The nitty gritty compost toilet

Considering a compost toilet? Here are a few things you need to know if you want to conserve water and help the environment with a good alternative.

How does a compost toilet work?

Composting toilets look like regular toilets but they do not use any water. Instead of being flushed away, waste drops directly into a chamber housed under the floor. Liquids are drained away and the solids break down through a natural composting process, aided by heat and airflow.

What about the smell?

Usually it's the combination of liquids and solids that causes smells, so if a system is working properly it should be odour-free. Domestic models are also fitted with an extraction fan that draws air out of the chamber through a ventilation pipe.

What happens to the waste?

Depending on how many people are using it, the chamber will need to be emptied a few times a year. This is not as unpleasant as it sounds, as the waste will have composted into a fine, soil-like substance with no smell, which can be buried or spread on your garden.

Can all homes use them?

Composting toilets are still more common in rural areas or where access to water is difficult, but they can be found in cities as well. Regulations vary, so check with your local council. Some states will not permit a composting toilet where there is access to a sewerage pipe.

How much do they cost?

Prices vary between $745 and $3000 depending on the supplier, model and capacity. Stand-alone units are much cheaper, as they are easier to install. Once installed, there are no ongoing costs, and your water bill should reduce significantly.

What's involved in a compost installation?

Most models require a clearance under the bathroom floor of between 750mm and 2400mm. This space also needs to be accessible in order to empty the compost. Homes without adequate under-floor space can install a stand-alone unit, but these often have a smaller capacity.

To learn about the ranges and prices of a compost toilet installation for your bathroom, talk with a bathroom renovator in your area today: