Have you ever thought about how much water we could save if there was a way to get rid of waste without water? Surprise, surprise, this is already a reality. While there are a variety of dry toilets on the market, compost toilets offer benefits for both global and local environments.
Now I know what you’re thinking? “Won’t the smell be unbearable?” Let me explain before you write off these nature-friendly compost toilets. Have an open mind as you entertain the possibility of reducing water waste by nearly 20%!
Source: Hand Made Matt.
How they Work
Similar to garden compost bins, compost toilets use nature’s own decomposition process to convert human waste into a rich and healthy compost. For those who don’t know, compost is a decayed organic material that is used to fertilize plants. During the decomposition process, organic matter is broken down into essential minerals that plants, flowers, and other landscapes can ingest.
Normal composting bins have micro-organisms within the soil that break down the trash. Well what do you know, human excrement contains micro-organisms that do the same job. Other elements that are present in the decomposition process include air, water, carbon, and nitrogen. When put together, they naturally break down waste/trash.
Instead of flushing with water, you simply add a bit of straw or saw dust to the bowl. This provides the carbon and nitrogen needed to initiate decomposition. What’s that, you don’t live on a farm? Your toilet paper should do the trick. You can also add shredded paper to maintain the proper carbon/nitrogen balance.
How Compost Toilets Work
What about the Smell?
Many people assume that compost toilets stink. Honestly, that’s what I thought before I took the time to learn about them. Compost toilets do not release any unpleasant smells! It sounds impossible but the smell is contained thanks to the presence of two special features. Compost toilets are equipped with a vent pipe to diffuse the smell. A separate drain allows excess liquid to be released.
Most compost toilets have 2 chambers. Basically, you use one and then switch at the end of the year. This allows the contents to decompose completely. One company built a special toilet that places more room between the bathroom-goer and the chamber below. While many compost toilets use trap doors as a form of separation, Nature’s Loo has a 4 foot shoot along with a small fan that constantly pushes air up and out of the ventilation tract. Don’t worry, there’s a back up battery.
Beneficial for the Environment
20% of household water goes down the toilet. This saves thousands of gallons of water every year and that’s just in a single American household. Think of the difference this can make if it were implemented across your community!
Compost toilets can also reduce energy consumption. A very large portion of every cities electric bill goes towards powering large machines that pump water throughout the city. Not only do dry toilets improve water conservation efforts, they also lower our dependency on electricity. Not to mention, you have fresh compost to feed your garden and landscape.
About the Author
This post was written on behalf of Tradewinds Imports by Cheryl Khan. Designer and freelance writer, she enjoys soaking in the sun’s rays along the coast of Southern California’s most beautiful beaches!
