The short answer: yes. Composting toilets are legal everywhere in Australia, but in every state you need approval before you install one – usually from your local council. Getting it right the first time saves money, delays and the headache of having to rip out a system later.

This guide explains what councils usually ask for, how the rules differ from state to state, and how to make your application easy to approve.

What your council will usually ask for

Every council has its own forms, but most want the same things:

An application to install an on-site wastewater management system. A composting toilet counts as one.
Proof the toilet is certified to the Australian standard for waterless composting toilets, AS/NZS 1546.2. Ask the supplier for the certificate before you buy.
A site plan showing where the toilet goes and what happens to any liquid (and your greywater from the shower and kitchen, which needs its own solution) as well as a designated area for re-composting end product.
Sometimes a site report from a wastewater consultant, especially on small, sloping or wet blocks, or near creeks.
After it's installed, councils issue an approval to operate (or a certificate to use) and may inspect the system from time to time.

State by state

New South Wales

You need council approval under section 68 of the Local Government Act – usually one approval to install and a second approval to operate. The toilet should meet AS/NZS 1546.2 and NSW Health's accreditation requirements. NSW is unusual: the regulations allow councils to approve owner-built toilets that aren't accredited, as long as they're designed and built by the owner of the property. Councils may still ask that they meet the standard, which is quite strict and normally requires a regime of testing to check that end product meets a high standard.

Queensland

You need a plumbing compliance permit from your council. Composting toilets must comply with the Queensland Plumbing and Wastewater Code (Part C3.4). When you buy, ask the supplier for a written statement of compliance – you hand this in with your council application. Some councils add their own conditions, so ask early.

Victoria

You need a permit from council to install the system, and a certificate to use it before you start using it. Your application must include a certificate of conformity showing the toilet meets AS/NZS 1546.2 – get a copy from the manufacturer or retailer.

South Australia

You need a wastewater works approval from your council. Composting toilets are treated as an "alternative" system, so the product must be on SA Health's approved list.

Western Australia

For a single home (or less than 540 litres of sewage a day) your local council gives approval. The toilet must be on the Department of Health's approved list. Bigger systems also need Department of Health approval.

Tasmania

You need a plumbing permit from your council before installation. The product must be accredited in Tasmania – for example, the Nature Loo Alectura holds a Tasmanian Certificate of Accreditation.

ACT and Northern Territory

Rules are set by the territory authorities and are stricter in town areas. Talk to us or your local authority before buying.

Can I build my own composting toilet?

In some cases, yes. NSW law allows councils to approve owner-built composting toilets, and many owner-built loos have been running well for decades. Councils may ask that they are built to the Australian standard so they're safe and healthy. Our free DIY plans are a good starting point – check with your council before you start building.

Tips for a smooth approval

Call your council's environmental health team before you buy. Ask what they need.
Choose a toilet with an AS/NZS 1546.2 certificate and keep a copy.
Don't forget greywater – council will ask how you'll handle water from the shower, sink and laundry.
On tricky blocks, get a site report first. It's much cheaper than getting refused.
Keep your maintenance records. Some councils inspect systems and will ask.

How Pooh Solutions can help

Stu has been designing, building and servicing composting toilets on the NSW north coast for years, and writes independent consultant reports for council approval of on-site sewage systems.

Need a report for council? If it's a local job, ask Stu – see our consultancy page.
Looking for a certified toilet? See the Clivus Multrum and Nature Loo systems in our shop.
Building your own? Download our free DIY plans.
Not sure where to start? Call Stu on 0427 897 496.

Quick questions

Are composting toilets legal in Australia?

Yes. They're legal in every state and territory, but you need approval from your council (or state health authority) before you install one.

Do I need approval for a composting toilet in a tiny house?

Yes. The same rules apply to tiny homes, cabins and granny flats. Councils treat it as an on-site wastewater system.

Do I need a plumber to install a composting toilet?

It depends on the state and the system. In Queensland and Tasmania the work needs a plumbing permit. In NSW a plumber must connect the drainage for the liquid drain and the vent plumbing. Ask your council.

How long does council approval take?

It varies by council – often a few weeks. A complete application with the product certificate and a clear site plan is the fastest way through.

Do Composting Toilets Need Council Approval?