composting toilets - ecosan-technology

7/21/2019 Composting Toilets - Ecosan-technology

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technical data sheets for ecosan componentsecosan program - Deutsche Gesellschaft fr Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ) GmbH

03 Composting Toilets

B.1 Single-vault composting toilets

Waterless toilet systems

Receive mainly faeces, but treatment of urine andsolid biowaste is possible as well

Dry organic bulking material should be added

Produce a valuable soil conditioner with low pathogencontent

Suitable for both industrial and developing countries

COLLECTION

TREATMENT

UTILIZATION

URINEFAECES

SOLIDBIOWASTE

GREYWATER

RAINWATER


B.1.1 Functional principles

A single-vault composting toiletf d ti l

is humus-like material, a black, lumpysubstance similar to garden compost.Depending on the average temperatureand retention time within the vault,further storage or treatment may berequired for safe use (see chapter A,

box 2).

hemlock, spruce, fir, maple or oak, notrot resistant wood such as cedar, locust,teak, mahogany, or any wood treatedwith preservatives), peat moss, straw,woodchips, or rice hulls is introducedand moistened.

During operation, a handful of additiveshould be added to the chamber aboutevery 10th

visit. Practically speaking,

most composting vaults function bestwhen plenty of light-weight bulkingagent (not-too-dense material) is added.

In some cases, the material in the vaultmay form compact, impermeable layers,leading to wet and anaerobic conditions

in some parts of the compost mass.Breaking the impermeable layers byusing a wooden stick or pitchfork may

A General Description

B Detailed information on differ-ent types of Composting Toi-lets

B.1 Single-vault compostingtoiletsB.2 Multiple-vault composting

toiletsB.3 Movable bucket / bin

composting toiletsB.4 Composting toilets with mixing

devices

C Manufacturers and commerciallyavailable composting toilets


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Leachate has to be handled with careas it has high concentrations ofnutrients and organic carbon and alsocontains pathogen organisms. Leachatecan be evaporated by heating devices(high energy consumption!) or better byplanted evapotranspiration beds. Italso can be applied to plants whensufficient protection measures are inplace, such as subsurface application.

Handling of leachate should not beneglected in the planning phase of acomposting toilet, as poor handling ofl h t h lth i k d

B.1.4 Strengths andweaknesses

Health impact

If the composting process works effi-ciently and the retention period is longenough (in systems without insulation orheating, a min. time of 1 year is recom-mended, see chapter A, box 2), the sys-tem poses no negative impact to human

health. Nevertheless, care while han-dling the material is important to mini-mize health risks.

Figure 3: Composting toilets in PuertoMorelos, Mexico. Above the toiletseat and the bucket for storingwood chips, which are added tothe pile on a daily basis. Below thecomposting tank attached to ahouse, the bathroom is inside thehouse. (Source: The ReSourceInstitute,

http://www.riles.org/photos.htm)

Biodegradable household wastes canbe treated as well in this system.

Figure 2: View of composting toilet (Source: Reed and Shaw)


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anaerobic conditions caused by toohigh water content. For details on urinediversion see technical data sheet 01urine diversion.

B.1.5 Economical data

The costs for pre-manufacturedsystems such as Clivus Multrumcomposting toilets range from 2000Euro for a seasonal-use model to morethan 10000 Euro for institutional units.

The cost for self-constructed systems

can be considerably lower. E.g. the costfor the on-site-built clivus multrum-stylesystem in Puerto Morelos, Mexico was800 to 2500 Euro (compost chamberand superstructure, labour included).

B.1.6 Manufacturers

A list of manufacturers of compostingtoilet systems is given in part C.

B.1.7 Good practice examples

In Hamburg, Germany, around 35 com-posting toilets have been installedwithin the eco-settlement Allermhe.For more information read the GTZ datasheet on ecosan projects Hamburg Al-lermhe, Germany, available asdownload fromhttp://www.gtz.de/de/dokumente/en-

ecosan-pds-003-germany-hamburg-allermoehe-2005.pdf..

