| Technology | Method Used to Eliminate Pathogens | Output Product and Container | Energy Source and Quantity | Operating Temperature | Maintenance Requirements | Odour Issues? | Potential Issues |
| Pit Toilet | Decomposed by microbes found in the soil | Dig a pit and build a seat over it | None | Enough time above freezing for contents to decompose | Contents need to be monitored and pit moved when necessary | Yes | Pollution plume may contaminate surface and ground water sources if soil depth is insufficient Waste will not decompose if soil temperature is too low |
| Barrel Fly-Out | Treated at municipal waste treatment plant | Raw sewage collected in barrels on site | Helicopter and truck to transport barrels | All temperatures | Build toilets that are helicopter accessible, change barrels when full, fly-out barrels | Yes. Fan can help eliminate odours | Helicopters are expensive and have env. impacts on wildlife Health issues for handling and transporting barrels |
| Incinerating Toilet | Pathogens are eliminated through burning process | Sterile ash, no nutrients remaining, no fertilizer potential | Propane or electricity 100 lbs propane required per 500 uses |
All temperatures | Trigger incineration cycle every 60 uses and clean the burner Daily maintenance requirements |
No. Closed chamber during burn Manufacturer guarantees against odours |
Fuel consumption is considerable, but costs may be less than helicopter flights for barrel fly-out method |
| Heated Chamber Composting Toilet | Thermophilic composting (high temperature) | Ideally sterile compost Excess liquids must be managed: urine separation, leaching field, holding tank, or evaporator |
Power required to run exhaust fans, pumps, system monitor and controller Supplemental heat required in winter |
Operates above 13°C | Power required to run exhaust fans, pumps, system monitor and controller Supplemental heat required in winter |
Not when functioning properly | Heat source required in winter |
| Dehydrating Toilet | Dehydration will reduce but not eliminate pathogens | Volume and mass of waste will be reduced greatly | Summer use only or heat source is required in winter | Higher ambient temperature yields better desiccation (works best in hot, dry climates) | Fly out desiccated waste Lower maintenance needs than composting toilets |
Not when functioning properly | Desiccated waste must be flown out |
| On-site Waste Treatment | Microbes break down the waste in tanks | Liquids go to a dispersion field; solids decompose naturally in the tank (some models may require solids to be pumped out) | Power required Heat source required in winter |
All temperatures | Technical training required to operate | No | Liquids may require further treatment to meet regulations Lack of soil cover may limit absorption ability of dispersion field |
| Carry-Out | Users collect their own waste and carry it out to designated disposal site |
Puncture proof double plastic bag with desiccant material; hard containers i.e. Wag bag, Poo Tube |
Nil | All temperatures | Pick up of bags at trailhead and transport to appropriate disposal sites Can be:composted, incinerated, flushed down a toilet in small quantities, or taken to an appropriate landfill |
Nil | User compliance May require trailhead collection facility |