• Pennsylvania has specific rules governing composting toilet systems.toy toilet image by Wayne Abraham from Fotolia.com
  
  Pennsylvania Code § 73.65 is the statute dealing with the regulation and use of composting toilet systems. The statute is found in Title 25, Chapter 73. Pennsylvania is one of 15 states requiring certification of composting toilet systems before issuing a permit for instillation and use.
  
  

Definitions

• Pennsylvania defines a composting toilet as a device used for holding and processing of human and organic waste that uses biological degradation via microbial action to produce a stable humus material. According to the statute, an installed composting toilet meeting the specifications of § 71.63 it is considered equivalent to a privy and permitted as such.
  
  

NSF Certification

• National Sanitation Foundation certification is required on any composting toilet system being installed within the Commonwealth. The NSF certification seal must be found on the composting toilet to certify it has passed testing and approval according to NSF standard 41.
  
  

Instillation

• For new instillations, an onlot sewage system or approved sewage disposal must be provided for the treatment of excess liquid from the unit. Both the disposal facility and the composting toilet must be listed under a single permit. If a composting toilet system is replacing an existing system, or being installed into an existing facility without altering the onlot system, no permit is required.
  
  

Meeting Manufacturer's Specifications

• Pennsylvania law requires that a composting toilet system be maintained and operated within manufacturer's specifications. The only approved method for discharging liquids from composting toilet systems is through an onlot sewage system.