An on-site-built Clivus Multrum-style or-

sources and the Environment, Sida,Stockholm, Sweden.

Montgomery, T., 1990, On-Site waste-water treatment systems, Technical Bul-letin No. 6, The New Alchemy Institute.

Peasey, A., 2000, Health aspects of drysanitation with waste reuse. Task No.324, WELL.

Reed, B. and Shaw, R. Using humanwaste, technical brief no. 63, WELL.


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B.2 Multiple-vault composting toilets Waterless toilet systems





COLLECTION

TREATMENT

UTILIZATION

URINEFAECESSOLID

BIOWASTE

GREYWATER

RAINWATER

B.2 Multiple-vault composting toilets


Multiple-vault composting toilets consistof two or more watertight,i t h bl h b t ll t th

chamber is filled, the inner tank isrotated so that the next chamber ispositioned below the toilet. In this wayeach chamber is filled in sequence.

After reaching the point when achamber is filled, the material in the

oldest one is removed through anaccess door in order to make room forfresh material. Liquid drains throughholes at the bottom of the inner tankinto the outer one, where it may beevaporated or discharged into anevapotranspiration bed.

Lids may face the sun to collect amaximum of solar heat. This increases

the evaporation from the vaults as wellas the temperature of the surface of thecompost pile.

B.2.2 Handling and mainte-nance

Bulking agents such as coconut husks,small wood chips, leaves or vegetablefood scraps are added via the seat-riseror drop hole periodically, both to provide

a source of carbon and to increase theporosity of the pile so air can penetrateall the way through. A handful ofadditive should be added to thechamber about every 10th

visit or more

if the system is relatively small.

When a composting chamber is full,another chamber has to be emptied andthe toilet seat to be moved to the other

chamber, resp. the chamber be moved.While handling composted excreta, it isrecommended to use rubber (non-


B Detailed information on differ-ent types of Composting Toi-lets


B.2 Multiple-vault compostingtoilets

B.3 Movable bucket / bincomposting toilets

B.4 Composting toilets with mixingdevices



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A prototype double-vault, solar-heatedcomposting toilet tested in Tanzania inthe mid-1970s has been furtherdeveloped in Mexico where aprefabricated fibreglass unit has been inproduction for more than 15 years: theSirdoSeco system.

The multi-chamber Carousel,manufactured by Vera Milj A/S ofNorway, has long been one of thatcountrys most popular compostingtoilets, and reportedly over 30,000 units

have been manufactured there and inthe US since 1972. A similar type is alsomanufactured in Sweden. OutsideScandinavia the carousel-type toilet ismanufactured in Australia under thename of Rota-Loo.

Several multiple-vault systems arelocated in outbuildings, separate fromhomes. However, it can easily beincorporated in homes, as they are inMexico, Australia, and even the UK.


Health impact

The composting process reducespathogens. The multiple chambersystem avoids contamination of maturecompost with fresh faeces; this system

is therefore safer as the single vaultsystem. Careful handling of the compostis however still recommended

leachate that may pollute the groundwa-ter if not properly handled.

Environmental impact

The environmental impact is similar tothe one of a single-vault system: As asealed system, multiple-vaultcomposting toilets pose noenvironmental health risks whenleachate is properly handled.

The compost product will have apositive impact to the environment dueto the soil conditioning effect.

Costs and benefits

Costs for multiple-vault systems usuallyare lower than costs of single-vaultsystems. The benefit obtained from theproduct is similar to other forms ofcomposting toilets.

Socio-cultural suitability

The toilet requires careful maintenancefrom the users and regular monitoring ofthe level of the chamber to determinewhether a chamber is filled.

Mixing and raking of the material israrely required since aeration is better inthe smaller chambers and duringemptying of the chambers no freshmaterial has to be handled. Maintainingmultiple-chamber toilets is thereforemore comfortable than with single-

1600 and 2100 Euro.

