We are planning on buying some land and getting a tiny house to live in and one of the things about it is that it will be totally off-grid. We are planning on saving money etc , by getting a composting toilet.
If you're like most people, chances are you don't really know
what a composting toilet is or how it works. If your initial reaction to
the idea is one of disgust, then read on, because we're about to shed
some light on the subject! Many people think of a composting toilet as
something similar to a port-a-potty or an outhouse. Contrary to this
unpleasant image, composting toilets are very clean and sanitary, and
they make a great alternative to traditional fixtures. In this article,
we'll explain how composting toilets work, and why they are a superior
waste management solution that you just might want to consider for your
home.
The biggest misconception surrounding composting toilets is
that they smell. In reality, nothing could be farther from the truth! If
you purchase the right unit, it will be 100% odor free. Good composting
toilets use a venting system to maintain odor free operation. A 2" or
4" vent stack must be installed to run vertically up from the toilet and
out the roofline of your home. The vent stack is designed to draw air
downward through the seat and then up and out the vent. This maintains a
partial vacuum inside the unit and ensures that no odor can enter the
bathroom. In some units, there is also a small fan assembly to assist
with airflow.
There are many varieties of composting toilets to
choose from, and contrary to popular belief, not all of them are
waterless! There are many composting systems available that use water
flushing toilets. These types of units are called central systems, and
they are made up of a central composting unit (picture a big box) that
sits in the basement or lower level. A separate, more
traditional-looking toilet fixture is installed in the bathroom and
connected to your water pipes to provide flushing liquid.
The
finished product from a composting toilet is, of course, compost. While
the uninitiated might have concerns about compost coming from human
waste, there is no need to worry. Provided that you followed the
manufacturer's instructions, the finished product from your composting
unit will be clean and non-offensive. In fact, it will look and smell
just like any other normal compost you might purchase from a nursery or
garden center.
When shopping for a composting toilet, be sure to
look into the product's certifications. Has it been tested to comply
with national or international standards for waste management systems?
Within North America, composting toilet systems are tested to NSF/ANSI
Standard #41. To date, only two manufacturers of composting toilets have
successfully had their systems tested and certified to comply with this
standard.
The first is Clivus Multrum, a manufacturer of
composting systems designed for use in parks and outdoor facilities. The
second is Sun-Mar, a Canadian manufacturer of composting toilets
designed and approved for residential use. It may be helpful to note
that, for consumer's protection and safety, the NSF only certifies
composting toilets that are odorless and that produce compost with fecal
coliform that does not exceed 200 MPN per gram. In other words, if you
use the unit correctly, the finished compost is sanitary and it will not
make anyone sick. For more information, visit the
NSF's website.
Traditional
toilets use as much as 30% of the average household's water
consumption. As we move through the 21st century, composting toilets
will become an increasingly popular choice for those who need to
conserve water, or who simply wish to save money on expensive water and
sewer costs. Furthermore, composting toilets are no longer the ugly,
awkward fixtures of the past. Modern systems are sleek and contemporary,
and blend perfectly in a residential setting. If you're like other
Americans looking for ways to save money or minimize your ecological
impact, now may be a good time to consider a composting toilet system
for your home.
Off The Grid Living- How To Raise Chickens, Survive Without Power, and Live Off The Grid
We are planning on buying some land and getting a tiny house to live in and one of the things about it is that it will be totally off-grid. We are planning on saving money etc , by getting a composting toilet.
