Do Composting Toilets Cause Health Hazards?

A composting toilet is a type of toilet that collects human waste when a traditional septic system is not feasible or available. They are typically used in RVs or cabins. If you are thinking about buying a composting toilet, you may be asking yourself the question “Do composting toilets cause health hazards?” This is a valid concern and the below information may be helpful.

Different types of composting toilets

To begin with, it’s important to understand that there are basically two different types of composting toilets. The first type are large, bi-level toilets that are like watertight containers. They are equipped with a chute that connects the receptacle to the composting unit, which normally has an inclined floor where the solid waste decomposes and settles at the bottom of the container and the liquid waste is drained into the tank where it evaporates or is collected. The second type of composting toilet are smaller, self-contained units typically used in vacation homes or cabins. These are less expensive and easier to install.

The dangers of composting toilets

Whether you have a large or a small composing unit, the key thing to keep in mind is that they are basically collectors of waste, and this waste, if not handled properly, can make you and your family very sick. It may also pollute the environment around you if it is emptied improperly or disposed of in clean water sources, such as lakes and rivers.

Harmful pathogens in waste

Human waste products contain pathogens, which can make humans and livestock very sick. These pathogens can also compromise soil that is intended for growing produce. Besides pathogens, the waste also contains nitrogen and phosphorus, which can be harmful to humans and animals. A composting toilet, no matter how efficient it is, can never fully eliminate the dangers of pathogens, nitrogen and phosphorus in human waste. The best that a composting toilet can do is to reduce the amount of waste present by turning it into compost so that it is more easily disposed of.

Choosing the right toilet

To avoid these dangers, composting toilets should be equipped with the right devices to ensure that they will function properly. The unit should have an adjustable thermostat or heater to control the moisture content within the unit. This is important for ensuring that the compost contents are not left continually moist and to prevent excess liquid from accumulating inside. Too much moisture allows bacteria to breed rapidly. Ventilation is also important. A composting toilet should have vents and an automatic fan to aerate the compost. An automatic mixer is also useful as it can increase the amount of aeration in the unit and speed up the decomposition process.

Taking proper care of the composting toilet

Composting toilets require a lot of care and attention by the owners. It is not something that can be neglected if you want to avoid health hazards. You must monitor the compost contents carefully to ensure it has the right amount of moisture and you also need to take out any excess liquid that has accumulated there. You must dispose of the compost on a regular basis. This is especially important, as you must never dispose of it near your home or in any water sources.

Disposing of compost waste

Before disposing of compost waste, it is a good idea to check if your state or county has any specific guidelines for the waste disposal. Some places will require that the waste be disposed of a certain distance from clean water sources or from agricultural areas.

If there are no specific guidelines for your area, always dispose of it in a hole that is several feet from your home and water supply, and cover up the compost completely. You should always wear gloves and a face mask when emptying the composting unit and wash your hands thoroughly afterwards.

Conclusion

In response to the question, “Do composting toilets cause health hazards?” the answer is that it depends entirely on the care and diligence of the owner. When used properly, a composting toilet can be a safe and convenient way to remove waste from a home, RV or cabin that lacks a septic system.

Looking for a great composting toilet, look at Composting Toilet Central for recommendations.

The post Do Composting Toilets Cause Health Hazards? appeared first on Healthy Orbit.