Hi all, new member here.  We've been using a bucket toilet for about 3 years,
but are thinking about actually buying some sort of composting toilet.  I admit
this is my (the wife's) idea- my husband is happy with the bucket, but I'm
starting toilet training of our 22 month old son, and expecting guests and... 
anyway!  I guess the basic debate for me is self contained vs remote  but I'm
leaning toward remote because it seems that there would be more time between
emptying.  I don't mind the emptying but would like to do it less frequently
than we have been with the bucket.  Has anyone ever built a remote system using
say, an Envirolet waterless remote bowl with a homemade receptacle?  Cost is a
factor for us, so this seems like it would be a cheaper way to get similar
benefits to a purchased system.
Thanks,
Lynn

Hi Lynn!
 
There´s a tradeoff between the super-cheap (and surprisingly effective sawdust
type) and the commercial super-expensive ones: somewhat more owner involvement.
All composting toilets, no matter how cheap or expensive, require some kind of
it. What we can do, if we stick to CTs, is trying to minimize our meddling with
the stuff. For my part I have a couple of sawdust toilets on my premises: one
outside (for shitting) and one inside (for peeing). They take a little longer to
fill up. As for visitors, if they really like you, they`ll get used to it
(eventually), albeit they may scratch their heads at first... (For instance, my
father said my wife should really love me, otherwise she wouldn"t put up with
my "antics" for so long). 
 
Best regards,
 
José A. DeSouza Jr.
Somewhere from Brazil
jos_desouza@...
 
P.S. My kids had no trouble getting acquainted with the "alternative" (and much
more sensible) toilets!

--- On Tue, 1/26/10, lynnkzip <lkirklandzippel@...> wrote:


From: lynnkzip <lkirklandzippel@...>
Subject: [compost-toilet] homemade system question
To: compost-toilet@yahoogroups.com
Date: Tuesday, January 26, 2010, 1:20 PM


 



Hi all, new member here. We've been using a bucket toilet for about 3 years, but
are thinking about actually buying some sort of composting toilet. I admit this
is my (the wife's) idea- my husband is happy with the bucket, but I'm starting
toilet training of our 22 month old son, and expecting guests and... anyway! I
guess the basic debate for me is self contained vs remote but I'm leaning toward
remote because it seems that there would be more time between emptying. I don't
mind the emptying but would like to do it less frequently than we have been with
the bucket. Has anyone ever built a remote system using say, an Envirolet
waterless remote bowl with a homemade receptacle? Cost is a factor for us, so
this seems like it would be a cheaper way to get similar benefits to a purchased
system.
Thanks,
Lynn











[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Is the books "humanure" really what most people would consider the best
"blueprint" for a composting toilet? Are there any other plans that I can view
for free? and blogs you know about that talk about troubles someone else faced
while building thiers? I just want to make sure I do my research thoroughly. My
problem is that I don't have great internet so it is very difficult for me to
weed through a hundred sites just to find 3 good ones that tell me what I need.
I have however downloaded a copy of humanure and I'm attempting to read it very
quickly.

Thanx
Becky

It's a great resource for a cheap collection system for a compost bin.
The composting does not happen in the toilet.


Steve Spence
Renewable energy and self sufficiency
http://www.green-trust.org
http://makingthewebwork.blogspot.com/




RebeccaT wrote:
>
>
> Is the books "humanure" really what most people would consider the best
> "blueprint" for a composting toilet? Are there any other plans that I
> can view for free? and blogs you know about that talk about troubles
> someone else faced while building thiers? I just want to make sure I do
> my research thoroughly. My problem is that I don't have great internet
> so it is very difficult for me to weed through a hundred sites just to
> find 3 good ones that tell me what I need. I have however downloaded a
> copy of humanure and I'm attempting to read it very quickly.
>
> Thanx
> Becky
>
>

I got tired of taking the 5 gallon pail out once a week so I now use a plastic
pick-up truck bed tool box located under our floor with a ceramic drain tile as
the chute with a toilet seat on top with a urine diverter made from a plastic
milk jug top which redirects the urine away from the compost into the gray water
system (we use gray water to feed our plant beds). The first 2 weeks of use were
"iffy". Then, the composting process began. It took 2 months of regular use (2
people) before I had to shovel it out and add it to the outdoor composter. I
have no complaints. - Jade/terry

--- In compost-toilet@yahoogroups.com, "RebeccaT" <sdcblt@...> wrote:
>
> Is the books "humanure" really what most people would consider the best
"blueprint" for a composting toilet? Are there any other plans that I can view
for free? and blogs you know about that talk about troubles someone else faced
while building thiers? I just want to make sure I do my research thoroughly. My
problem is that I don't have great internet so it is very difficult for me to
weed through a hundred sites just to find 3 good ones that tell me what I need.
I have however downloaded a copy of humanure and I'm attempting to read it very
quickly.
>
> Thanx
> Becky
>

Can you describe your seat/stool more?  I like the idea of a truck tool box as
the receptacle.
BTW, IMHO, the Humanure Handbook is the "bible" of fecal composting!

