| Did you know that the your local climate can have an | | | | break down the remaining 10% of the waste, which |
| impact on the performance of a composting toilet? | | | | is basically a composite of various nutrients. This |
| It's true. Whether your climate experiences especially | | | | decomposition process is performed by aerobic |
| cold and long winters or very humid summers, the | | | | bacteria, or tiny microbes present in the compost |
| weather does play a role in how you will use and | | | | that break the waste down with the assistance of |
| maintain your system. If you're thinking about adding | | | | oxygen. Aerobic bacteria are highly efficient, |
| a composting toilet to your home, climactic conditions | | | | performing their job quickly, without creating any |
| are definitely something you should consider before | | | | sulfate or methane gasses as a byproduct of the |
| you select and purchase a unit. | | | | breakdown process. However, these bacteria are |
| First and foremost, it's important to understand that | | | | only active at temperatures of 55 degrees Fahrenheit |
| the primary function of any composting toilet is | | | | and above. If you live in a very cold climate, it will be |
| evaporation. Because our waste is approximately | | | | important that your composting toilet is located |
| 90% water, the composting toilet has to have a | | | | indoors in a heated area during the winter months if |
| good capacity to evaporate all that excess liquid. | | | | you expect to use it on a continuous basis |
| Electric units usually feature a heating element in the | | | | year-round. |
| base and a fan assembly in the back to assist and | | | | Some composting toilets called central systems are |
| speed up the evaporation process. However, if you | | | | designed so that the toilet in the bathroom is |
| live in an extremely humid climate, and the toilet is to | | | | connected by plumbing pipe down to a central |
| be located in a building without air conditioning, you | | | | composting unit in a basement, cellar, or even |
| can expect that evaporation will occur at a much | | | | outdoors. If you own such as system, remember |
| slower pace. | | | | that the central unit where the compost is held is the |
| Most composting toilets come equipped with an | | | | critical place to keep heated. If this central unit isn't |
| emergency overflow drain, and in many cases, the | | | | heated, then you won't be able to use the toilet on |
| manufacturer advises that hooking the drain up is not | | | | an ongoing basis during the winter. Composting toilet |
| necessary. This is because under normal operating | | | | drums that are allowed to freeze can usually still be |
| circumstances, no liquid will ever get high enough in | | | | used on an occasional basis as a holding tank, |
| the unit to reach the drain valve. However, in a humid | | | | assuming there is enough room in the drum to hold |
| climate, it is imperative to hook up the emergency | | | | the waste. |
| overflow drain, because the humidity will affect the | | | | No matter what type of climate you live in, it is |
| unit's evaporation capacity so significantly. The issue | | | | possible to have a composting toilet, provided you do |
| of humidity may also affect your decision about | | | | your research first. If you're unsure how your climate |
| whether to buy a waterless or low-flush system. | | | | might affect the performance of the system, |
| Remember that low flush systems may face more | | | | contact the manufacturer prior to making your |
| problems with evaporation capacity than waterless | | | | selection and ask some questions. They will be happy |
| units, simply because of the added water going into | | | | to steer you in the direction of a system that's right |
| the compost with every flush of the toilet. | | | | for you. |
| The second critical job of a composting toilet is to | | | | |