All About Composting Toilets
Have you heard about composting toilets? You may think that they are just for cabins in the middle of nowhere but they are becoming more and more common in cities and homes. Composting toilets take human waste and turn it into compost manure, sometimes called “humanure.” Composting toilets are great for the environment, and if you are considering one there are some things to take into account before purchasing.
How Composting Toilets Work
They work by decomposition of the organic materials is the short answer. The long answer is that after human waste is deposited in the toilet, then sawdust or another organic material. The waste breaks down over time. Some people say that organic material is safe to use as compost and others that say it is best to use it only on plants that are not edible. This may also depend on your local laws and regulations. If it is something you want to use, check local guidelines before purchasing or installing.
Types of Composting Toilets
There are two main types of composting toilets. The first one is called a self-contained toilet. This is generally what most people think of when it comes to composting toilets. While they are popular in remote cabins, RVs, and boats they can also be used in your home (and not just an outhouse). It’s used more in places where regular plumbing might be a hard fit. Some worry about smell when it comes to a self-contained composting toilet. However, most of them have a vent and/or a fan to help with it. They are no more stinky than a regular toilet with proper care and maintenance.
Central or split composting toilet systems work a little bit more like a toilet. There are multiple collection systems within your home where the composting action takes place. These tanks are stored below the toilet and gravity takes care of the rest. These are more expensive to install and purchase than your standard self-contained toilet.
Features You’ll Want to Look Out For
When buying and installing a composting toilet there are a few things that you will want to keep in mind when purchasing. The first is capacity, emptying every day can get tedious and annoying. You may want more capacity than you think to avoid that. Next is size, how much room do you have to even put one in? Traditional toilets can be a little smaller than composting versions. Keep in mind your infrastructure when purchasing. Do you have consistent electricity? Do you have a water supply to run any of the necessary parts? And most importantly you should only get a composting toilet that is coded for your area and NSF certified.
Benefits
There are quite a few benefits that you may want to consider when it comes to these toilets. The first is the environmental factor. Most people who are considering a composting toilet are ones that care about the environment. In this case, saving the environment can also save you money on your water bill. There is a lot less water used in the house when traditional toilets aren’t an option.
Composting toilets are also a cheaper option to septic tank installation. Nobody needs to dig a giant hole in your backyard, install a tank, and come out every few years to clean it out.
They are a great problem solver for non-traditional places. Due to the lack of a drainage system, this can help with your tiny house, your off-grid cabin, or your RV!
Disadvantages
There are a few disadvantages, the first is the biggest disadvantage for most people. You have to take the waste out yourself. If you don’t want to handle waste at all, even composted, a composting toilet isn’t a great idea.
It can get complicated the more people using it. You may need a bigger capacity and more storage tanks.
Lastly, if it is not installed correctly then it can emit unsafe gasses as well as odor. It is important that every step be handled correctly and you reach out to a pro if you are unsure.
Final Thoughts
A composting toilet may not be for everyone, but for the environmentally conscious it may be the next best thing on your journey. Unlike myths about them, they are safe (when installed correctly), don’t emit any odors, and save you a ton of money on your water bills.
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