--- In compost-toilet@yahoogroups.com, "aeonarc" <aeonarc@...> wrote:
>
> I got tired of taking the 5 gallon pail out once a week so I now use a plastic
pick-up truck bed tool box located under our floor with a ceramic drain tile as
the chute with a toilet seat on top with a urine diverter made from a plastic
milk jug top which redirects the urine away from the compost into the gray water
system (we use gray water to feed our plant beds). The first 2 weeks of use were
"iffy". Then, the composting process began. It took 2 months of regular use (2
people) before I had to shovel it out and add it to the outdoor composter. I
have no complaints. - Jade/terry
>
> --- In compost-toilet@yahoogroups.com, "RebeccaT" <sdcblt@> wrote:
> >
> > Is the books "humanure" really what most people would consider the best
"blueprint" for a composting toilet? Are there any other plans that I can view
for free? and blogs you know about that talk about troubles someone else faced
while building thiers? I just want to make sure I do my research thoroughly. My
problem is that I don't have great internet so it is very difficult for me to
weed through a hundred sites just to find 3 good ones that tell me what I need.
I have however downloaded a copy of humanure and I'm attempting to read it very
quickly.
> >
> > Thanx
> > Becky
> >
>

I just had another question, what are the best types of materials to use
when building a toilet? I would assume porous materials would be a bad idea,
since "stuff" would maybe stick in the pores? Does it really matter much? Can I
make my toilet on top, and have a "chute" like on an airplane that can be opened
to the collection below my floor? I am currently in a trailer and I coud
technically place the "box" outside directly under my toilet. But I don't want
to cut a large square hole out of my floor. I'd like to use the same drain
that's already there so I can sell the trailer later and the traditional toilets
can still be used.

-Becky

My mother laughs about my "fancy catbox" - but I found that taking the extra
time to make the wooden surround pretty with nicely stained and finished wood
helped greatly in acceptance. I also have the bucket for it basically in a box
where you can't see it, and I set up a small bathroom ventilator fan IN the box
so it would draw air from the room past the toilet seat lid, down into the box,
and then outside. It made for NO odors in the room. Since my bathroom is in a
small shed out at my property - it was important in the summer months not to
have that hot little building be stinky. Yes, it probably dries out the mix a
bit, but I can always add a little water directly to the pile if necessary.

I would hate to have to deal with a large amount of waste that had been building
up and would have to be moved - while the bucket I just take a little walk
across the property to the compost piles - a partially full bucket is a LOT
lighter than a mostly composted load built up over several months.




________________________________
From: José DeSouza <jos_desouza@...>
To: compost-toilet@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wed, January 27, 2010 3:42:18 AM
Subject: Re: [compost-toilet] homemade system question


Hi Lynn!

There´s a tradeoff between the super-cheap (and surprisingly effective sawdust
type) and the commercial super-expensive ones: somewhat more owner involvement.
All composting toilets, no matter how cheap or expensive, require some kind of
it. What we can do, if we stick to CTs, is trying to minimize our meddling with
the stuff. For my part I have a couple of sawdust toilets on my premises: one
outside (for shitting) and one inside (for peeing). They take a little longer to
fill up. As for visitors, if they really like you, they`ll get used to it
(eventually) , albeit they may scratch their heads at first... (For instance, my
father said my wife should really love me, otherwise she wouldn"t put up with my
"antics" for so long).

Best regards,

José A. DeSouza Jr.
Somewhere from Brazil
jos_desouza@ yahoo.com

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

A rv camper toilet makes a nice unit. it uses a little water, which can
be drained from the composter.


Steve Spence
Renewable energy and self sufficiency
http://www.green-trust.org
http://makingthewebwork.blogspot.com/




Becky Taylor-Capps wrote:
>
>
> I just had another question, what are the best types of materials to use
> when building a toilet? I would assume porous materials would be a bad
> idea, since "stuff" would maybe stick in the pores? Does it really
> matter much? Can I make my toilet on top, and have a "chute" like on an
> airplane that can be opened to the collection below my floor? I am
> currently in a trailer and I coud technically place the "box" outside
> directly under my toilet. But I don't want to cut a large square hole
> out of my floor. I'd like to use the same drain that's already there so
> I can sell the trailer later and the traditional toilets can still be used.
>
> -Becky
>
>

Hi there-

I just wanted to thank everyone for the great ideas. I made my composting
toilet using a used a bedside commode, 5 gallon bucket, biodegradable trash
bags and saw dust.
The bucket is lined with the biodegradable trash bag to make change out
quick and easy. The bucket gets dumped every week. In six months of use I
haven't had anymajor problems.
The compost pile is about 30 feet from my back door. What I really like
about the system is that it iseasy to clean.