The cost of a prefabricated Sirdo Seco

toilet substructure of fibreglass was in1994 the equivalent of 400 Euro. Thecost of a prefabricated superstructurewas 90 Euro.

Figure 3: Sirdo Seco double-vault toilet inMexico (Esrey, 1998)

B.2.6 Design information

The double-vault system can be self-constructed by using cement blocks,and coated inside for sealing and on theexterior if groundwater intrusion couldbe a problem. Vault size typically isabout 1.2 meter by 1.2 meter by 1.2


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allows air to penetrate the compost pilefrom all sides.

A large diameter vent pipe draws air upthrough the pile from an intake openinglocated below the net along the rearwall of the vault. This airflow also helpsto evaporate the liquids that accumulateon the floor of the digestion vault.Evaporation is further enhanced bywicks made from strips of polyester orrayon fibre (from old clothing), which arehung from the net to draw up the liquid

from below, increasing the surface areaexposed to the air stream. Anothersolution is to drain the liquid to anevapotranspiration bed. Experience hasbeen shown that it takes a family of upto 10 people over a year to fill onecomposting vault.

B.2.7 Further reading

Construction detail of carousel toilet

http://biorealis.com/composter/carousel/carousel.html

B.2.8 Manufacturers



The CCD toilets on the island of

Pohnpei, Federated States ofMicronesia, showed satisfactory results,both from the users and the system

Montgomery, T., 1990, On-Site waste-water treatment systems, Technical Bul-letin No. 6, The New Alchemy Institute.

Peasey, A., 2000, Health aspects of drysanitation with waste reuse. Task No.324, WELL.

Reed, B. and Shaw, R. Using humanwaste, technical brief no. 63, WELL.


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B.3 Movable bucket/bin composting toilets



Need a dry organic bulking material



COLLECTION

TREATMENT

UTILIZATION

URINEFAECES

SOLIDBIOWASTE

GREYWATER

RAINWATER

B.3 Movable bucket/bin composting toilets


Such systems are commercialised byvarious companies and typically appliedfor non-permanent use like in holiday

residences. Receptacles may be smallbins or even simple plastic orbiodegradable bags.

B.3.2 Handling andmaintenance

The collection bins need to be replacedor emptied in regular intervals andfeaces be further treated.

Several advanced handling options areoffered by the industrial drum industry,including special wheeled handtrucksfor moving drums, wheeled dollies, Figure 1: Compact dry toilet with collection


B Detailed information on differ-ent types of Composting Toi-

letsB.1 Single-vault composting toiletsB.2 Multiple-vault composting



devices



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Health impact

Properly sealed collection bins andadequate protection measures duringhandling of content guarantee that nohealth risks arise to users andcollectors. However, simple bucketsystems or careless handling ofcollected excreta may pose a certainhealth risk.

Composting and pathogen inactivationwithin the bins will normally beincomplete. However, if the content ofthe bins is collected and centrallytreated in a well run composting plant, aperfectly pathogen free compost can beobtained.

Environmental impact

Applying the system reducessignificantly the introduction ofpathogens into the water bodies due tothe elimination of discharge of faecalmaterial into the environment. As asealed system it poses no negativeimpact to the environment.

Some threats may arise from improperhandling of leachate from collectionbins.

The toilet requires no flushing water.

The compost product has a positivei t d t il diti i ff t f

Costs and benefits

The system is more simple and cheaper

than other composting toilets. Costsavings can be obtained especially inlarger schemes with a collection systemand central treatment.

For low-cost systems, normal plasticbins can be modified to use as acollection chamber.

Benefits obtained from product aresimilar to other forms of composting

toilets.

Technical suitability

The system is simple since locallyavailable bins can be modified to acomposting chamber.

Systems with urine diversion have theadvantage that no they produce n orvery little leachate that is generally

difficult to handle.Treatment of excreta is not providedinside the toilet, unlike other compostingtoilets. Treatment of collected excreta inlarger external treatment units has theadvantage that the process can moreeasily controlled and better treatmentresult be achieved as in on-sitetreatment units.

