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Scoping study: Composting toilets in New Zealand

Please note: As of 1 July 2025, the New Zealand Institute for Public Health and Forensic Science (PHF Science) is the new name for the Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR). Research and reports published prior to this date may reference the organisation’s former name.

Summary

This report provides a scoping study of composting toilets in New Zealand to identify the types of systems and the public health issues associated with their operation, maintenance and waste disposal. The report is informed by a literature review using peer reviewed articles and grey literature and a sample of key viewpoints from various local authorities and public health specialists throughout New Zealand. Information on associated waste(water) practices, such as greywater are outside the scope of this report.

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