Good luck composting.
Jaik


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

We use a standard wooden seat with a recycled rubber pad (the kind that go under
carpets) glued to the underside of the lid so that it seals/mates to the seat
when closed. This helps keep the smell down and the flies out. The seat is
attached to a plywood "shelf" which is attached to the wall. Under that shelf is
a 5 gallon plastic pail with the bottom cut out. This sits inside the flanged
female end of a ceramic drain pipe which penetrates the floor and goes down into
the truck bed tool box composter. By the way, the tool box is the kind which
opens from each end. The ceramic tile goes into the top of one end of the box
and the other end can be opened for "rake down" and "shovel out" as needed. The
urine diverter is made from the top of a plastic gallon milk jug with the spout
connected to a 1/2" PVC pipe which uses an elbow so that it can come out of the
side of the bucket above the point where the bucket sits in the ceramic tile.
This urine diverting pipe then has another elbow which points downward and sits
loosely (no hard connection) inside a drain pipe which penetrates the floor and
is connected (beneath the floor) to the gray water drain pipe which travels into
the greenhouse to feed the plants. The 5 gallon bucket/seat assembly can be
lifted off out of the top of the ceramic tile so that it can be taken outside
and scrubbed clean as need be. I hope this is descriptive enough - Jade/Terry

--- In compost-toilet@yahoogroups.com, "lynnkzip" <lkirklandzippel@...> wrote:
>
> Can you describe your seat/stool more?  I like the idea of a truck tool box as
the receptacle.
> BTW, IMHO, the Humanure Handbook is the "bible" of fecal composting!
>
> --- In compost-toilet@yahoogroups.com, "aeonarc" <aeonarc@> wrote:
> >
> > I got tired of taking the 5 gallon pail out once a week so I now use a
plastic pick-up truck bed tool box located under our floor with a ceramic drain
tile as the chute with a toilet seat on top with a urine diverter made from a
plastic milk jug top which redirects the urine away from the compost into the
gray water system (we use gray water to feed our plant beds). The first 2 weeks
of use were "iffy". Then, the composting process began. It took 2 months of
regular use (2 people) before I had to shovel it out and add it to the outdoor
composter. I have no complaints. - Jade/terry

Hi,

We have a Nature's Head compost loo on board our canal boat. Have been using it
for about 3 months and are pretty happy with it.

Materials-wise we have been adding a handful or two of fairly light, flaky wood
chippings (not fine sawdust) every time we use it.

We have not had any major problems, but it does smell occasionally and have been
recommended to try coir compost as a covering material instead of wood flakes. 
However, we have not found anywhere locally that stocks coir compost.  We would
rather not use peat-based for obvious environmental reasons so I have just
bought a sack of composted wood/bark to try instead.

Would be very interested to hear about other's experiences and what you would
recommend as covering/mixing materials.


In case it makes a difference, our 'humanure' is transferred from the loo into
60l barrels for a couple of months,which are then emptied into someone else's
outdoor, covered humanure pile.

Cheers for now,
Nicola :)

You can find COIR in some large pet shops in the reptile section.  It is
used for bedding.  My local Petsmart carries it.


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

I buy Coir in bulk from a georgia supplier, http://www.rolanka.com/, but
have also used ground corncob (hardware store as a blasting media) as
well. I also use a Nature's Head and am happy with it.




Steve Spence
Renewable energy and self sufficiency
http://www.green-trust.org
http://makingthewebwork.blogspot.com/




nicolabuilder wrote:
>
>
> Hi,
>
> We have a Nature's Head compost loo on board our canal boat. Have been
> using it for about 3 months and are pretty happy with it.
>
> Materials-wise we have been adding a handful or two of fairly light,
> flaky wood chippings (not fine sawdust) every time we use it.
>
> We have not had any major problems, but it does smell occasionally and
> have been recommended to try coir compost as a covering material instead
> of wood flakes. However, we have not found anywhere locally that stocks
> coir compost. We would rather not use peat-based for obvious
> environmental reasons so I have just bought a sack of composted
> wood/bark to try instead.
>
> Would be very interested to hear about other's experiences and what you
> would recommend as covering/mixing materials.
>
> In case it makes a difference, our 'humanure' is transferred from the
> loo into 60l barrels for a couple of months,which are then emptied into
> someone else's outdoor, covered humanure pile.
>
> Cheers for now,
> Nicola :)
>
>

We are a local boating club and we own 9 acres of river bottom land.  We camp
from June to Oct and then pull out.  River swamps the campgrounds one year out
of 2 and EPA has nixed our septic tank.  There are about 30 families and we're
only there on weekends.  There has got to be a homemade system we can use either
in our individual campers or set up several outhouses throughout the camp. What
about graywater from our campers or the communal shower house?  Can that be
diverted and not bother the EPA?  Recycle somehow?  we hate the honey wagon
idea.  we like the Humanure idea but is it practical for so many?  We thought
that the time our septic system rested (Nov - June or April when the floods
come) would render what was in there harmless and far less toxic to the
groundwater than the farm chemicals.  All of the clubs that have campgrounds on
the same stretch of river have been told to cease and desist using their septic
systems and we're dammed to either having Porta-Potties or the sucker trucks. 
Yuck!  Any ideas?

