How to Build a DIY Composting Toilet for Your Home

AvatarByLiana Farrell Toilet Queries

How to Build a Composting Toilet

Are you looking for a way to reduce your environmental impact and save money on your water bill? If so, you may want to consider building a composting toilet. Composting toilets are a great way to dispose of human waste in a natural and environmentally friendly way. They also use very little water, making them a great option for those who live in dry climates or who want to save money on their water bills.

In this article, we will discuss the basics of composting toilets and how to build one yourself. We will also provide tips on how to maintain your composting toilet and troubleshoot any problems that may arise.

By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of composting toilets and how to build one yourself. You will also be able to make an informed decision about whether or not a composting toilet is right for you.

Step Materials Instructions
1
  • 55-gallon drum
  • Lid with 1-inch hole
  • Saw
  • Drill
  • Screwdriver
  • Sandpaper
  • Paint
  • Plywood
  • 2x4s
  • Framing nails
  • Rubber gasket
  • PVC pipe
  • Duct tape
  • Soil
  • Sawdust
  1. Cut the lid of the drum in half.
  2. Drill a 1-inch hole in the center of the bottom of the drum.
  3. Sand the edges of the drum and lid.
  4. Paint the drum and lid to protect them from the elements.
  5. Cut a piece of plywood to fit the inside of the drum.
  6. Attach the plywood to the inside of the drum with framing nails.
  7. Cut two 2x4s to the same height as the drum.
  8. Attach the 2x4s to the front and back of the drum with framing nails.
  9. Cut a piece of PVC pipe to fit snugly inside the 1-inch hole in the bottom of the drum.
  10. Attach the PVC pipe to the bottom of the drum with duct tape.
  11. Fill the bottom of the drum with soil and sawdust.
2
  • Compostable toilet seat
  • Compostable toilet paper
  • Install a compostable toilet seat on the lid of the drum.
  • Use compostable toilet paper when using the toilet.
3
  • Regularly add dry leaves, grass clippings, and other organic matter to the compost pile.
  • Turn the compost pile every few weeks to help aerate it.
  • After a few months, the compost will be ready to use as fertilizer for your garden.
  • Regularly add dry leaves, grass clippings, and other organic matter to the compost pile.
  • Turn the compost pile every few weeks to help aerate it.
  • After a few months, the compost will be ready to use as fertilizer for your garden.

How to Build a Composting Toilet

Choosing the Right Composting Toilet

There are a variety of composting toilets on the market, each with its own set of features and benefits. When choosing a composting toilet, it is important to consider the following factors:

  • Size: The size of the composting toilet will depend on the number of people who will be using it. For a small household, a small composting toilet will suffice. However, for a larger household, a larger composting toilet will be necessary.
  • Capacity: The capacity of the composting toilet will determine how long it can go between emptyings. If you plan on using the composting toilet for a long period of time without emptying it, you will need a composting toilet with a large capacity.
  • Durability: The composting toilet should be durable enough to withstand the elements and heavy use. If you live in a cold climate, you will need a composting toilet that can withstand freezing temperatures.
  • Ease of use: The composting toilet should be easy to use and maintain. If you are not comfortable using a composting toilet, you will not be able to use it effectively.
  • Cost: The cost of the composting toilet will vary depending on the size, capacity, and features. You should choose a composting toilet that fits your budget.

Once you have considered the above factors, you can begin to narrow down your choices. There are many different composting toilets on the market, so you are sure to find one that meets your needs.

Building the Composting Toilet

Building a composting toilet is a relatively simple process. However, it is important to follow the instructions carefully to ensure that the toilet is properly constructed and functions as intended.