Compact systems are very easy toinstall as they can be simply placedinside a room, but they are in generalonly suitable for non permanent use

B.3.6 Manufacturers

A list of manufacturers of composting

toilet systems is given in part C.


Erdos Eco-Town, China

One of the largest projects worldwidewith composting toilets uses the binsystem: the China-Sweden Erdos Eco-town Project, Dong Sheng, InnerMongolia, China. The project covers

more than 800 households in multi-storey buildings. Toilets are modernporcelain made dry toilets with urine-diversion. They are even equipped witha flushing device for ashes. Faecesdrop through shafts and are collected inbins in the basement of the buildings.The eco-town has a ecosan teamresponsible for collection of faeces andtreatment in the local eco-station

(composting of faeces, greywatertreatment and solid waste sorting).

More information can be found atwww.ecosanres.org.


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Figure 7: Dry toilets in multi-storey building:location of toilets, drop shafts andcollection bins (EcoSanRes FactSheet 11).

Figure 9: Gebers system scetch (source:SEI)

For more information see project datasheet:

http://www.gtz.de/de/dokumente/en-ecosan-pds-008-sweden-gebers-2005.pdf

B.3.8 References

Crennan, L., waterless toilets, Home,Technical Manual: design for lifestyleand the future www greenhouse gov au


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B.4 Composting toilets with mixing devices




Produce a valuable soil conditioner with low pathogen

content Suitable for both industrial and developing countries

COLLECTION

TREATMENT

UTILIZATION

URINEFAECES

SOLID

BIOWASTE

GREY

WATER

RAIN

WATER

B.4 Automated composting toilets

B.4.1 Functional Principlesthermostats to guarantee a constant operation, no further sawdust or other


B Detailed information on differ-ent types of Composting Toi-

lets

B.1 Single-vault composting toiletsB.2 Multiple-vault composting


composting toiletsB.4 Composting toilets with

mixing devices


The Biolet system

Figure 1: The Biolet composting toilet (source: www.biolet.com)


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The BioLux system

Photos from left to right:

System sketch

Mixing device inside the reactor with sawdustmatrix

Mixing device without sawdust matrix

Toilet seat above composting chamber

Toilet seat and buttons to activate mixing

Handdriven mixing device

Verious models for use in nursing care

Large composting unit for industrial use

Public toilet building, toilet and compostingchamber


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The Biolan Naturum composting toilet Function

System sketchEvacuation of mature compost


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Technical suitability

The systems optimize the composting

process and minimize maintenance anduser involvement. They are reliable andcan be used many different situations.

However, application is so far limited toindustrialised countries due to their rela-tively high prize and because the sys-tems cannot be easily reproduced lo-cally.

B.4.7 Manufacturer



Asahiyama Zoo located in the northernpart of Japan caters for thousands ofvisitors every month. Since 1997, a totalof 12 BioLux units have been installed.

Almost all reactors treat both feces and

urine together and few treat only urine.

Survey results showed that the bio-toiletsystem have had great acceptability not

just with the staff of the zoo but espe-cially with the users.

In relation to this good result, the man-agement is planning to use bio-toilet totreat animal wastes as well.

Address: Asahiyama Zoo, Kuranuma,Higashi Asahikawa-cho, AsahikawaCity, Japan

Treatment System (OWDTS). Unpub-lished paper.

Nakagawa, N., Otaki, M., and Ishizaki,K. Technical trends in low environ-mental load type toilets in Japan.www.watermaga-zine.com/secure/jc/Japan.pdf

Nakata, S., Lopez Zavala, M. A.,Funamizu, N., Otaki, M., and Takakuwa,T., 2003, Temperature Effect onPathogens decline in the Bio-toiletSystem, Presented at the 1

st

International Dry Toilet Conference inTampere.

