Composting Toilet Review

Photos, and links still need to be added to this page. This research is ongoing.

It is probably a cultural universal across the World, certainly in Canada, to snicker when discussing bodily waste. For anyone who has had to care for a child or aging adult these discussion seem to lost their lure and seem like the pragmatics of the Human condition. Nonetheless where applicable we will use the cross-cultural short hand of No1 and No2 or strict biological terms.

Composting toilets are a specification issue that dovetails with your waste design. There are several types of composting toilets, including:

• Passive composting toilets: These toilets rely on natural processes to break down the waste, and typically require very little maintenance. They typically use a combination of heat, moisture, and microbial action to break down the waste.

• Active composting toilets: These toilets use mechanical or electrical means to speed up the composting process. They may use fans, heaters, or agitators to create the conditions needed for rapid decomposition.

• Batch composting toilets: These toilets use a process called "batch composting" where the waste is collected in a container and then removed periodically for composting.

• Continuous composting toilets: These toilets use a process called "continuous composting" where the waste is constantly being broken down, and the finished compost is removed periodically.

• Incinerating toilets: These toilets use heat to sterilize the waste, eliminating pathogens and leaving behind ash.

• Urine-diverting toilets: These toilets separate urine from the solid waste, allowing the urine to be used as fertilizer while the solid waste is composted.

It's important to note that not all of these types of toilets are legal in every jurisdiction and it's important to check with local authorities before installing one. Where we live we expect that all of the options will require coordination with the authorities having jurisdiction.

Passive composting toilets use natural processes to break down human waste into a safe and stable compost. They typically consist of a toilet seat, a collection chamber, and a ventilation system. When the toilet is used, the waste is deposited into the collection chamber, which is usually lined with a layer of sawdust, peat moss, or other organic material. This material helps to absorb moisture and provide a carbon source for the microorganisms that break down the waste. The ventilation system provides air flow to the collection chamber, which helps to dry the waste and keep odors to a minimum. Over time, the waste in the collection chamber breaks down into a safe and stable compost that can be used as a soil amendment.

There are several brands of passive composting toilets available on the market. Some of the more popular brands include:

Sun-Mar: Sun-Mar is a Canadian company that has been manufacturing composting toilets for over 30 years. They offer a range of models for both residential and commercial use.

Clivus Multrum: Clivus Multrum is a Swedish company that has been manufacturing composting toilets since the 1940s. They offer a range of models for both residential and commercial use.

Envirolet: Envirolet is a US-based company that offers a range of models for residential use. We are having troubles finding the company website amidst claims of 3rd party websites stating funding is required for the company. We will need to dig more to find the website. Envirolet was always at the fore-front of this technology, we are optimistic in hoping they are continuing to advance.

Nature's Head: Nature's Head is a US-based company that offers a compact and portable composting toilet designed for use in boats, RVs and tiny homes.

Phoenix Composting Toilet: Phoenix Composting Toilet is a company that offers a range of models for residential use.

Biolet: Biolet is a company that offers a range of models for residential use.

These are some of the well-known brands, but there are many other brands available as well. It is advisable to do some research and read reviews before making a purchase, to ensure that the composting toilet you choose is suitable for your needs and local regulations.

Active composting toilets use mechanical and electrical systems to speed up the process of breaking down human waste into a safe and stable compost. They typically consist of a toilet seat, a collection chamber, an aeration system, and a heating system.

When the toilet is used, the waste is deposited into the collection chamber. The aeration system, which may include a fan or other mechanical device, provides air flow to the collection chamber. This helps to dry the waste and provides oxygen to the microorganisms that break down the waste. The heating system maintains a temperature range suitable for the microorganisms to work efficiently, typically around 35°C to 40°C (95°F to 104°F).

The collection chamber is typically divided into two or more compartments. The first compartment is where the waste is deposited, and the second compartment is where the composting process takes place. After a certain period, the composted material is moved to the final compartment, where it is aged and stabilized.

