Advantages and disadvantages of composting toilets

Water is elixir of life, everyone from industries to individuals is looking for methods to preserve water and lessen costs related with water treatment. Secondary toilets, like composting toilets, demand lowest to no water to carry the waste off and need no water as part of the waste treatment .

Composting toilets eradicate the requirement for flush toilets, thereby greatly reducing water-use needs and hence reducing the hydraulic load to a septic system.Composting toilets also provide for the recycling of invaluable plant nutrients by producing a soil-like supplement. Composting toilets can be utilized anywhere a normal toilet can be used. A composting toilet is also well suited for seasonal homes, recreation areas, distant areas where water is meagre, or areas with high water tables, shallow soil, or rough terrain. The main aim of a composting toilet is to collect and destroy pathogens, thereby eliminating the risk of human infection and environmental pollution. A composting toilet is a well-ventilated container that provides the optimum environment for microorganism to decay the organic matter and transform it into a soil-like material called humus.

Advantages of composting toilets are:

Less water usage
Low quantity and strength of waste water to be disposed of on site
Advisable for remote areas
Low power consumption
Elimination of need for transportation of waste for treatment
Nutrient-rich end product
Reduces area occupied by the septic tank



Disadvantages of composting toilets are:

Maintenance requires commitment from owner/user
Improperly installed or serviced systems may produce odours or an unprocessed end product that may
have possible health effects
Seperation of end product may be unpleasant if unit is not running correctly
Does not eliminate the necessity for a septic system in many cases to treat other wastes
Some units require a power source for heat and/or ventilation
Aesthetics may be a concern since the excrement in some units may be in sight of the user

Ranking the advantages and disadvantages of composting toilets depends on the individual owner. This will determine if a composting toilet is an acceptable option.

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composting toilets