5 ms·

Love the idea of living off the grid. But things like using a "Compost toilet" scare me.

dylanz 17y ago
If done right, it's the same as a normal toilet, but substitute the "flush" for scooping some sawdust down the hole. I've used quite a few, and if you do it right, you can't smell a thing.
- electromagnetic 17y ago
  I have a lot of experience with the unconventional animals, many of which have much more potent odors than human waste and sawdust does great. Cedar has great absorbency for liquid and odors, it also helps significantly that cedar generally has a really nice smell to it. I've even composted the waste before and it doesn't change the odor given off by the heap. If you still frequently cut your grass, you're going to be smelling composting plant matter far more than the human element. Personally, if I had the land available, I wouldn't have a problem with a composting toilet on my property. However, I'd probably stick with a low-water toilet for inside the house.
- enneff 17y ago
  Indeed. Composting toilets are amazing, especially when compared to 'drop' toilets (which I'd imagine constitute most people's negative 'alternative toilet' experiences).
FraaJad 17y ago
they are used everywhere in Rural villages where there is no sewage network.
pingswept 17y ago
I'm proud to say that I have substantial experience with composting toilets (both because it's true and funny) from Clivus Multrum: http://www.clivusmultrum.com/products_system_process.shtml http://www.clivusmultrum.com/products_system_process.shtml The main trick they use to avoid the smell is a fan that pulls air down past the seat and then vents it out the top. If it's set up right, you smell nothing but the roses outside (or whatever is nearby). Plus, you get badass compost for free.
- netsp 17y ago
  You actually use the compost?
  - pingswept 17y ago
    The compost started out as food; I don't see why it ought not become food again. By the time it comes out the end of the system, it's seriously just like dirt.

If done right, it's the same as a normal toilet, but substitute the "flush" for scooping some sawdust down the hole. I've used quite a few, and if you do it right, you can't smell a thing.

electromagnetic 17y ago
I have a lot of experience with the unconventional animals, many of which have much more potent odors than human waste and sawdust does great. Cedar has great absorbency for liquid and odors, it also helps significantly that cedar generally has a really nice smell to it. I've even composted the waste before and it doesn't change the odor given off by the heap. If you still frequently cut your grass, you're going to be smelling composting plant matter far more than the human element. Personally, if I had the land available, I wouldn't have a problem with a composting toilet on my property. However, I'd probably stick with a low-water toilet for inside the house.
enneff 17y ago
Indeed. Composting toilets are amazing, especially when compared to 'drop' toilets (which I'd imagine constitute most people's negative 'alternative toilet' experiences).

FraaJad 17y ago

they are used everywhere in Rural villages where there is no sewage network.

pingswept 17y ago

I'm proud to say that I have substantial experience with composting toilets (both because it's true and funny) from Clivus Multrum: http://www.clivusmultrum.com/products_system_process.shtml http://www.clivusmultrum.com/products_system_process.shtml The main trick they use to avoid the smell is a fan that pulls air down past the seat and then vents it out the top. If it's set up right, you smell nothing but the roses outside (or whatever is nearby). Plus, you get badass compost for free.

netsp 17y ago
You actually use the compost?
- pingswept 17y ago
  The compost started out as food; I don't see why it ought not become food again. By the time it comes out the end of the system, it's seriously just like dirt.