Alternative sanitation systems have been on the rise for the past a few years. The popularity of the “no-flush” movement and composting toilets has increased. Nevertheless, skepticism about their use remains. Do composting toilets smell ? Is there any way to prevent this? Read on to know all about it.
There are several advantages of using composting toilets. Not only do they help you save water, but they also provide a rich fertilizer.
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How Does a Composting Toilet Function?
Composting toilets make use of the processes of decomposition and evaporation. Human waste is recycled through high-temperature aerobic decomposition. A vent system is attached to these toilets, which evaporate the water from the waste. The remaining solid material is then converted into fertile humus and soil.
The very advantage of aerobic decomposition is that it ensures minimal to almost no smell. A correct balance between oxygen, heat, moisture, and organic materials, allow the aerobic bacteria and microbes to thrive. These microbes and bacteria effectively and efficiently breakdown human waste with no foul smell. This finished compost is safe as well as easy to use.
These toilets perform a perfect composting of human waste. As a result, there are no remaining microbes or pathogens in the end product. The fertilizer is rich in nutrients and can be used for many purposes.
You can use it to farm-fresh veggies in your backyard, put it around the base of trees, and more. It reduces the need for commercial fertilizers. This, in turn, helps to preserve the quality of local water.
Composting toilets also help the environment. They prevent the accumulation of dangerous pathogenic wastes that is usually the norm for regular toilets. The waste collected from regular toilets is usually sent as sewage waste to landfills.
This leads to harmful substances like nitrogen, phosphorus, and other harmful pathogenic organisms to infiltrate and harm the air’s condition.
Do Composting Toilets Smell?
Contrary to popular skepticism, composting toilets do not smell offensive. They rely on high-carbon content to neutralize the smell of the waste. The inside of the compost pit or the toilet bowl has an ideal atmosphere for microorganisms and healthy bacteria to thrive. The end remains usually has a woodsy, wet earth smell. This is rich and very fertile soil.
There are also some steps for daily maintenance. After each use, sawdust or any other dry and high-carbon material should be thrown over the waste. This is an essential ingredient to remove the foul smell as it facilitates the start of the decomposition process. The exterior needs to be cleaned and wiped regularly.
Also, remember to maintain the temperature, moisture, and the mixing of the waste chamber. It must also be cleaned up once it fills. Smaller systems need more frequent emptying. The central, larger tanks’ first emptying period usually occurs two years after installation.
Endnotes
Composting toilets are, therefore, a great option. They are not only good for your home but also for the environment. They are easy to install, are quite easy to clean, and no, do not smell foul at all!
James Fields is the founder of Gardener to Farmer. His passion for gardening goes back to his childhood days when he would visit his grandfather during the holidays and help him with the plants in the backyard. This has now translated to creating a dependable resource for gardening.