Build A Composting Toilet: Your Next Do-It-Yourself Project

Composting has become very important to our landfill survival and has crossed over to the bathroom. Build a compost toilet to help reduce the need of water and even use it for fertilizers.

The engineering of how to build a composting toilet is based on the principal that human waste is 90% water. Evaporation of that water is where it all begins. When heat and air begin evaporation then there is an even oxygen and moisture distribution, which helps the waste break down faster and does not smell. There are some that require electricity and others do not require any. Sometimes additives can be added to help with the waste break down process in the composting toilet. Building one is not as hard as some would think. However, there are a couple of things to keep in mind before you decide to build a composting toilet:

• Cold air temperatures or freezing conditions can slow down the evaporation process, so therefore it slows down the breakdown of wastes.

• Purchase or build a larger composting area then you think you will need. The extra room will enhance bacteria growth, allowing for extra warmth and air movement.

Okay, to build a composting toilet you will need some plywood, hardware, a standard toilet seat, a five gallon bucket and simple tools. The steps include

1. Cut a hole in an 18x18" piece of ¾" plywood. The hole should be the size of a five gallon bucket.

2. Place this piece of plywood next to another piece that measures at 18x3", also ¾". Hinge these two pieces together.

3. Build a box that is 10" deep, 18" wide, and 21"long. Screw the 18x3" board to the top, leaving the larger piece of plywood free to lift.

4. Adjust the leg height so the bucket is able to protrude a ½" through the top. Screw the legs to the inside of the box.

5. Alter the toilet seat so the bucket can rest against the bottom of the toilet seat ring.

6. Place the seat over the hole, mark it, and screw the seat to the box.

7. Stain and varnish your new composting toilet.

8. Place the bucket in and you are ready to use.

It is important to note that the seat is just the beginning. You need a separate composting bin for the actual composting process. Make sure you have a thermometer and cover materials for your waste. Cover materials include dry rotted leaves, weeds, straw, sawdust, and other discarded organic materials.

You can research how to build a composting toilet further before deciding which system is best for you.