Has Anyone Here had a Composting Toilet?
- Thread starter Army Girl
- Start date
Thanks for the reply, booger. Well, what do you think as apposed to going in the water and flushing? Is it cheaper than a septic system? What uses are there for the compost? What about the smell? Any recomendations on types of systems?
I like the idea of not having that stuff seeping into the water supply, and do want to drill another handpump well right there at the house. The property is a no zoning, no permits needed so we can literally do what we want. We want to make the right choice if in fact the economic/social situation were to go into the toilet so to speak.
If we do the septic tank thing and down the road there is not a way to have it pumped then it's not worth it in the long run. Just trying to think this out first.
I like the idea of not having that stuff seeping into the water supply, and do want to drill another handpump well right there at the house. The property is a no zoning, no permits needed so we can literally do what we want. We want to make the right choice if in fact the economic/social situation were to go into the toilet so to speak.
If we do the septic tank thing and down the road there is not a way to have it pumped then it's not worth it in the long run. Just trying to think this out first.
You can buy one of the fancy composting toilets. I'm not sure how they work or how much they cost. We've opted for a simpler, cheaper option.
http://www.relianceproducts.com/camping.php?id=9844-21&location=camping.php
We use this toilet, bought for a few dollars at WalMart. It's cheap, sturdy, easy to clean, and has no fancy parts to break down. We pee/poop in the toilet, toss some leaves, sawdust, or whatever we have handy on top, and are done with it. When the bucket is getting full, we take it out and dump it, then rinse before bringing back in. No smell, no bugs, no nasty anything.
For our dump, we picked a spot far away from the house, back in the woods. We built a quickie compost bin out of fencing and t-posts. In it goes with a few more leaves or what have you on top. There are no smells from this, either. Still, we did place it quite a ways from our living space just in case.
We also made sure to place it in an area where there wouldn't be any direct runoff into local water spots (ponds--neighbors and ours, drainage ditches, wells, etc), wasn't close to property lines, etc. We placed it where it had good tree cover so that, during downpours, there wouldn't be massive splattering and runoff. We have several acres so it was easy to place the dump bin where it wouldn't affect the neighbors.
As for how we will use it once completely composted, we're still debating that one. There are studies that say it is safe to use on veggies after a year or two of composting. There are other studies that say, no, you must let it compost for longer. There are other studies that say you may only use it for woody things, such as fruit trees. There are other studies that say, no, the bacteria can travel through the fruit trees systems. Heck if I know.
I think we'll just leave it to fertilize the forest as we have more than enough "normal" compost for our gardens.
As for the cost, yeah, it's cheap. Dirt cheap. Just buy a bucket toilet (or build one yourself--really simple to build some good looking ones) and build a fence bin. Pick up leaves from your own place, the neighbors' places, the local dump, where ever. Easy peasy.
If you're looking for the high-fangled composting toilets, you'll have to ask someone else. I'm a simple gal with a simple brain who likes simple things.
http://www.relianceproducts.com/camping.php?id=9844-21&location=camping.php
We use this toilet, bought for a few dollars at WalMart. It's cheap, sturdy, easy to clean, and has no fancy parts to break down. We pee/poop in the toilet, toss some leaves, sawdust, or whatever we have handy on top, and are done with it. When the bucket is getting full, we take it out and dump it, then rinse before bringing back in. No smell, no bugs, no nasty anything.
For our dump, we picked a spot far away from the house, back in the woods. We built a quickie compost bin out of fencing and t-posts. In it goes with a few more leaves or what have you on top. There are no smells from this, either. Still, we did place it quite a ways from our living space just in case.
We also made sure to place it in an area where there wouldn't be any direct runoff into local water spots (ponds--neighbors and ours, drainage ditches, wells, etc), wasn't close to property lines, etc. We placed it where it had good tree cover so that, during downpours, there wouldn't be massive splattering and runoff. We have several acres so it was easy to place the dump bin where it wouldn't affect the neighbors.As for how we will use it once completely composted, we're still debating that one. There are studies that say it is safe to use on veggies after a year or two of composting. There are other studies that say, no, you must let it compost for longer. There are other studies that say you may only use it for woody things, such as fruit trees. There are other studies that say, no, the bacteria can travel through the fruit trees systems. Heck if I know.