If you're having odor problems with flaky wood chips - like shavings? Or
like chainsaw dust? - just find some finer sawdust.
I find that green wood sawdust, instead of old dry wood sawdust actually
works better. Probably something to do with the green wood still having
nutrients that can breakdown quickly.
Ask at your local high school wood shop.
Tys

So I build my toilet Lovable style. I have used a couple of buckets now and
I'd like to know what to do now. What works best for the population? Do I
need to build an opened compost box that stays separate from the ground for
a year? but I can just throw stuff into the top and mix it up every now and
again. I think that's the kind the author of humanure does it, at least
that's what I saw once in a video with him. My prob is that right now its
very muddy on my land and it'll be this summer before I an get grass to grow
back (I recently cleared out the area that I'm living).

I don't have a huge amount of buckets (where can I get them for free? if
anywhere? stores might have rcvd stuff in the buckets and then need to get
rid of them?) I need to reuse the buckets that I've already filled. So what
do I do with the material already in them?

Right now they are closed tight with lids and no worms or other things can
get in there that need to be in there. I can't drill holes in the bottom
like some people do cause I need to use these buckets again.

What's my next step basically?


Becky


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Is there anything that I can grow that can be used as the filler?  I want to be
as self-reliant as possible.



Thanks

Fiona



To: compost-toilet@yahoogroups.com
From: steve@...
Date: Wed, 3 Mar 2010 19:13:19 -0500
Subject: Re: [compost-toilet] Best material to mix in?





I buy Coir in bulk from a georgia supplier, http://www.rolanka.com/, but
have also used ground corncob (hardware store as a blasting media) as
well. I also use a Nature's Head and am happy with it.

Steve Spence
Renewable energy and self sufficiency
http://www.green-trust.org
http://makingthewebwork.blogspot.com/

nicolabuilder wrote:
>
>
> Hi,
>
> We have a Nature's Head compost loo on board our canal boat. Have been
> using it for about 3 months and are pretty happy with it.
>
> Materials-wise we have been adding a handful or two of fairly light,
> flaky wood chippings (not fine sawdust) every time we use it.
>
> We have not had any major problems, but it does smell occasionally and
> have been recommended to try coir compost as a covering material instead
> of wood flakes. However, we have not found anywhere locally that stocks
> coir compost. We would rather not use peat-based for obvious
> environmental reasons so I have just bought a sack of composted
> wood/bark to try instead.
>
> Would be very interested to hear about other's experiences and what you
> would recommend as covering/mixing materials.
>
> In case it makes a difference, our 'humanure' is transferred from the
> loo into 60l barrels for a couple of months,which are then emptied into
> someone else's outdoor, covered humanure pile.
>
> Cheers for now,
> Nicola :)
>
>




_________________________________________________________________
Get the latest jobs delivered. Sign up for SEEK Jobmail.
http://clk.atdmt.com/NMN/go/157639755/direct/01/

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

ground corn cob.

Steve Spence
Renewable energy and self sufficiency
http://www.green-trust.org
http://makingthewebwork.blogspot.com/




Fiona Gray wrote:
> Is there anything that I can grow that can be used as the filler?  I want to
be as self-reliant as possible.
>
>
>
> Thanks
>
> Fiona
>
>
>
> To: compost-toilet@yahoogroups.com
> From: steve@...
> Date: Wed, 3 Mar 2010 19:13:19 -0500
> Subject: Re: [compost-toilet] Best material to mix in?
>
>
>
>
>
> I buy Coir in bulk from a georgia supplier, http://www.rolanka.com/, but
> have also used ground corncob (hardware store as a blasting media) as
> well. I also use a Nature's Head and am happy with it.
>
> Steve Spence
> Renewable energy and self sufficiency
> http://www.green-trust.org
> http://makingthewebwork.blogspot.com/
>
> nicolabuilder wrote:
>>
>> Hi,
>>
>> We have a Nature's Head compost loo on board our canal boat. Have been
>> using it for about 3 months and are pretty happy with it.
>>
>> Materials-wise we have been adding a handful or two of fairly light,
>> flaky wood chippings (not fine sawdust) every time we use it.
>>
>> We have not had any major problems, but it does smell occasionally and
>> have been recommended to try coir compost as a covering material instead
>> of wood flakes. However, we have not found anywhere locally that stocks
>> coir compost. We would rather not use peat-based for obvious
>> environmental reasons so I have just bought a sack of composted
>> wood/bark to try instead.
>>
>> Would be very interested to hear about other's experiences and what you
>> would recommend as covering/mixing materials.
>>
>> In case it makes a difference, our 'humanure' is transferred from the
>> loo into 60l barrels for a couple of months,which are then emptied into
>> someone else's outdoor, covered humanure pile.
>>
>> Cheers for now,
>> Nicola :)
>>
>>
>
>
>
>
> _________________________________________________________________
> Get the latest jobs delivered. Sign up for SEEK Jobmail.
> http://clk.atdmt.com/NMN/go/157639755/direct/01/
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>

Have you considered 55 gallon drums? black one will use the suns heat to
accelerate the process. even stacked tires work if you cut out the side
walls.