Website of Biolan Naturum:http://www.naturum.fi

Website of Biolet USAhttp://www.biolet.com/

and Biolet Germany:http://www.humustoiletten.de/2Funkt2.pdf#search=%22biolet%22


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Produce a valuable soil conditioner with low pathogen

content Suitable for both industrial and developing countries

COLLECTION

TREATMENT

UTILIZATION

URINEFAECESSOLID

BIOWASTE

GREYWATER

RAINWATER

C Manufacturers and commercially available composting toilets


B Detailed information ondifferent types of Composting

Toilets

B.1 Single-vault composting toiletsB.2 Multiple-vault composting



devices

C Manufacturers andcommercially availablecomposting toilets


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BergerBiotechnik

TerraNova

Composting chamber detachedfrom toilet, toilet not included

Waterless system

Urine diversion recommended,urine and faeces mixed alsopossible

Possible addition of organicwaste

Installable in multistoreybuildings

Material: glass-fibre reinforcedplastics

Price: 4.000 EUR

Berger Biotechnik GmbHJuliusstrasse 27

D-22769 HamburgGermanyTel.: +49 40 439 78 75Fax.: + 49 40 43 78 [email protected]

EnviroletWaterless remoteand low-waterremote

Composting chamber detachedfrom toilet, toilet not included

Urine and faeces mixed

Material: HDPE plastic

High capacitiy system

Electricity required for fan,heating and controls (also nonelectirc and battery poweredversion available)

Possible to add organics

Equipped with control devices

Price: 1.400 1.700 EUR(accessories + Toilet included)

EnviroletTel.: USA 1-800-387-5126Tel : Canada 1-800-387-5245Fax.: 416-299-3124www.envirolet.com

PhoenixResidential: R-

199 to R-201model Public: PF-199 to PF-201

Composting chamber detachedfrom toilet

No urine diversion Waterless system

Capacity: 1.703 l (compost

Phoenix Composting toilets195 Meadows RD

Whitefish, MT 59937Tel.: 406 862 [email protected]


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C.1.2 Single-vault composting toilets - toilet seat and composter in one unit

BiolanBiolan compostingtoilet

Toilet and compostingchamber integrated in one unit

Waterless toilet

Leachate drainage

Possible addition of kitchenwaste

No electricity

Insulated composter

Material: polythene plastic,polyurethane as insulation

Capacity: 200 l Price: 600 Euro

BiolanP.O Box 2, FIN-27501 KauttuaFinlandTel.: +358 2 549 1600Fax.: +358 2 549 1660www.biolan.com

C.2 Multiple-vault composting toilets

EcoTechCarousel


4-compartment ratatablecomposter

No urine diversion

Leachate drainage

Heater for evaporation ofdiverted liquids

Needed accessories of 2exhaust blowers, fan-speedcontroller radiant heat tubing

EcoTech, Inc.50 Beharrell StreetConcord, MA 01742Tel.: (978) 369-3951Fax.: (978) [email protected]

engineering.com/ecotech.html


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Rota-Loo101


Waterless toilet

With or without urine diversion

Leachate drainage

Rotating composting wheelwith 6 bins, spare bins can beused to increase capacity

Various sizes

Mobile systems available

Price: from 500 Euro

Rota-Loo41A Jarrah Drive

Breaside Victoria 3195AustraliaP.O. Box 988Tel.: 03 9587 2447Fax.: 03 9587 5622www.rotaloo.com

Sirdo Seco Composting chamber detachedfrom toilet

Waterless composter

Receptable divided into 2vaults

Lightweight composter

Fixed Toilet equipped with abaffle

Material: substructure offibreglass

Price: 500 EUR (1994)(substructure andsuperstructure)

Sirdo SecoJosefina Mena Abraham, Grupode Tecnologia Alternativa S.C,Alamo #8-16, Col Los Alamos,San Mateo Naucalpan, Edo deMex., 53230, Mexico