Active composting toilets can process human waste faster than passive toilets, but they require more maintenance, including regular turning of the material, and the use of a thermometer to check the temperature inside the collection chamber. They also require an electricity source to operate the aeration and heating systems.

Some popular brand names of active composting toilets include: Sun-Mar, Clivus Multrum, Biolet and Envirolet.

Batch composting toilets, also known as batch processing toilets, use a method of composting where waste is collected in batches over a period of time before being removed for composting. This method is typically used in low-use, remote or off-grid locations, such as cabins, hunting camps, and other seasonal use structures.

A batch composting toilet typically consists of a toilet seat, a collection chamber, and a ventilation system. When the toilet is used, the waste is deposited into the collection chamber, which is usually lined with a layer of sawdust, peat moss, or other organic material. This material helps to absorb moisture and provide a carbon source for the microorganisms that break down the waste. The ventilation system provides air flow to the collection chamber, which helps to dry the waste and keep odors to a minimum.

After a period of time, usually a few months, the collection chamber is full and the waste is removed to a separate composting area where it is mixed with additional carbon-rich materials such as leaves, straw, or wood chips. The mixture is then turned, watered, and aerated to promote the decomposition process. The composting process takes several months to a year, depending on the conditions and the type of materials used. After the compost has stabilized, it can be used as a soil amendment.

Batch composting toilets require more maintenance than continuous composting toilets, as the collection chamber needs to be emptied and the waste needs to be transferred to a separate composting area. They also require more space for the composting process.

There are several brands of batch composting toilets available on the market. Some of the more popular brands include:

• Sun-Mar: Sun-Mar is a Canadian company that has been manufacturing batch composting toilets for over 30 years. They offer a range of models for both residential and commercial use.

• Clivus Multrum: Clivus Multrum is a Swedish company that has been manufacturing batch composting toilets since the 1940s. They offer a range of models for both residential and commercial use.

• Envirolet: Envirolet is a US-based company that offers a range of batch composting toilet models for residential use.

• Nature's Head: Nature's Head is a US-based company that offers a compact and portable batch composting toilet designed for use in boats, RVs, and tiny homes.

• Phoenix Composting Toilet: Phoenix Composting Toilet is a company that offers a range of batch composting toilet models for residential use.

• Biolet: Biolet is a company that offers a range of batch composting toilet models for residential use.

These are some of the well-known brands, but there are many other brands available as well. It is advisable to do some research and read reviews before making a purchase, to ensure that the composting toilet you choose is suitable for your needs and local regulations.

Continuously composting toilets use a method of composting where waste is continuously added to the collection chamber and the composting process is ongoing. This method is typically used in higher-use, residential or commercial settings.

A continuously composting toilet typically consists of a toilet seat, a collection chamber, an aeration system, and a heating system. When the toilet is used, the waste is deposited into the collection chamber. The aeration system, which may include a fan or other mechanical device, provides air flow to the collection chamber. This helps to dry the waste and provides oxygen to the microorganisms that break down the waste. The heating system maintains a temperature range suitable for the microorganisms to work efficiently, typically around 35°C to 40°C (95°F to 104°F).

The collection chamber is typically divided into two or more compartments. The first compartment is where the waste is deposited, and the second compartment is where the composting process takes place. The composted material is moved continuously to the final compartment, where it is aged and stabilized.

The key difference between continuously composting toilets and batch composting toilets is that in continuously composting toilets, the process of composting human waste is ongoing, and waste is added continuously to the collection chamber, while in batch composting toilets, the process of composting is done in batches, where the collection chamber is filled over a period of time before being removed for composting.

Continuously composting toilets require regular maintenance, including regular turning of the material, and the use of a thermometer to check the temperature inside the collection chamber. They also require an electricity source to operate the aeration and heating systems. Popular brand names for continuously composting toilets include: Sun-Mar, Clivus Multrum, Biolet and Envirolet.

Incinerating toilets use heat to sterilize and break down human waste into ash. They typically consist of a toilet seat, a collection chamber, an incineration chamber, and an exhaust system.