The following materials and tools are needed to build a composting toilet:

  • Materials:
  • 2x4s
  • Plywood
  • Galvanized metal sheeting
  • Insulation
  • Ventilation pipe
  • Composting toilet seat
  • Composting toilet bucket
  • Composting toilet lid
  • Tools:
  • Saw
  • Drill
  • Screwdriver
  • Measuring tape
  • Level
  • Safety glasses

The steps in building a composting toilet are as follows:

1. Assemble the frame. The frame of the composting toilet is made from 2x4s. The frame should be square and measure approximately 3 feet by 3 feet.
2. Attach the plywood. Plywood is used to create the walls and floor of the composting toilet. The plywood should be cut to size and attached to the frame using screws.
3. Add insulation. Insulation is used to help keep the composting toilet warm. Insulation can be added to the walls, floor, and ceiling of the composting toilet.
4. Install the ventilation pipe. A ventilation pipe is used to vent the composting toilet. The ventilation pipe should be installed in the roof of the composting toilet.
5. Install the composting toilet seat. The composting toilet seat is installed on top of the composting toilet bucket. The composting toilet seat should be comfortable and easy to use.
6. Install the composting toilet lid. The composting toilet lid is installed on top of the composting toilet seat. The composting toilet lid should be airtight to prevent odors from escaping.

Once the composting toilet is built, it is important to test it to ensure that it is functioning properly. The composting toilet should be able to hold waste and compost it properly.

Building a composting toilet is a great way to reduce your environmental impact and save money on your water bill. Composting toilets are simple to build and maintain, and they can be used in a variety of settings. If you are interested in building a composting toilet, be sure to do your research and follow the instructions carefully.

Maintaining the Composting Toilet

Once you have built your composting toilet, it is important to maintain it properly in order to ensure that it continues to function effectively. This means adding and removing material from the toilet, aerating the compost, and emptying the compost when it is full.

How to add and remove material from the toilet

To add material to the toilet, simply scoop some of the compost from the bottom of the container and add it to the toilet bowl. You can also add urine directly to the toilet bowl. If you are using a urine diverter, you will need to empty the urine collection container regularly.

To remove material from the toilet, simply scoop it out of the toilet bowl and add it to the compost pile. You can also use a compost sifter to remove the larger pieces of material from the compost.

How to aerate the compost

Aerating the compost helps to improve the decomposition process and prevents the compost from becoming anaerobic. You can aerate the compost by stirring it with a pitchfork or by using a compost aerator.

How to empty the compost

When the compost is full, it will need to be emptied. You can empty the compost by using a compost fork or by using a compost tumbler. If you are using a compost tumbler, you will need to turn the tumbler regularly to help the compost decompose evenly.

Troubleshooting Composting Toilet Problems

Composting toilets can occasionally experience problems. Here are some common problems with composting toilets and how to troubleshoot them:

  • The toilet is not composting properly. This could be due to a number of factors, including:
  • The toilet is not getting enough air.
  • The toilet is not getting enough moisture.
  • The toilet is not being used properly.

To troubleshoot this problem, try the following:

  • Check to make sure that the toilet is getting enough air. You can do this by stirring the compost regularly or by using a compost aerator.
  • Check to make sure that the toilet is getting enough moisture. You can do this by adding water to the compost or by using a compost sprinkler.
  • Make sure that you are using the toilet properly. You should only be adding biodegradable materials to the toilet, and you should not be flushing anything other than urine and solid waste.
  • The toilet is producing a bad odor. This could be due to a number of factors, including:
  • The toilet is not getting enough air.
  • The toilet is not getting enough moisture.
  • The toilet is not being used properly.

To troubleshoot this problem, try the following:

  • Check to make sure that the toilet is getting enough air. You can do this by stirring the compost regularly or by using a compost aerator.
  • Check to make sure that the toilet is getting enough moisture. You can do this by adding water to the compost or by using a compost sprinkler.
  • Make sure that you are using the toilet properly. You should only be adding biodegradable materials to the toilet, and you should not be flushing anything other than urine and solid waste.
  • The toilet is overflowing. This could be due to a number of factors, including:
  • The toilet is not getting enough air.
  • The toilet is not getting enough moisture.
  • The toilet is not being used properly.

To troubleshoot this problem, try the following:

  • Check to make sure that the toilet is getting enough air. You can do this by stirring the compost regularly or by using a compost aerator.
  • Check to make sure that the toilet is getting enough moisture. You can do this by adding water to the compost or by using a compost sprinkler.
  • Make sure that you are using the toilet properly. You should only be adding biodegradable materials to the toilet, and you should not be flushing anything other than urine and solid waste.

