Composting toilets are a sustainable alternative to traditional flush toilets, yet they remain rare in the United States. However, there are compelling reasons to consider incorporating them into more homes and public facilities. The standard flush toilet contributes to a quiet infrastructure crisis, and its inherent unsustainability is a cause for concern.
When most people think of composting toilets, they may envision the basic passive systems found in remote campgrounds. These passive systems, while effective, often lack efficiency and high-tech features that are available in modern composting toilets. One common feature in these new systems is urine diversion, also known as peecycling.
Urine diversion is a simple yet effective concept in composting human waste. Composting relies on microorganisms to break down organic matter, and a proper carbon-to-nitrogen ratio and moisture level are crucial for the process. Urine, with its high nitrogen content and liquid form, can disrupt the composting process and harm the microorganisms. However, when diverted and processed separately, urine can be a valuable fertilizer.
Urine, often referred to as “liquid gold,” contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, making it a nutrient-rich fertilizer. The nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium ratio in human urine is ideal for garden soil and can outperform commercial fertilizers. Organizations like the Rich Earth Institute are pioneering efforts to reclaim human waste as a resource through research, education, and advocacy for urine recycling.
Despite the benefits of urine recycling, regulatory barriers exist in many jurisdictions that prevent widespread adoption of this practice. The Rich Earth Institute and Recode are working to update plumbing codes and regulations to include best practices for urine recycling.
If you are considering installing a composting toilet, opt for a design with urine diversion. Alternatively, for those without a composting toilet, collecting urine for use as a liquid fertilizer in the garden is a viable option. Homesteaders often use bucket toilets or portable urinals to collect urine for this purpose. Those with traditional plumbing can invest in urine-diverting flush toilets or consider donating urine for recycling in areas like Brattleboro, Vermont.
In conclusion, composting toilets with urine diversion offer a sustainable solution to the environmental challenges posed by traditional flush toilets. By embracing urine recycling and incorporating composting toilets into more homes and public facilities, we can contribute to a greener and more sustainable future.
