How does a composting toilet work?

How does a composting toilet work?

Composting process

Composting toilets break down solid waste material through a biological decomposition process. Waste is mixed with a bulking agent such as wood shavings to boost aerobic condition. The warm, moist environment helps to break down the waste into compost material. 

Little or no water is required, and the end product is a dry composted material which reduces in volume by 70 to 90 per cent during the decomposition process.

The compost is created occurs by natural bacteria and fungi working together to break down the organic matter in the waste into a dry oxidised product. The process is affected by the air, heat, and moisture conditions, which need to be managed to achieve the best results. A fan system helps move air through the compost pile and out via a vent.

Any excess liquid is drained into an absorption trench. In some models, urine diversion is available, and this can be diverted to storage for dilution [1:5] for use as a plant nutrient.

Types of composting toilets

There are many types of composting toilet system available which vary in terms of features and cost. 

Natureloo, Clivus Multrum CM2, CS, CMLP, and CMHP are ‘batch ‘systems where two or more chambers are filled and then left to mature. When a chamber is full, it is closed, removed, stored, and replaced with a new or clean empty chamber.

Click here to read more about composting toilet maintenance and the removal of compost.

Zing Bokashi’s composting toilets meet New Zealand and Australian standards. The Ecolet 25, Natureloo Excelet, 650, 850 and CMLP/CMHP models are also independently certified as meeting the requirements of standard AS:NZ 1546:2 2008.
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