1.  The Humanure Handbook by Joseph Jenkins

Possibly the best known book about composting toilet waste, Jenkins book is a must for anybody interested in understanding the composting process.  Well researched, Jenkins has been one of the strongest proponents of using the compost from composting toilets for agricultural purposes.  In this book he outlines why he feels this is safe, and what you need to know about building and maintaining your composting toilet. Not everyone agrees with everything Jenkins says, but he makes his arguments persuasively and with concrete evidence to back his arguments up.

2.  The Toilet Papers by Sim Van der Ryn

This book was originally published in the 1970s, and made an important contribution to the back-to-land movement at that time.  Chelsea Green Publishing has just brought it back into print so that a whole new generation an enjoy its informative and at times irreverent style.  The book contains loads of information about the history of composting waste and several DIY plans for building your own composting toilet.  Some may consider some of the information a bit dated, but all in all, a great book!

3. Composting Toilet Systems Book by David del Porto and Carol Steinfield

Another excellent choice for the home composting toilet library.  Written in a less humorous and more serious style than the two selections above, this relatively recent publication has extensive information about current composting toilet systems and the public health aspects of composting human waste.  More than 40 different systems are discussed and the authors also include invaluable information about the regulatory requirements for composting toilets in every state in the United States.  Another must have!

For additional online resources about composting toilets, visit the online resources composting toilets page, where you will find an online version of Jenkin’s Humanure book, US EPA requirements for composting toilets and more.

For additional articles about composting toilet systems, please return to the Toilet Composting homepage.

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