I think we'll just leave it to fertilize the forest as we have more than enough "normal" compost for our gardens.As for the cost, yeah, it's cheap. Dirt cheap. Just buy a bucket toilet (or build one yourself--really simple to build some good looking ones) and build a fence bin. Pick up leaves from your own place, the neighbors' places, the local dump, where ever. Easy peasy.
If you're looking for the high-fangled composting toilets, you'll have to ask someone else. I'm a simple gal with a simple brain who likes simple things.
Freeholdfarm
Inactive
I used a sawdust toilet for about a year when we had drainline problems, and plan to set one up for use here for when needed. Booger is right, if handled properly there are no fly or odor problems, and if you leave the compost pile for a couple of years you can use the compost anywhere (wouldn't necessarily tell your squeamish friends, though). You might be able to find a copy of The Humanure Handbook at the library -- if not, it's worth buying a copy. Or do a web search on it. A sawdust toilet even at today's prices will cost less than forty dollars to set up (with a couple of spare buckets, so you can let them sun between uses), where a composting toilet will cost hundreds to thousands and may not even work as well.
Kathleen
Kathleen
http://www.weblife.org/humanure/default.html
Here's the Humanure Handbook, teh whole book available online.
Here's the Humanure Handbook, teh whole book available online.
Thanks! I already have the Humanure book, I wanted to hear from people here who have been there and done that. It is good to hear that the homemade systems are working well, the guy in the book has a homemade system. Besides sawdust, wood ashes can be used, is that correct? And 1 more question...do you have to pee in a different place?
There is a plan they are homemaking in europe that uses a wheeled garbage can, they rotate two cans, if I find that site again I'll post a link.
Do ya'll have a greywater system too? I was thinking greywater would work great with a filtering ditch into an irrigation system for fruit trees.
There is a plan they are homemaking in europe that uses a wheeled garbage can, they rotate two cans, if I find that site again I'll post a link.
Do ya'll have a greywater system too? I was thinking greywater would work great with a filtering ditch into an irrigation system for fruit trees.
Here is a link with the Big Batch homemade system, scroll down the first one listed.
http://www.compostingtoilet.org/owner_build.cfm from Composting Toilet World
http://www.compostingtoilet.org/owner_build.cfm from Composting Toilet World
Gingergirl
Veteran Member
Armygirl,
I'm not well versed in this topic. I read over the material in the link for humanure. Not very detailed in its research. Nor do I think there was enough consideration given to protecting surface water. Nor am I reassured by the authors belief "healthy human=health waste." The spread of a pathogen by "healthy" carriers are legend. (Remember SARS?) The human body is constantly shedding pathogens awaiting the moment when poorer health/stress of the host permits their numbers to grow to numbers that overwhelm the immune system.
I'm inclined to think that if the public health and medical profession have been so cautious about human waste, then I would want some pretty strong evidence before I changed my bias on handling human waste.
Prehaps CanadaSue (whose knowledge of pathology is well respected on this board) could give you some guidance on research that more carefully explores this subject.
I'm not well versed in this topic. I read over the material in the link for humanure. Not very detailed in its research. Nor do I think there was enough consideration given to protecting surface water. Nor am I reassured by the authors belief "healthy human=health waste." The spread of a pathogen by "healthy" carriers are legend. (Remember SARS?) The human body is constantly shedding pathogens awaiting the moment when poorer health/stress of the host permits their numbers to grow to numbers that overwhelm the immune system.
I'm inclined to think that if the public health and medical profession have been so cautious about human waste, then I would want some pretty strong evidence before I changed my bias on handling human waste.
