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 Composting
Toilets- How to have an environmentally conscious bathroom.
We began researching composting toilet systems for use at our new Texas
homestead. The land we purchased has a home on it but it is really in need
of major work. From the research we have read about homesteading one of
the major mistakes people make is to fix up an existing "home" instead of just
building a new environmentally friendly small home. We have not decided either
way on that but during the process we did extensive research on buying a
composting toilet and or buying incinerating toilets. Please keep in mind that
we are modern or urban homesteaders. My husband and I both run businesses and
have three children to take care of, although we want to use as many sustainable
practices as possible. At this point in our work and family, we are not
willing to give up some of the basic conveniences of life. Pooping outside or
having our homestead smell like an outhouse are not options for us.
What are composting toilets.
Composting toilets are basically self contained toilet systems that do not
require (for the most models) to be connected to a water source, sewer line or
septic line. If you are restoring an old "farm" or building a new home in rural
areas, using a compost toilet instead of repairing or installing new septic
system can be a hugs savings. Repairing old septic systems and installing new
septic systems are pretty costly.
Cost of septic systems in Texas
Here in Texas where we live, you also have to sign a contract that is on file
with the county that you will have your septic system maintained by a licensed
professional four times a year, if you do not major fines will follow. Our
service contract for that is about $250.00 per year and that is just for septic
company to check the septic system, septic sprinklers (we use the cleaned water
to water our lawn), add chlorine. Pumping or anything else is extra.
In our rural area of Texas the new costs for a septic system are
approximately: $7,800. However, it can be considerably more or less
depending on the type of soil where you live and if the trucks will have easy
access to the septic system site. For example, if you live in south Texas
the soil composition is more of a solid rock its hard to dig through and
the walls of the septic system need to be thicker so it may be more in the
$9,000 price range.
 Why
is a compost toilet a more eco-friendly "green" alternative to standard toilets.
Composting toilets are water conservation tools. The average American uses
7,665 gallons of water each year just flushing the toilet. Traditional toilets
require a good amount of water every day to flush the waste away. Then the waste
and water either goes into a septic system or sewage treatment plant and needs
to be processed. I can tell you first hand that if you have a toilet with faulty
parts is can consume massive amounts of water.
How to Compare Composting Toilets
Like most products on the market today, there is a wide variety of makes and
models of composting toilets. Depending on which features are important to
you consider the following when shopping for composting toilets. First ask
yourself these two questions: 1. Are you trying to live off the grid and use
the least amount of "public" resources. 2. Do you have a power and water
supply. Depending on how you answered those two questions, consider the
following qualities when evaluating compost toilets to make sure you choose the
product that best meets your needs:
- Does the compost toile require water to operate.
- Does the compost toilet need electricity.
- Does it need to be connected to a septic or sewer line.
- How much does it cost to maintain per year.
- Can you install it or do you have to pay a professional to install.
- How and where do you dispose of the composted waste.
- How many people will be using the compost toilet system.
- How often will the compost toilet be used. (I don't mean
literally...there is not need to chart your families daily bathroom habits,
although Randy does love his poop log. Is the compost toilet going to
be in a barn or retreat that is only used on weekends or occasionally or is
it in a main home that will be used daily.)
- How large is the compost toilets compost tank.
- What is the speed of the composting aerator in the toilet.
- Does the compost toilet use heat to speed the composting process.
- Does the toilet use "natural" composting or do you need to add matter to
the toilet.
- Does the toilet compost kitchen waste.
Composting Toilets Reviews
This article was written on January 17, 2010 so the prices reflect our
research at that time. You may be able to find sales or discount retailers.
The prices I found and have posted are from the manufacturers.
 Sun-Mar Excel Non-Electric Self-Contained Composting Toilet, Model# Excel-NE
Approx $1,449.95 The Sun-Mar Excel is a non-electric
self-contained composting toilet, convents into fertilizing soil. Medium
to high capacity use, 2-3 people residential or 5-7 people weekend use.
NSF/ANSI Certified. Dimensions (in.): L 33 x W 22 1/2 x H 32
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BioLet 10 Standard 120VAC Waterless Solution Biological Toilet
Approx. $1,799.00 Designed for smaller family, has manual
mixer, 3 people full time use and 4 people part time use, cottage,
basement, barn.
Biolet 60 XL Waterless Toilet
Approx. $2,299.00 - Only biological toilet to carry the Swan Ecolabel,
Rated for 4 people full-time use and 6 people part-time use, thermostat,
fan, automatic mixer and automated liquid controls
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 Envirolet MS10 Waterless Self-Contained Composting Toilet (120VAC Electric), GREY GRANITE
Approx. $2,099.00 -The Envirolet MS10 (120VAC Electric) waterless self-contained composting toilet, ideal
for ground level installations, requires AC electric power, No chemicals,
incinerating or septic. 8 people per day, automatic Six-Way Aeration and evaporation
process, dual fans. You do not need to turn the waste manually. Periodically, add
small amount of garden peat moss. Single ply or biodegradable toilet
paper is recommended. |
BioLet 30 NE Non-Electric Waterless Solution Biological Toilet
Approx. $1,499.00 -Use where
electricity is not available- perfect for off the grid house,
Rated at 3 people full-time use and 4 people part-time use, equipped
with a convenient drain tube, the 30 NE drains off the excess liquids to
an auxiliary container, French drain or leach field. |
BioLet 20 Deluxe 120VAC Waterless Solution Biological Toilet
Approx.
$1,999.00 - Automatic
composting toilet, 3 people full-time use and 4 people part-time use |
 Envirolet Waterless Toilet (White)
Approx. $349.00-This toilet has a
removable bowl, used with Envirolet Waterless Remote Composting Toilet
Systems, 16.5" W x 22.5" L x 20.5" H (15" height to seat). |
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