Composting toilets, also known as dry or waterless toilets, offer a way to deal with human waste without using sewer lines or septic tanks. Does this Spark an idea?
Function
With a composting toilet, waste material and carbon additives like wood shavings are broken down by aerobic bacteria and fungus. A composting toilet works like a yard waste composter, requiring occasional stirring to ensure sufficient oxygen reaches all parts of the waste material, according to "Mechanical and Electrical Equipment for Buildings."
Results
A composting toilet will eventual break down human waste to 10 to 30 percent of its original volume. The material that remains resembles soil and it called humus. Humus can be used as a soil conditioner for plants, including edible crops, according to "Field Guide to Appropriate Technology."
Considerations
While humus is used for edible crops in many parts of the world, it is illegal to use it on them in the United States. Before using humus in any agricultural setting, consult local regulations to see if and how it can be legally applied as a soil conditioner.
Tags: composting toilet, edible crops, human waste, soil conditioner, waste material