Steve Spence
Renewable energy and self sufficiency
http://www.green-trust.org
http://makingthewebwork.blogspot.com/




Becky Taylor-Capps wrote:
>
>
> So I build my toilet Lovable style. I have used a couple of buckets now and
> I'd like to know what to do now. What works best for the population? Do I
> need to build an opened compost box that stays separate from the ground for
> a year? but I can just throw stuff into the top and mix it up every now and
> again. I think that's the kind the author of humanure does it, at least
> that's what I saw once in a video with him. My prob is that right now its
> very muddy on my land and it'll be this summer before I an get grass to grow
> back (I recently cleared out the area that I'm living).
>
> I don't have a huge amount of buckets (where can I get them for free? if
> anywhere? stores might have rcvd stuff in the buckets and then need to get
> rid of them?) I need to reuse the buckets that I've already filled. So what
> do I do with the material already in them?
>
> Right now they are closed tight with lids and no worms or other things can
> get in there that need to be in there. I can't drill holes in the bottom
> like some people do cause I need to use these buckets again.
>
> What's my next step basically?
>
> Becky
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>

We often use shredded paper. The finer the shredding the better.  J

--- In compost-toilet@yahoogroups.com, "Tys Sniffen" <tys@...> wrote:
>
> If you're having odor problems with flaky wood chips - like shavings? Or
> like chainsaw dust? - just find some finer sawdust.
> I find that green wood sawdust, instead of old dry wood sawdust actually
> works better. Probably something to do with the green wood still having
> nutrients that can breakdown quickly.
> Ask at your local high school wood shop.
> Tys
>

Gray water can be successfully treated in a "constructed wetlands". Dig a small
3" deep pond and line it with pond liner. Add 3" of dirt on top of the liner.
Plant cattails, bull rushes, water iris and similar water loving plants. Size
the pond to handle maximum input and allow for at least 6 days of retention
time. I'm not sure what regulations you might be dealing with. I'm in Indiana
USA and I simply discussed the issue with the top guy in the health department
(not locally - at the state level) and ended up educating him about constructed
wetlands waste treatment (20 years ago). There are now many across the state. -
Jade

--- In compost-toilet@yahoogroups.com, "qcliffy" <luvtatravel@...> wrote:
>
> We are a local boating club and we own 9 acres of river bottom land.  We camp
from June to Oct and then pull out.  River swamps the campgrounds one year out
of 2 and EPA has nixed our septic tank.  There are about 30 families and we're
only there on weekends.  There has got to be a homemade system we can use either
in our individual campers or set up several outhouses throughout the camp. What
about graywater from our campers or the communal shower house?  Can that be
diverted and not bother the EPA?  Recycle somehow?  we hate the honey wagon
idea.  we like the Humanure idea but is it practical for so many?  We thought
that the time our septic system rested (Nov - June or April when the floods
come) would render what was in there harmless and far less toxic to the
groundwater than the farm chemicals.  All of the clubs that have campgrounds on
the same stretch of river have been told to cease and desist using their septic
systems and we're dammed to either having Porta-Potties or the sucker trucks. 
Yuck!  Any ideas?
>

What you might look into is a vault privy. When you return, the contents
of the vault should be dirt.



Steve Spence
Renewable energy and self sufficiency
http://www.green-trust.org
http://makingthewebwork.blogspot.com/




qcliffy wrote:
>
>
> We are a local boating club and we own 9 acres of river bottom land. We
> camp from June to Oct and then pull out. River swamps the campgrounds
> one year out of 2 and EPA has nixed our septic tank. There are about 30
> families and we're only there on weekends. There has got to be a
> homemade system we can use either in our individual campers or set up
> several outhouses throughout the camp. What about graywater from our
> campers or the communal shower house? Can that be diverted and not
> bother the EPA? Recycle somehow? we hate the honey wagon idea. we like
> the Humanure idea but is it practical for so many? We thought that the
> time our septic system rested (Nov - June or April when the floods come)
> would render what was in there harmless and far less toxic to the
> groundwater than the farm chemicals. All of the clubs that have
> campgrounds on the same stretch of river have been told to cease and
> desist using their septic systems and we're dammed to either having
> Porta-Potties or the sucker trucks. Yuck! Any ideas?
>
>

In reply to qcliffy
You are right, farms cause more nutrient pollution problems. The authorities are
not too much worried about nutrients from septic tanks, more the possibility of
spread and contamination of floodwater with pathogen disease. They are also
legally covering themselves of course as they are responsible for health of the
population.

