Guide to Purchasing a Composting Toilet
Sun-Mar Composting Toilet
If you are seriously considering purchasing a composting toilet there are several issues to keep in mind as you review different models, to ensure that the composting toilet model you purchase will work efficiently and reliably in your home.
First, you need to consider what capacity you really need given the location and daily use the composting toilet is likely to receive. Be certain that you are selecting a composting toilet that is large enough for your needs. A good rule of thumb is to purchase a composting toilet model that has at least 25-40% greater capacity than you think you will need. That will allow both for a margin of error as well as the ability to add an additional user or two if circumstances change. Often the price difference between a small and medium sized composting toilet system is often negligible as well. An extra couple hundred dollars spent today may be well worth the expense in a few years when an unexpected family member comes for a long term stay!
When sizing a system you will also need to consider whether it will be used occasionally or whether it will have regular, daily usage. This is especially true if you are considering purchasing a self-contained model. Although some self-contained models boost capacity for four or more people, this is only based on “occasional” usage.
You will also need to decide whether you will be purchasing an electric model or non-electic composting toilet. Non-electric models are ideal for remote locations that are off-grid, and for cabins and houses where the toilets will only be having occasional use. But for regular, daily use your family may appreciate the ease of the electric models. You may find that you have many less problems with maintaining the correct moisture level and no odor problems with an electric model, while a non-electric model may require regular, often daily, maintenance to keep it in order.
Finally, you should look into the building codes for your area and see if there are any requirements that need to be met by your composting toilet system. By installing your composting toilet up to code you will be able to avoid many problematic issues down the road if you ever decide to sell your home.
Switching from a flush toilet system to a toilet composting system is one of the best environmental choices you can make for your household. It is estimated that a single composting toilet can save over 26 gallons a day of water that would otherwise be flushed down the toilet, and you will also be producing a valuable end-product (humus) that will further benefit the environment.
By keeping these criteria in mind as you review composting toilet models, you will be able to assure that the model you purchase is right for you and your family and avoid disappointment and frustration down the line. For further advice regarding the environmental and social benefits of using composting toilets, and composting toilet reviews of popular composting toilet manufactures (Sun-Mar, Biolet and more), please visit the Toilet Composting Home Page.
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