Solar Composting Toilets

Waste generated by humans can be hazardous to the environment and composting toilets that use solar energy are an effective way of disposing human waste. This method of waste disposal not only makes use of solar energy but the end product can also be used as a very efficient fertilizer. This waste disposal method uses fewer resources, especially very less water.

How do Solar Composting Toilets Work

Due to its construction, the solar composting toilet occupies a lot of space. The processing unit that converts the waste into organic fertilizers, is located under the toilet. The processing unit is made up of an air staircase, and a solar collector that are placed adjacent to each other. The air staircase is inside the building while the solar collector is situated outside. The organic waste that comes down from the toilet, is moved downwards to the end of the air staircase. During this time the waste matter is subject to aerobic decomposition. It means that the organic waste is simplified or decomposed in the presence of oxygen. The compost is stored in a separate chamber that is constructed at the end of the air staircase. During the storage period, the compost is aerated three times. The first time, it is aerated by the incoming heat from the solar collector that introduces the air that is heated by solar energy. A PVC pipe is also used to put in more air in the chamber to further aerate the compost. The compost is aerated the third time when air passes into the storage chamber and evaporates the moisture. This air circulation in the chamber boosts the decomposition process, with the help of minimum water. A solar chimney is also attached to this chamber. The heat of the sun enhances the air circulation in the chamber and chimney, and a natural draft of air is created. This draft also gets rid of the odor of the compost, completely. Organic substances that have a good amount of carbon like, saw dust or dead leaves should be periodically added to the chamber, so that the air circulation in the pile of compost is maintained. According to the capacity of the solar composting toilet, the chamber is emptied from time to time and the totally decomposed waste in the form of organic fertilizer is removed.

Advantages of Solar Composting Toilets

The biggest advantage of solar decomposing toilets is that it functions with the help of heat of the sun. In short the resources like water that are used for decomposition of waste matter are conserved. The volume of the composting chamber can also be variable according to the amount of waste matter that is disposed off every day. For example, big hotels can have huge compost chambers for this toilet system. The use of these toilets eventually saves a lot of resources. The most precious resource that can be conserved by the use of this technology is water. In normal waste treatment plants, huge volumes of clean and usable water are utilized to treat the waste matter.

The widespread use of such toilets, will eventually save huge volumes of water. The best feature or merit of this technology is that it can be used anywhere, i.e. it can be used in urban, rural as well as sub-urban localities. A widespread use will eventually result in a sustained development and conservation of environment.