Whether you are setting up your tiny home, live on a rural homestead, or are just looking for an alternative to the traditional toilet, a composting toilet is a great option. Before installing one in your home, you’ll want to learn about how to use a composting toilet the right way. This is not only to help you get the hang of it, but it’s also to ensure that you are okay with the process.
Why do people decide to opt for composting toilets in the first place?
The resulting compost from these toilets is beneficial for the earth’s soil, being a big reason people choose to use them. No sewage system or water connection is required either, making it a great toilet option for off-grid homes.
If you’re new to composting toilets or find yourself considering one, you came to the right place.
We’re going to get into the nitty-gritty of how to use these toilets, the solutions to potential problems you may encounter, as well as what to do with the resulting compost.
What You’ll Need
Before understanding how to use your composting toilet, it’s important to make sure you have everything you need. Preparing everything you’re going to need will save time and hassle, as well as spare you stress. The following is a list of what is required to properly use a composting toilet.
- The best composting toilet on the market
- One of the Following Bulking Materials: Sawdust, Coconut Coir, Peat Moss, Wood Chips
- Composting Chamber (if not self-contained)
- Ventilation
- Biodegradable Toilet Paper
- Spray Bottle with 1:1 Ratio of Water and Vinegar
- Bag or Container to Place/Dispose of Composting Material
- Separate Container for Compost to Further Break Down (if needed)
Which Bulking Material is Best?
You might be wondering why you need bulking material in the first place. The bulking material helps with the composting conditions by improving aeration, enhancing the carbon/nitrogen ratio, preventing insect infestation, and controlling odor.
With several choices for your bulking material, you might find yourself a bit stuck on which one is the best. It all depends on what you prefer.
If you decide to use peat moss, try to use a brand that isn’t finely ground and has larger pieces. This is because the fine ground material is not as effective at composting human waste. If you want to use something a bit more eco-friendly, then the coconut coir is a great choice.
