Composting toilet
Composting Toilet
A Composting Toilet (pronunciation: /ˈkɒmpɒstɪŋ ˈtɔɪlɪt/) is a type of toilet that treats human excreta by a biological process called composting. This process leads to the decomposition of organic matter and turns human excreta into compost.
Etymology
The term "Composting Toilet" is derived from the process of "composting" which refers to the controlled decomposition of organic matter by microorganisms. The word "toilet" comes from the French "toilette", which referred to a person's grooming routine, but over time came to be associated with the facilities used for personal hygiene.
Function
Composting toilets use the natural processes of decomposition and evaporation to recycle human waste. Waste entering the toilets is over 90% water, which is evaporated and carried back to the atmosphere through the vent system. The small amount of remaining solid material is converted to useful compost by natural decomposition.
Related Terms
- Decomposition: The process by which organic substances are broken down into simpler organic matter.
- Evaporation: The process by which water changes from a liquid to a gas or vapor.
- Compost: Organic matter that has been decomposed and recycled as a fertilizer and soil amendment.
- Microorganisms: Any organism that is too small to be viewed by the unaided eye, such as bacteria, protozoa, and some fungi and algae.
Advantages
Composting toilets can be used in areas where there is no suitable water supply or waste treatment facility available, or to save water and to recycle waste into soil.
Disadvantages
The composting process in these toilets is slower than in industrial composting systems, and they require careful maintenance to ensure safe and odor-free operation.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Composting toilet
- Wikipedia's article - Composting toilet
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