Compost toilets

This system is closer to the system described in the Humanure handbook. The container we use is just a large black plastic dustbin and the soak material we use is sawdust (saw dust is much better than shavings). It is important the compost is not too wet, as that will push out the oxygen, so maybe reduce the liquid content (chaps can make use of hedge row, or a straw bale urinal). The idea of the soak material is to balance the carbon/nitrogen ration and to absorb the moisture. Sawdust is best at this, but you can try other materials. A small scoop just to cover over is sufficient.

Once the container is two thirds full, remove it from the chamber, top-up with sawdust and cover with a loose-fitting lid to exclude rainwater, but that will still allow the air in. Leave in a quiet corner for one year to make sure all potential pathogens have been killed.

Once it has fully composted in the container (this actually happens surprisingly quickly) it can then be turned out onto a bed of straw (or braken etc), covered over with more of same and left ideally for another year. It is then fine to use to feed fruit trees and perannial plants. We still keep it away from the veg, just to be super sure we are not spreading any pathogens. This is over-cautious, as they will have long since broken down, but still advisable.

There is an excellent short book on composting toilets called 'Lifting the lid' written by Peter Harper and published by Centre for Alternative Technology.

Happy composting!

Steven Jones