We did a bit of work with composting toilets and amenities buildings in
Australia and recently UK and one job in Gambia.

We came across this situation a few times and did a few designs for what you
would call a block cellar incorporating a composting toilet with outhouse above.
The cellar has to be water proof and a ladder down into it and access to the
composting chambers. We did designs for inclined base composting chambers (like
Clivus Multrum) but I would go for twin chamber systems being the least problem.

The walls can be extended up to make a block outhouse or a timber outhouse put
on top.

The floor of the out house to be above the flood level. The cellar made of slab
reinforced floor with reinforced bars (starter bars) going up into the block
walls. Blocks walls filled with concrete. Done properly this is waterproof.
Depending on how high the flood is, you sit it on the ground with stairs up, or
if the flood level is under 3 foot or so, then build the cellar into the ground
and have a ramp access. Plant trees around and it would not stick out too much.

I would go for urine diverting composting toilet, but if you think that is a bit
much, then normal twin chamber composting toilet. Either way you need a sump and
pump out mechanism for liquid end product and/or urine.

With 30 families on weekends in summer you would need about 1.5m2 per chamber
and a supply of sawdust. Possibly solar powered fan may be needed as well.

You could then incorporate a exterior planted garden around the perimeter, also
waterproof and also above floodwater. In this goes the gravel, plants (reeds and
other proven greywater treatment plants) to treat the greywater. Treated
greywater then exists to an area planted with water loving trees or shrubs.

It could be extended to incorporate showers etc, the greywater running into the
planted bed as well.

The greywater from the campers could be run to a sump that pumps out to the
treated bed, or separate small planted greywater treatment units around the
park.

It sounds a bit complicated, but it is actually not that bad to design and could
be built by volunteers with a builder overseeing it all.

Let me know if you want to go ahead with something like this and I could help
more.


good luck,
Kevin
kevin@...


> We are a local boating club and we own 9 acres of river bottom land. We
> camp from June to Oct and then pull out. River swamps the campgrounds
> one year out of 2 and EPA has nixed our septic tank. There are about 30
> families and we're only there on weekends. There has got to be a
> homemade system we can use either in our individual campers or set up
> several outhouses throughout the camp. What about graywater from our
> campers or the communal shower house? Can that be diverted and not
> bother the EPA? Recycle somehow? we hate the honey wagon idea. we like
> the Humanure idea but is it practical for so many? We thought that the
> time our septic system rested (Nov - June or April when the floods come)
> would render what was in there harmless and far less toxic to the
> groundwater than the farm chemicals. All of the clubs that have
> campgrounds on the same stretch of river have been told to cease and
> desist using their septic systems and we're dammed to either having
> Porta-Potties or the sucker trucks. Yuck! Any ideas?
>
>

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

great! I love the simplicity of the plan
it's really generous of you to spell it all out in such detail....you must love
what you do
I'm taking note of this in case of a similar need on our property in the future
cheers
Grace

--- On Sun, 7/3/10, Kevin Ison <kevin@...> wrote:

From: Kevin Ison <kevin@...>
Subject: Re: [compost-toilet] cheap composting toilet for a club campground
To: compost-toilet@...
Received: Sunday, 7 March, 2010, 5:42 AM







 









       In reply to qcliffy

You are right, farms cause more nutrient pollution problems. The authorities are
not too much worried about nutrients from septic tanks, more the possibility of
spread and contamination of floodwater with pathogen disease. They are also
legally covering themselves of course as they are responsible for health of the
population.



We did a bit of work with composting toilets and amenities buildings in
Australia and recently UK and one job in Gambia.



We came across this situation a few times and did a few designs for what you
would call a block cellar incorporating a composting toilet with outhouse above.

The cellar has to be water proof and a ladder down into it and access to the
composting chambers. We did designs for inclined base composting chambers (like
Clivus Multrum) but I would go for twin chamber systems being the least problem.



The walls can be extended up to make a block outhouse or a timber outhouse put
on top.



The floor of the out house to be above the flood level. The cellar made of slab
reinforced floor with reinforced bars (starter bars) going up into the block
walls. Blocks walls filled with concrete. Done properly this is waterproof.
Depending on how high the flood is, you sit it on the ground with stairs up, or
if the flood level is under 3 foot or so, then build the cellar into the ground
and have a ramp access. Plant trees around and it would not stick out too much.



I would go for urine diverting composting toilet, but if you think that is a bit
much, then normal twin chamber composting toilet. Either way you need a sump and
pump out mechanism for liquid end product and/or urine.



With 30 families on weekends in summer you would need about 1.5m2 per chamber
and a supply of sawdust. Possibly solar powered fan may be needed as well.