Prehaps CanadaSue (whose knowledge of pathology is well respected on this board) could give you some guidance on research that more carefully explores this subject.
Gingergirl,
I agree completely, proper handling is very important. Here where I live now everyone goes in the water that is flushed into the sewer, the sewage is cleaned up then we get it back again through the tap for drinking and cooking. Composting works without endangering so much of the precious water supply. Have you also read about the breaches by the sewage companies, that have been happening more and more frequently? Proper handling is of paramount importance.
I agree completely, proper handling is very important. Here where I live now everyone goes in the water that is flushed into the sewer, the sewage is cleaned up then we get it back again through the tap for drinking and cooking. Composting works without endangering so much of the precious water supply. Have you also read about the breaches by the sewage companies, that have been happening more and more frequently? Proper handling is of paramount importance.
Composting toilets do not handle large deposits very well. That is, multiple users can overwhelm their composting capacity. I know one fellow who tried one at his place of business in a rural area. Well, he removed the toilet and used the area for a closet. Then ordered one of those porta-Johns.
There's really nothing wrong with a well-maintained pit toilet. As long as you keep it away from the well, there should be no problem.
As far as disposing of the accumulated deposits, the issue is mainly one of population density. If you have the acreage, you could just go out in the woods and commune with nature. That's what nature does with no problem. But nature doesn't usually have a problem with population density, and when it does, something like feces-borne disease comes along and reduces the population.
So I'm thinking that an above ground area where all the deposits are deposited (am I being redundant again?) might not be the best idea -- unless you can accelerate the composting by using something like manure worms. Kasota knows a lot about worms and could give you some good ideas, I'm sure.
JMHO
regards,
Garryowen
There's really nothing wrong with a well-maintained pit toilet. As long as you keep it away from the well, there should be no problem.
As far as disposing of the accumulated deposits, the issue is mainly one of population density. If you have the acreage, you could just go out in the woods and commune with nature. That's what nature does with no problem. But nature doesn't usually have a problem with population density, and when it does, something like feces-borne disease comes along and reduces the population.
So I'm thinking that an above ground area where all the deposits are deposited (am I being redundant again?) might not be the best idea -- unless you can accelerate the composting by using something like manure worms. Kasota knows a lot about worms and could give you some good ideas, I'm sure.
JMHO
regards,
Garryowen
I was quite surprised earlier this week when I stopped at a rest area south of Topeka. It used all composting toilets...... I was taken by surprise when I flipped up the lid and had a black hole staring back at me instead of a white bowl with water.
Had directions for use posted on the door and told of plans to use it for fertilizer. If the state of Kansas has figured out how to use composting toilets at a rural rest stop, home owners can too.
Dorema
Had directions for use posted on the door and told of plans to use it for fertilizer. If the state of Kansas has figured out how to use composting toilets at a rural rest stop, home owners can too.
Dorema
MaxTheKnife
Membership Revoked
I'll go along with booger on this one. Composting toilets can be very sanitary if managed properly. Yes, they take more care than a flush toilet. But not having to hook them to the water supply saves you water and future plumbing problems with a septic system.
My wife and I live in the downstairs part of my Mom's house. There's no plumbing at all down here. Just bare concrete floors. We're lucky to have electricity! Well, three people sharing one bathroom can get to be a problem from time to time. So I decided to check into composting toilets since I got the 'evil eye' from my wife when I mentioned an outhouse. He he. Well, it didn't appeal much to me when I thought about late night visits on a cold winter night. The only ones I liked were over $1,000! But I sent off for info on a few just the same. One of the outfits that sent me info actually sent a detailed exploded parts diagram including theory and function. That was the wrong thing to do with a peckerwood like me!
