Composting toilets and latrine systems are an environmentally compatible alternative to flush toilets and centralized sewage treatment centers. The following is an outline of the decisions required during the selection or design process.
Your initial decision is whether to purchase a pre-manufactured system or to custom build your own design. If you decide to purchase, then:
- There are many brands to choose from including: Clovis Multrum, Phoenix, Envirolet, Sun-Mar, Nature-Loo, Rota-Loo, EcoTech, and Biolet. Typically, these can be purchased either directly from the manufacturer or from a local dealer.
- The second decision is whether to have a self-contained unit or one which is centralized. The self-contained unit is easily portable and is generally used when there is no basement and use is seasonal or sporadic. A centralized system features a permanently mounted stool with the composting unit remotely placed in the basement or floor below.
If you choose to design and build your own system, then:
- The first decision is whether the composting toilet will have a single vault with removable bins or two chambers for alternating use. If the unit is to be used continuously, especially by a family, the latter model may be necessary.
- The next major design decision is whether to separate out urine or not. There are several advantages to separation including: reduction of moisture levels, improved nitrogen to carbon levels, reduced odor, and flies are not attracted.
- Finally, elements of a composting toilet system must be designed to either passively or actively manage oxygen levels, temperature, moisture, carbon to nitrogen ratios, and pathogen levels.
Additional articles:
Composting Toilets Save Water and Improve the Environment – An Alternative to Flush Toilets
You’ve Built Your Composting Toilet – What Do You Do Now?
© 2017 Steven Herbert
updated December 13, 2020 (added links to additional articles)
