does anybody have an compost toilet or an eco loo?

[missy]

Hi,

I am interested in compost toilets / eco loos.

Does anybody have one? I would like to know more about them.

thanks
missy

[Johnny Electriglide]

I have a Biolet Compost Toilet NE in my Earthship. If I used it more, then I would install a 12VDC fan in the stack because flies come down the vent and breed. There is a compost starter mix from realgoods.com that has citronella in it to repel them, so I'll have to get a bag.
The winter temperatures(in the Earthship without any added heat from the woodstove or people living in it) run at 60-40*F, and the compost toilet works above 50*F. Spring,fall, and summer it is 70-80* with a low of 50*F. I have not removed the compost that is ready seeing it is not much yet, but will after I have painted.
The original paint was not mildew proof and now it needs to be cleaned, stain covered, and repainted in the greenhouse with the more expensive paint. I could not use the vent in winter without losing heat. I'll have to get a low power use dehumidifier or cease watering in the winter.<rockon>

[Chriswaterguy]

Originally Posted by Johnny Electriglide

I have a Biolet Compost Toilet NE in my Earthship. If I used it more, then I would install a 12VDC fan in the stack because flies come down the vent and breed. There is a compost starter mix from realgoods.com that has citronella in it to repel them, so I'll have to get a bag.

The "Ventilated Improved Pit" latrine (VIP) approach is to put mesh over the outlet. This also means that flies that breed in the waste will fly up towards the light, get trapped and eventually die. Would this solve your problem?

The fan would still help with smell, but hopefully it wouldn't be needed. As I remember it, a VIP's stack is painted black, so that the sun warms the air and causes it to flow upwards. See Drains Not Disease - Zambia: The VIP latrine is free from smell and flies. It consists of a normal pit latrine with a screened vent-pipe fitted to the pit. Smells from the pit are carried up the pipe and escape from the top.

Missy, also check Composting toilets at Appropedia.

Cheers,
Chris

[Johnny Electriglide]

I suppose I could cut a round piece of 1/16" mesh screen material I use for rainwater catchment filtering and shoe goo it to the vent top. I hope this does not block a significant amount of air flow, as it is only a 2 1/4" pipe. It hasn't stunk.

[Chriswaterguy]

Originally Posted by Johnny Electriglide

I suppose I could cut a round piece of 1/16" mesh screen material I use for rainwater catchment filtering and shoe goo it to the vent top. I hope this does not block a significant amount of air flow, as it is only a 2 1/4" pipe. It hasn't stunk.

Sounds good to me - but I'm kind of guessing. Let us know how it goes, whether it makes a difference to fly numbers.

[missy]

thanks for all the help. much appreciated.