Remote composting toilet systems (also known as “split” or “central” composting systems) are the best choice for most families looking to install a composting toilet in their home. Remote composting toilet systems are often compared to self-contained composting toilets. Each type of system has its own benefits and advantages.
Self-contained composting toilets are ideal for individuals and occasional use in a cottage or vacation home (for more about these models, read “Self Contained Composting Toilets“), but if you have more than two individuals interested in using a composting toilet on a daily basis, you should consider installing a remote composting toilet system.
There are many advantages to remote composting toilet systems. The primary advantage is their ability to service multiple users. Some models are built to be able to service up to ten individuals on a daily basis (for an example, check out the Envirolet Waterless Remote Composting Toilet).
Another advantage is that aesthetically these toilets look very similar to regular flush toilets. Some composting toilet users may find the self-contained models to be too large and bulky. With remote composting toilets, only the toilet itself will be in your bathroom. The composting chamber will be located either in a basement or outside your home.
Remote composting toilet systems also tend to come with many additional features not found in the self-contained models. For example, Envirolet creates remote composting toilet models in many brilliant colors (including bright pink). There are also micro-flush and vacuum-flush composting toilets that closely mimic regular flush toilets in term of use (but without the enormous waste of water).
There are some disadvantages to remote systems, however. The primary problem for many is finding an appropriate location for composting chamber. This can be a particular challenge if you home does not have a basement and experiences freezing temperatures outdoors.
Another disadvantage may be the cost. Remote composting toilets, because of their larger size and additional parts, can cost significantly more than a self-contained composting toilet (for more information, read “How Much Do Composting Toilets Cost?“). And additional costs will be incurred during the actual installation of these units, which usually requires professional assistance.
However, for those seeking a composting toilet that can adequately serve multiple users on a daily basis, remote composting toilets provide the best answer. Not purchasing a composting toilet model large enough to deal with the amount of waste being generated can result in enormous problems for owners, and should be avoided at all costs. Even though there is additional costs and efforts associated with a remote composting system, you will find it is well worth the expense and effort.
For more information about composting toilet systems, including articles about “Composting Toilet Basics” and “Composting Toilet Reviews,” please return to the Toilet Composting Homepage.
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