If you are unable to troubleshoot the problem yourself, you may need to contact a composting toilet specialist for assistance.

Composting toilets are a great way to reduce your environmental impact and save money on your water bill. By following these tips, you can ensure that your composting toilet is functioning properly and that you are getting the most out of it.

Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful:

  • [The Composting Toilet Handbook](https://www.amazon.com/Composting-Toilet-Handbook-Everything-Need/dp/0978653167)
  • [The Humanure Handbook](https://www.amazon.com/Humanure-Handbook-How-Turn/dp/15800

    How do I build a composting toilet?

There are a few different ways to build a composting toilet, but the basic steps are the same.

1. Choose a location for your toilet. The toilet should be located in a well-drained area, away from any water sources.
2. Dig a hole for the compost chamber. The hole should be about 3 feet deep and 3 feet wide.
3. Line the hole with a waterproof material, such as a tarp or pond liner.
4. Build the toilet seat and frame. The seat can be made out of wood, metal, or plastic. The frame can be made out of wood or metal.
5. Install the toilet seat and frame over the compost chamber.
6. Add a layer of bedding material to the bottom of the compost chamber. Bedding material can be made out of straw, wood chips, or leaves.
7. Start using your toilet! When you flush the toilet, the waste will fall into the compost chamber and be mixed with the bedding material. The waste will decompose over time and turn into compost.

What materials do I need to build a composting toilet?

You will need the following materials to build a composting toilet:

  • A shovel
  • A tarp or pond liner
  • Wood, metal, or plastic for the toilet seat and frame
  • Bedding material, such as straw, wood chips, or leaves

**How much does it cost to build a composting toilet?

The cost of building a composting toilet will vary depending on the materials you use and the size of the toilet. A basic composting toilet can be built for around $100.

**How long does it take to build a composting toilet?

The time it takes to build a composting toilet will vary depending on your skill level and the size of the toilet. A basic composting toilet can be built in a few hours.

**How do I use a composting toilet?

To use a composting toilet, simply sit on the seat and flush. The waste will fall into the compost chamber and be mixed with the bedding material. The waste will decompose over time and turn into compost.

**How do I maintain a composting toilet?

To maintain a composting toilet, you will need to:

  • Add bedding material to the compost chamber regularly.
  • Turn the compost pile every few weeks to help the waste decompose.
  • Empty the compost chamber when it is full.

**What are the benefits of using a composting toilet?

There are many benefits to using a composting toilet, including:

  • Composting toilets are environmentally friendly. They reduce the amount of waste that goes to landfills.
  • Composting toilets are economical. They can save you money on water and sewer bills.
  • Composting toilets are convenient. They are easy to use and maintain.

**What are the drawbacks of using a composting toilet?

There are a few drawbacks to using a composting toilet, including:

  • Composting toilets can be smelly if they are not maintained properly.
  • Composting toilets can be more expensive to install than traditional toilets.
  • Composting toilets are not suitable for everyone. They may not be suitable for people with mobility issues or for people who live in cold climates.

    In this blog post, we have discussed how to build a composting toilet. We have covered the different types of composting toilets, the materials you will need, and the steps involved in building your own composting toilet. We hope that this information has been helpful and that you are now inspired to build your own composting toilet.

Here are some key takeaways from this blog post:

  • Composting toilets are a great way to reduce your environmental impact and save money on your water bill.
  • There are many different types of composting toilets, so you can choose one that best suits your needs.
  • The materials you need to build a composting toilet vary depending on the type of toilet you choose.
  • The steps involved in building a composting toilet are relatively simple and can be completed in a few hours.

We encourage you to learn more about composting toilets and to consider building one for your own home. Composting toilets are a great way to live more sustainably and reduce your impact on the environment.

Author Profile

Liana Farrell
Liana Farrell
Liana Farrell is the owner of toiletty.com. She is a mom of two and is very passionate about home improvement.

Liana has ten years of home improvement experience, and in her own words, she said: “I love improving the home, and I’m very passionate about keeping the home in the best possible condition. I love it!”

Liana Farrell balances beauty and functionality when she goes about her home improvement jobs.