Waterless and odorless, composting toilets convert human waste into valuable compost.  Composting toilets can range in style from a self-contained unit small enough for an RV,
to larger systems capable of serving commercial buildings. 



SUSTAINABLE FOR THE EARTH

• Use little or no water
  
• Eliminate need for septic system
  
• Eliminate groundwater contamination from drainfields
  
• Utilize and enhance natural systems
• Create a useful product from “waste”
  

SUSTAINABLE FOR THE WALLET

• Eliminate/reduce water/sewer costs
  
• Minimal operation and maintenance costs
  
• Eliminate costs of septic system or sewer connection
  
• Provides high quality compost for the garden
• Can be used to compost kitchen vegetable waste.
  

How does it work?
A composting toilet uses naturally occurring microbes to break down our “wastes” into a nutrient rich hummus soil material. This same decomposing process in the forest turns decaying leaves into soil.  

What about maintenance?
The crank shaft must be turned about once a week depending on use and the finished compost should be emptied on the average of about once per year. The toilet system needs to be kept at the recommended temperature and moisture levels. Some units do
this automatically; others are manual.

What does it cost?
There are quite a wide variety of products on the market ranging from RV sized toilets to public facility capacity.  Units range from a couple hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. Homemade units can be built quite inexpensively, however, these are not typically allowed by permitting agencies.      

What about smell?
If the material is composting properly, the pile should be virtually odorless.  Proper aeration, venting and maintenance can help to ensure the prevention of unpleasant odors.

Who uses it?
Composting toilets are becoming more and more popular and have been used for years in remote sites such as parks and trailheads.  

What about a permit?
Many permitting agencies have a list of standard approved composting toilet units. 
A drainfield is often required in case of overflow, but the capacity needed is significantly reduced.