I put my thinking cap on and designed and built my own version of a dry composting crapper. Having been an apprentice plumber for a few years I had a leg up with proper venting and plumbing through the roof. Simply put, I built a wooden box with a hinged lid on the bottom front panel to provide access to the catch basin, added the vent pipe and a toiled seat and it was a done deal. I also installed a solar powered vent fan in the top of the vent stack for a negative air pressure in the box while using it. Long story short, it works like a charm. Of course, to make the uhmm.... stuff compost, you have to stir it occasionally and add more shredded leaves, grass and sawdust. I also occasionally add hardwood ashes from the woodstove and lime to help the process along. When my wife and I use it regularly, it has to be stirred about twice a month. And dumped twice a year. Of course, I got the stirring and dumping job. No problemo.
When I was finished with my little dry composting crapper project I was so happy with myself I sat down and drew up plans for it and forwarded them to my favorite homesteading magazine, BackHome. They ran the article and sent me a check for $50 and gave me a free 2 year subscription. I think it's in issue #45 or 46 if anyone's interested. The article is titled "Privvyledged Information". Well, that's my dry composting crapper story. So Army Girl, if your funds are limited, get the satisfaction of building one for yourself. That way you can design it the way you want it and keep it simple or make it as complex as you want it. .
My wife and I live in the downstairs part of my Mom's house. There's no plumbing at all down here. Just bare concrete floors. We're lucky to have electricity! Well, three people sharing one bathroom can get to be a problem from time to time. So I decided to check into composting toilets since I got the 'evil eye' from my wife when I mentioned an outhouse. He he. Well, it didn't appeal much to me when I thought about late night visits on a cold winter night. The only ones I liked were over $1,000! But I sent off for info on a few just the same. One of the outfits that sent me info actually sent a detailed exploded parts diagram including theory and function. That was the wrong thing to do with a peckerwood like me!
I put my thinking cap on and designed and built my own version of a dry composting crapper. Having been an apprentice plumber for a few years I had a leg up with proper venting and plumbing through the roof. Simply put, I built a wooden box with a hinged lid on the bottom front panel to provide access to the catch basin, added the vent pipe and a toiled seat and it was a done deal. I also installed a solar powered vent fan in the top of the vent stack for a negative air pressure in the box while using it. Long story short, it works like a charm. Of course, to make the uhmm.... stuff compost, you have to stir it occasionally and add more shredded leaves, grass and sawdust. I also occasionally add hardwood ashes from the woodstove and lime to help the process along. When my wife and I use it regularly, it has to be stirred about twice a month. And dumped twice a year. Of course, I got the stirring and dumping job. No problemo.
When I was finished with my little dry composting crapper project I was so happy with myself I sat down and drew up plans for it and forwarded them to my favorite homesteading magazine, BackHome. They ran the article and sent me a check for $50 and gave me a free 2 year subscription. I think it's in issue #45 or 46 if anyone's interested. The article is titled "Privvyledged Information". Well, that's my dry composting crapper story. So Army Girl, if your funds are limited, get the satisfaction of building one for yourself. That way you can design it the way you want it and keep it simple or make it as complex as you want it. .
Kimber
Membership Revoked
Not much to add b/c I haven't done this yet with a future hunting cabin I'm planning on building. However, I strongly recommend anyone with an interest read the following publication at the following link:
http://www.appalachiantrail.org/protect/steward/sanman.html#sub1
Click on the pdf manual when you get to the site. It's a 200+ page Backcountry Sanitation Manual with all the information you could possibly want on building a Privy, gray water management, incinerator and composting toilets, and troubleshooting. It's been awhile since I skimmed it, and I think it's a couple years old, so some composting info may be out of date. And it focuses on building one, not buying one. (Personally, I'm likely to buy one - but this information looked handy if TSHTF -
)
David
http://www.appalachiantrail.org/protect/steward/sanman.html#sub1
Click on the pdf manual when you get to the site. It's a 200+ page Backcountry Sanitation Manual with all the information you could possibly want on building a Privy, gray water management, incinerator and composting toilets, and troubleshooting. It's been awhile since I skimmed it, and I think it's a couple years old, so some composting info may be out of date. And it focuses on building one, not buying one. (Personally, I'm likely to buy one - but this information looked handy if TSHTF -
)David