C.3 Movable bin composting toilets

C.3.1 Movable bin composting toilets large collection bins detached from toilet

PikkuvihreaGreen toilet 330

Movable bin toilet

Waterless device

PikkuVihre LtdTaalintehtaankatu, 20750 Turku,


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Separett Toilet and collection binintegrated in one unit

Urine diversion Available also without urine

diversion (then electricityrerquired for evaopration ofliquids)

Waterless device

Connection for ventilation

Carbon filter for urine odourremoval

Children seat available

Separett ABSkinnebo, SE-330 10 Bredaryd

SwedenTel.: +46 371-712 20Fax.: +46 371-712 [email protected]

BergerBiotechnikThe TOA mobiletoilet

Collection bin equipped with atoilet seat

No urine diversion

Waterless device

Necessity of bedding material(bark chips) for odour control

No electricity required

Material: polyethylene plastic,also PVC

Capacity: 30 l

Price: 100 Euro

Berger Biotechnik GmbHJuliusstrasse 27D-22769 HamburgGermanyTel.: +49 40 439 78 75Fax.:+ 49 40 43 78 [email protected]

www.berger-biotechnik.de

BergerBiotechnikSawi BiocomBarck Chip

Collection bin equipped with atoilet seat

Urine diversion

Waterless toilet

Available in various colours Necessity of dried bark chips

for odour control

Berger Biotechnik GmbHJuliusstrasse 27D-22769 HamburgGermany

Tel.: +49 40 439 78 75fax. :+ 49 40 43 78 [email protected]

b bi t h ik d


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C.4 Composting toilets with mixing devices

Seiwa DenkoBio-Lux

Composting chamber detachedfrom toilet or integrated in oneunit

Waterless device

Necessity of sawdust

Power supply

Heating system

Agitator for oxygen supply

Material: stainless steel

Price: 5.111 20.893 EUR

Seiwa Denko Co., Ltd.3-2, 1-chome, 1-jo, Kogyodanchi,Asahikawa, Hokkaido JapanTel.: 0166-39-7611www.seiwa-denko.co.jp

BioLetBioLet Standard

Toilet and compostingchamber integrated in one unit


Liquids evaporation

Waterless device

Material: ABS plastic Electricity required for heating,

ventilation and mixing device

BioLet USA, Inc.150 East State StreetP.O. Box 548Newcomerstown, OH 43832USA

Tel.: (800) 524-6538Fax.: (740) [email protected]://www biolet com/


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Sun-MarSelf-contained

Central-flushCentral dry

Composting chamber detachedfrom toilet or compact system

with toilet and composterintegrated in one unit.

Available for low flush or drytoilets


A drum is rotated manually tomix and aerate the compost.

Electric (fan, heating) or non-electric versions available

Toilet: very low flush toilet, withfoot pedal for flushing

Price: 1.200 - 1.900 Euro(including toilet)

Sun-Mar Corp.600 Main St.

Tonawanda, NY 14150USATel.: 1-888-341-0782 or905-332-1314Fax.: 905-332-1315www.sun-mar.com/

Technology components


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Technology componentsorganic solid waste rainwatergreywaterurinefaeces

collec

tion

treatm

ent

Vacuum toilets and vacuum sewerage

utili

sation

Urine-diversion

(UD) toilets

Storage

Fertilizing

with urineSoil conditioning with treated

excreta and solid biowaste

Anaerobic Digesters

Composting

Rainwater

harvesting

Urine

processing

Reuse of wastewater e.g. in agriculture, aquaculture

Gravity Sewerage (conventional or small-bore, central or decentral)

Composting toilet

Wastewater treatment (centralised or decentralised)

Disinfection(if required)

Reuse:

irrigation,

cleaning,

toilet flushing

Greywater

separation

Constructed

wetlands,

ponds, trickling

filters, septic tanks,soil filters,

Reuse:

irrigation,

toilet flushing

Prolonged storage

Waterless urinals,

UD toilets

Dehydration Toilet

composting toilets - ecosan-technology

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