When the toilet is used, the waste is deposited into the collection chamber. The incineration chamber is a separate compartment, which uses heat to sterilize and break down the waste. The heat may be generated by electricity, gas or propane. The incineration process occurs at temperatures of around 800 to 1000 degrees Celsius (1472-1832°F) and typically takes around 20-30 minutes.

The ash produced by the incineration process is safe to handle and typically can be disposed of in a regular trash. The exhaust system, which is typically vented to the outside, removes any gases or odors produced by the incineration process.

Incinerating toilets require less maintenance than composting toilets, as the waste is broken down into ash and there is no need for regular turning or aeration. However, they do require an energy source to operate the incineration chamber, and they may produce emissions that need to be vented to the outside.

Popular brand names of incinerating toilets include: Clivus Multrum, Incinolet, Sun-Mar, and Envirolet. It is important to note that Incinerating toilets are not widely used and are not legal in some areas, due to the emissions they produce and the potential environmental hazards they pose.

Urine diverting toilets separate urine from the rest of the waste, allowing it to be collected and used for fertilizer or other purposes. They typically consist of a toilet seat, a collection chamber, and a urine diverting mechanism.

When the toilet is used, the waste is deposited into the collection chamber. The urine diverting mechanism separates the urine from the rest of the waste and directs it into a separate collection chamber or container. The remaining solid waste is collected in the collection chamber.

The urine, which is rich in nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium, can be used as a fertilizer, either directly on plants or by diluting it with water. The solid waste can be treated using a composting or other method.

Urine diverting toilets require less water than traditional toilets and can reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills. They are also more environmentally friendly than traditional toilets, as the urine can be used as a fertilizer instead of being sent to a treatment plant.

Popular brand names of urine diverting toilets include: Clivus Multrum, Sun-Mar, and Envirolet.

It is important to note that in some places, urine diverting toilets are not legal or may have some specific regulations to follow. Furthermore, it's important to check local regulations and guidelines for the use of urine as a fertilizer, as it can vary depending on the area and the intended use.

The Alberta Building Code (ABC) sets out the requirements for the construction, alteration, and maintenance of buildings in Alberta, Canada.

Sections 9.36 to 9.39 of the ABC deal specifically with the installation and use of composting toilets. These sections outline the requirements for the construction and location of the toilet, the ventilation and odour control systems, and the maintenance and operation of the toilet.

The code states that composting toilets must be designed, constructed and installed to meet the requirements of the ABC and must be connected to an approved sewage disposal system. In addition, the toilet must be located to minimize odour and noise and to provide privacy, and the composting chamber must be designed to prevent the entry of pests and vermin. The ventilation system must be designed to remove odours and excess moisture, and the toilet must be equipped with a means of controlling the temperature and moisture content of the composting material.

The ABC also requires that the composting toilet be maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and that the composting chamber be cleaned and emptied as necessary.

It's important to keep in mind that some specific regulations and guidelines might apply depending on the location, and it is best to consult with local authorities to ensure that the installation and use of the composting toilet is in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.

The National Building Code of Canada (NBC) sets out the requirements for the construction, alteration, and maintenance of buildings in Canada. The NBC is a model code, which means that it provides a set of minimum standards that provinces and territories can adopt and adapt to their specific needs and regulations.

In the NBC, there are no specific sections that deal with composting toilets. However, the NBC does include provisions that would apply to composting toilets. Specifically, Part 3, Plumbing Services, and Part 9, Health Care Occupancies, provide the general requirements for sanitation facilities, including toilets. In these sections, it lays out the requirements for the construction, installation, and maintenance of sanitation facilities, including waste water drainage, ventilation, and odour control.

It's worth noting that the NBC is a model code and the actual regulations and requirements for composting toilets may vary depending on the specific province or territory. It's always best to check with the local authorities to ensure that the installation and use of the composting toilet is in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. It's also important to consult with the manufacturer's instructions and standards to ensure the installation and use of the composting toilet is in compliance with best practices.