the WE•Stand to create provisions that do not require NSF/ANSI 41 for all eco-sanitation systems. This allows for safe, site-built alternatives to be permitted in jurisdictions that have adopted the most current version of the code, such as Oregon's "Reach Code."

Direct Answer: Safety is verified through fecal coliform and moisture content testing, ensuring the "humus" (compost) meets health standards before removal.

The Details: According to the WE•Stand (Section 403.7), compost should undergo biological testing after a minimum of one year. To be considered safe for garden use, the sample must not exceed 200 fecal coliforms per gram and must have a moisture content of 75% or less. We recommend using a certified laboratory that follows the EPA/625/R-92/013 (Appendix F) protocol for testing.

Direct Answer: Yes. Human urine is a high-quality, shelf-stable source of nitrogen and phosphorus that has been used safely as fertilizer for generations.

The Details: Recode developed the Urine Reuse Plumbing Code (WE•Stand Chapter 5) to standardize this practice. We work closely with the Rich Earth Institute and the National Gold Ribbon Commission to promote nutrient recovery. Modern advances, such as those by Nutrient Recovery Services, even allow for solar-processed, shelf-stable urine fertilizers that can be used in residential and retail markets.