How do composting toilets work?

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asked Apr 17, 2022 in Camping/RV by 78777yuys (2,570 points)
How do composting toilets work?

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answered Apr 18, 2022 by AngieSmit (24,390 points)
Composting toilets work by breaking up the waste through a biological composting process just like a compost pike breaks up compost.

A composting toilet is a type of dry toilet that treats human waste by a biological process called composting.

This process leads to the decomposition of organic matter and turns human waste into compost-like material.

Composting is carried out by microorganisms under controlled aerobic conditions.

When people consider the new idea of compost toilets, they assume the toilet would stink up the house.

They don't smell or stink and in fact there, there is very little odor at all, and what little smell you get is similar to the smell of wood or mulch.

If you have a continuous cycle composting toilet there is typically a tray in the bottom of the composting toilet that you can pull out to empty.

Compost made from human waste loses much of its bulk so you will only need to empty the tray every couple of months depending on the usage of the toilet.

Disadvantages of a compost toilet include more maintenance than standard toilets.

Improperly or poorly maintained systems can lead to odors, insects, and health hazards.

These toilets usually require some type of power source, and the end product must also be removed.

Though the initial cost is higher than a conventional toilet, its long-term benefits far outweigh its upfront expense.

A composting toilet can save you money and significantly reduce environmental impact over time.

In saying that, for the sake of throwing out a number, on average you can expect to empty your composting toilet every three months or so.

The entire process can take about 20 days and is the sure way to kill all pathogens and eggs present in fecal matter.

It is the best way to ensure human waste is composted properly and can be used on edible fruits and food crops as the matter undergoes high temperatures of about 65°C.

Some of the best composting toilets on the market are.

Best Overall: Nature's Head Self Contained Composting Toilet. View On Amazon.
Best Separating: Separett Villa 9215 Urine Diverting Toilet.
Best Compact: Sun-Mar Compact Electric Waterless Composting Toilet.
Best Budget: Loveable Loo Starter Kit.
Best Automatic: BioLet Composting Toilet 65.

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