Does anyone have a composting toilet?

[cloudtree]

Im considering one for an outbuilding which is used as an office but doesn't have mains drainage connection. The alternative is a normal toilet and a septic tank but that is a costly option and not as environmentally friendly.

Does anyone have a composting toilet? Are they awful to maintain?

[cloudtree]

bump

[gm2023]

I’ve used one at a music festival. I am pretty sure we were just going into wheelie bins with a convoluted shed-like structure above them. Photo from Google… They weren’t as bad as I had feared but I’m not sure about using one full-time at home. I didn’t even realise you could get them at home! There wasn’t much smell and they were alright until the end of the festival when they were rather disgustingly full. I assume a home solution is a bit different?

[Alphabet1spaghetti2]

A lot of boaters used to have them. Easy to use, but canal and river trust has made it virtually impossible (not entirely) for to be practical.
Those boaters who did have them reported they were easy to use and maintain, and if done so in accordance with manufacturers instructions worked well with little or no smell. You may find some info on canalworldforum.co.uk or googling narrowboats and composting toilets. (Not sure if the various blogs are still supported).
If I was into composting and required one for at home use eg garden room, I would go for a separator style loo. Or use the walk to the house as an excuse to get a few steps in!

[coatonthewashingline]

I’ve used one in a totally normal home that now has no other loo. It’s great. Family were a little surprised by how much poo they produced but it’s settled down ok. They take a sort of bucket out once a week. Zero smell.

[cloudtree]

Yes I'd be looking at a separator one. They have fans and a cover which is activated and slides back when someone sits on the seat.

It wouldn't be used very often. Only really by occasional clients.

[pickledandpuzzled]

I’ve used a long drop type in an eco garden. It was so peaceful and quiet.
you put a handful of sawdust in afterwards.

[Alphabet1spaghetti2]

I would go for it, just make sure you have instructions for visitor use, saves any embarrassment!

[Wbeezer]

We had one installed ( communal) at our local allotment site, it was fine, not stinky.
If you check out tiny home videos on YouTube, lots of them have all different types of composting toilets. I think the least " earthy" are the electric ones that incinerate the waste and leave you with some ash to deal with.

[coatonthewashingline]

Cloudtree - that’s the kind.

what would you do w the waste?

[Alphabet1spaghetti2]

@coatonthewashingline compost the poo. Urine bottle is emptied down the normal toilet.