Alternatives to traditional home septic systems include recirculating sand filters, composting toilets, evaporation-transpiration septic systems and aerobic systems. Whether these or other alternative methods cost lest than traditional systems depends on numerous factors, such as home size, local regulations and the rates charged by local contractors.
Alternate waste treatment methods may be similar to traditional septic systems, such as grey water systems, or methods that destroy the waste, such as incinerating toilets. Additional methods include lagoon and raised bed systems.
Aerobic septic systems treat waste water with disinfectant chemicals, allowing water discharge into groundwater without use of a septic tank.
Regulations in some areas prohibit certain types of septic systems, often due to water table levels or other land-use criteria.