Types of Composting Toilets and How Much They Cost

Composting toilets are becoming more popular as people look for environmentally friendly ways to live their lives. So what is a composting toilet and what are the types? This article explains exactly what a composting toilet is, the types of units and their price range.

A composting toilet is a system that collects and treats human waste. The unit composts the human waste and dehydrates it. It breaks down organisms and evaporates moisture. The human waste then turns into a product you can use as compost to fertilize your yard soil and gardens.

There are two types of composting toilets to choose from. There's the batch system and the continual process system. Here's some information about each type of composting toilet. Many look like regular toilets and come in different designs.

Batch systems. Batch systems consist of a container that is replaced with another container once it is filled. It can have one container to replace or be a part of a system with three or four containers that rotate as each one is filled. The unit will not clog as long as it isn't overloaded.

Continual process system. With the continual process system of a composting toilet the human waste is continually composting. The human waste is composted making room for more waste to enter the system. It is fully composted after between six and 12 months.

Some people use these units during vacations, such as in cabins, while others use these units all year around in their homes. Some units are small enough to fit into a homeowner's existing bathroom. Other locations of use are cabins, farms and boats.

Now you may be wondering how much does a composting toilet cost? The units vary so the price ranges from $1,500 to $1,800. You can even build your own for $50 if you're handy. The price of purchasing a unit can be cheaper in the long run than using a typical bowl and tank.

The beauty of composting toilets is that they require little or no water so you don't need a sewage system to install one. You use less water overall which will lower your water will. It helps the environment because it reduces pollution.