You could then incorporate a exterior planted garden around the perimeter, also
waterproof and also above floodwater. In this goes the gravel, plants (reeds and
other proven greywater treatment plants) to treat the greywater. Treated
greywater then exists to an area planted with water loving trees or shrubs.



It could be extended to incorporate showers etc, the greywater running into the
planted bed as well.



The greywater from the campers could be run to a sump that pumps out to the
treated bed, or separate small planted greywater treatment units around the
park.



It sounds a bit complicated, but it is actually not that bad to design and could
be built by volunteers with a builder overseeing it all.



Let me know if you want to go ahead with something like this and I could help
more.



good luck,

Kevin

kevin@eekos. com



> We are a local boating club and we own 9 acres of river bottom land. We

> camp from June to Oct and then pull out. River swamps the campgrounds

> one year out of 2 and EPA has nixed our septic tank. There are about 30

> families and we're only there on weekends. There has got to be a

> homemade system we can use either in our individual campers or set up

> several outhouses throughout the camp. What about graywater from our

> campers or the communal shower house? Can that be diverted and not

> bother the EPA? Recycle somehow? we hate the honey wagon idea. we like

> the Humanure idea but is it practical for so many? We thought that the

> time our septic system rested (Nov - June or April when the floods come)

> would render what was in there harmless and far less toxic to the

> groundwater than the farm chemicals. All of the clubs that have

> campgrounds on the same stretch of river have been told to cease and

> desist using their septic systems and we're dammed to either having

> Porta-Potties or the sucker trucks. Yuck! Any ideas?

>

>



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

























[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

--- In compost-toilet@yahoogroups.com, Becky Taylor-Capps <sdcblt@...> wrote:

> I don't have a huge amount of buckets (where can I get them for free? if
> anywhere? stores might have rcvd stuff in the buckets and then need to get
> rid of them?)
>
> Becky

You should be able to get free buckets from the bakery at your local Walmart.
They will have the most, but any bakery that buys pie filling or icing should
have buckets that they throw away.

Peace,
Bruce

I like to use shredded hardwood leaves that I pile in the driveway in the fall
and run over multiple times with a lawn mower. They break down much more quickly
than wood shavings, and are fantastic for urine diversion toilets because the
end compost is beautiful and not full of wood shavings.

But they're not so well suited to toilets that get a lot of urine and have a
long retention time, as the leaves break down quickly and then can allow wet
compost to compact too much. But for urine diverted systems or ones with short
retention times, you can't beat them. They're great for the humanure sawdust
bucket system, too.

--Abe

--- In compost-toilet@yahoogroups.com, Steve Spence <steve@...> wrote:
>
> ground corn cob.
>
> Steve Spence
> Renewable energy and self sufficiency
> http://www.green-trust.org
> http://makingthewebwork.blogspot.com/
>
>
>
>
> Fiona Gray wrote:
> > Is there anything that I can grow that can be used as the filler?  I want to
be as self-reliant as possible.
> >
> >
> >
> > Thanks
> >
> > Fiona
> >
> >
> >
> > To: compost-toilet@yahoogroups.com
> > From: steve@...
> > Date: Wed, 3 Mar 2010 19:13:19 -0500
> > Subject: Re: [compost-toilet] Best material to mix in?
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > I buy Coir in bulk from a georgia supplier, http://www.rolanka.com/, but
> > have also used ground corncob (hardware store as a blasting media) as
> > well. I also use a Nature's Head and am happy with it.
> >
> > Steve Spence
> > Renewable energy and self sufficiency
> > http://www.green-trust.org
> > http://makingthewebwork.blogspot.com/
> >
> > nicolabuilder wrote:
> >>
> >> Hi,
> >>
> >> We have a Nature's Head compost loo on board our canal boat. Have been
> >> using it for about 3 months and are pretty happy with it.
> >>
> >> Materials-wise we have been adding a handful or two of fairly light,
> >> flaky wood chippings (not fine sawdust) every time we use it.
> >>
> >> We have not had any major problems, but it does smell occasionally and
> >> have been recommended to try coir compost as a covering material instead
> >> of wood flakes. However, we have not found anywhere locally that stocks
> >> coir compost. We would rather not use peat-based for obvious
> >> environmental reasons so I have just bought a sack of composted
> >> wood/bark to try instead.
> >>
> >> Would be very interested to hear about other's experiences and what you
> >> would recommend as covering/mixing materials.
> >>
> >> In case it makes a difference, our 'humanure' is transferred from the
> >> loo into 60l barrels for a couple of months,which are then emptied into
> >> someone else's outdoor, covered humanure pile.
> >>
> >> Cheers for now,
> >> Nicola :)
> >>
> >>
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > _________________________________________________________________
> > Get the latest jobs delivered. Sign up for SEEK Jobmail.
> > http://clk.atdmt.com/NMN/go/157639755/direct/01/
> >
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> >
> >
> >
> > ------------------------------------
> >
> > Yahoo! Groups Links
> >
> >
> >
> >
>

I get free buckets from a friend who works at Subway (although I'm sure other
food joints use them).  They came full of 5 gals pickles and used to get tossed
when empty.  They're green and my bathroom smells like pickles : )




[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

That's great info.  Thanks guys.



