A composting toilet easily replaces a flush toilet.
According to GreyWaterAction.org, composting toilets "turn human excreta into a valuable soil amendment," known as humus. When done correctly, a composting toilet produces absolutely no odor and uses no or very little water. Any potential human pathogens are weakened or killed by beneficial microorganisms, but it remains a material that, according to the Humanure Handbook, "will never be sterile but [is] sanitary". The simplest way to begin using a composting toilet is to replace an existing toilet with a toilet box---complete with seat---and a waste receptacle. Handmade, wooden toilets boxes can be purchased online. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Use a composting toilet just as you would a flush toilet. Empty toilet paper rolls, in addition to toilet paper, can also go in the toilet for composting.
2. Keep a bucket of clean sawdust next to the toilet. After each use, scoop enough sawdust to cover your waste and pour it into the toilet. If odors develop, which is unlikely, simply add more cover until they cease.
3. Open the box and remove the full receptacle, secure its lid and replace it with a clean, empty receptacle and close the lid.
4. Empty the full receptacle into the compost pile and cover the waste with straw, dried leaves, grass clippings or another organic, easily degradable material. You can line each receptacle with a corn-based biodegradable bag for ease of cleaning.
5. Clean the receptacle with biodegradable soap, water and a toilet brush. Empty the cleaning water into the compost bin and nowhere else.
6. Allow the compost to rest for one full year. If you are concerned about pathogens or if you live in a cold climate, Greywater Action recommends that you let the compost rest for two years.
7. Empty the compost bin and use the material on ornamental plants. Do not use composted human waste on edible plants.
Tags: composting toilet, compost rest, flush toilet, full receptacle, into compost