Why use composting toilets?

The loss of sewage systems due to flooding is not only a problem in the developing world as we have seen in the wake of recent disasters.

During episodes of major flooding, sewage pumping stations, that coastal communities rely on to manage their wastewater, often fail when the power goes out. Unfortunately, aging off-grid backup systems are often inoperable as well. Furthermore, the lack of fresh water availability at these times prevents homeowners from being able to flush their toilets in the first place.

As interest grows among individuals looking to establish home-based, decentralized climate change resilience strategies for their families – the lack of affordable, sustainable and viable back-up toilet options can be a source of disquiet as they seek the piece of mind that being prepared for future disasters brings.

Thousands of composting toilets are sold every year in the US. Most of these toilets are purchased by cottage owners and people living off-grid.

Sometimes this is a choice. You may have the ability to install a flush toilet system, but the cost is high and the environmental impact significant -both in terms of water use and pollution of our environment at the end of the pipe.

Sometimes, flush toilets are just not an option due to a high groundwater table, frequent flooding, limited space for infrastructure or a desire to be mobile.

Benefits of the TfP Composting Toilet:

  • Eco-friendly – saves water and has minimal impact on the environment relative to flush toilets;
  • Affordable – relative to septic systems, and especially relative to septic mound systems often required in areas with high groundwater;
  • Easy to set-up and maintain – can be set up the same day – TfP Composting Toilet is shipped fully assembled and ready to install. Just set up as instructed, spin the drum to aerate after every use, and empty out compost once every 1-2 months (based on full time use by 2 adults);
  • The standard TfP Space-Saver (7.5-gallon drum capacity plus 9-gallon secondary storage bin) meets the toilet needs of 2 adults (full time);
  • Easier to maintain, takes up little space, is more hygienic and less odorous than the DIY 5-gallon bucket system;
  • Easier to repair than manufactured composting toilets that use custom made components as opposed to the off the shelf components that Toilets for People uses; and
  • Significantly more affordable (a fraction of the cost!) compared to equivalent rotating drum composting toilets on the market.