To: compost-toilet@yahoogroups.com
From: vtbiodiesel@...
Date: Mon, 8 Mar 2010 03:55:09 +0000
Subject: [compost-toilet] Re: Best material to mix in?





I like to use shredded hardwood leaves that I pile in the driveway in the fall
and run over multiple times with a lawn mower. They break down much more quickly
than wood shavings, and are fantastic for urine diversion toilets because the
end compost is beautiful and not full of wood shavings.

But they're not so well suited to toilets that get a lot of urine and have a
long retention time, as the leaves break down quickly and then can allow wet
compost to compact too much. But for urine diverted systems or ones with short
retention times, you can't beat them. They're great for the humanure sawdust
bucket system, too.

--Abe

--- In compost-toilet@yahoogroups.com, Steve Spence <steve@...> wrote:
>
> ground corn cob.
>
> Steve Spence
> Renewable energy and self sufficiency
> http://www.green-trust.org
> http://makingthewebwork.blogspot.com/
>
>
>
>
> Fiona Gray wrote:
> > Is there anything that I can grow that can be used as the filler? I want to
be as self-reliant as possible.
> >
> >
> >
> > Thanks
> >
> > Fiona
> >
> >
> >
> > To: compost-toilet@yahoogroups.com
> > From: steve@...
> > Date: Wed, 3 Mar 2010 19:13:19 -0500
> > Subject: Re: [compost-toilet] Best material to mix in?
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > I buy Coir in bulk from a georgia supplier, http://www.rolanka.com/, but
> > have also used ground corncob (hardware store as a blasting media) as
> > well. I also use a Nature's Head and am happy with it.
> >
> > Steve Spence
> > Renewable energy and self sufficiency
> > http://www.green-trust.org
> > http://makingthewebwork.blogspot.com/
> >
> > nicolabuilder wrote:
> >>
> >> Hi,
> >>
> >> We have a Nature's Head compost loo on board our canal boat. Have been
> >> using it for about 3 months and are pretty happy with it.
> >>
> >> Materials-wise we have been adding a handful or two of fairly light,
> >> flaky wood chippings (not fine sawdust) every time we use it.
> >>
> >> We have not had any major problems, but it does smell occasionally and
> >> have been recommended to try coir compost as a covering material instead
> >> of wood flakes. However, we have not found anywhere locally that stocks
> >> coir compost. We would rather not use peat-based for obvious
> >> environmental reasons so I have just bought a sack of composted
> >> wood/bark to try instead.
> >>
> >> Would be very interested to hear about other's experiences and what you
> >> would recommend as covering/mixing materials.
> >>
> >> In case it makes a difference, our 'humanure' is transferred from the
> >> loo into 60l barrels for a couple of months,which are then emptied into
> >> someone else's outdoor, covered humanure pile.
> >>
> >> Cheers for now,
> >> Nicola :)
> >>
> >>
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > __________________________________________________________
> > Get the latest jobs delivered. Sign up for SEEK Jobmail.
> > http://clk.atdmt.com/NMN/go/157639755/direct/01/
> >
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> >
> >
> >
> > ------------------------------------
> >
> > Yahoo! Groups Links
> >
> >
> >
> >
>





_________________________________________________________________
Get the latest jobs delivered. Sign up for SEEK Jobmail.
http://clk.atdmt.com/NMN/go/157639755/direct/01/

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

We have a composting toilet.  Utilizing a five gallon bucket.  We also have a
waste bing with handles for carrying and a filp top lid and a metal feed scoop
probably scoops three cups of sawdust at a time.  So far the only cons I would
say are the dumping for a family of three probably two to three times per week. 
That may sound like alot but I tend to use more sawdust.  Another thing is the
sometimes mess when it the sawdust is accidently spilled a little before it gets
dumped into the toilet.  And one more thing which in my opinion is the
worst(most annoying)  The fruit flies gnats or whatever you want to call em in
the house bathroom durning the summer months.  They come in with the sawdust
which is located outside in a pile.  And I really would like some feed back from
the memebers of this forum do you have the same problems if so what do you do. 
If not what are you doing.
Last summer i used the fly papers and that works ok. but doesn't eliminate the
problem.  Just reduces it somewhat.  I used a spray bottle filled with tea. 
Regular old drinking tea.  And spray after use of the toilet.  That really
helped alot actually.  But I've been looking for other solutions.  I have heard
that gardeners that have a compost pile sometimes use BT is a bacteria nematode.
Something like.  They say it availible different ways those mosquito dunks
little round doughnut things to put in birdbaths and standing water for example
work in a compost pile.  Has anyone heard of this.
Thanks for listening and any response.