How to Build a Composting Toilet (DIY Guide)

How to Make a Compost 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 compost toilet. Compost toilets are a great way to recycle human waste and turn it into a valuable resource for your garden. They are also much more environmentally friendly than traditional flush toilets, which use a lot of water.

In this article, we will show you how to build a simple and effective compost toilet. We will provide step-by-step instructions and tips, so you can build your own toilet with confidence.

Overview

A compost toilet is a toilet that separates urine and solid waste. The urine is collected in a separate container and can be used as fertilizer. The solid waste is composted in a separate chamber, where it is broken down by bacteria and turned into a nutrient-rich soil amendment.

Compost toilets are a great way to reduce your environmental impact and save money on your water bill. They are also much more environmentally friendly than traditional flush toilets, which use a lot of water.

If you are interested in learning more about compost toilets, we encourage you to visit our website. We have a wealth of information on the topic, including articles, videos, and tutorials.

Step	Materials	Instructions
1	55-gallon drum	1. Drill 1-inch holes in the bottom of the drum for drainage. 2. Drill 1-inch holes in the side of the drum for ventilation. 3. Line the inside of the drum with a garbage bag.
2	Sawhorse	1. Place the sawhorse over the drum. 2. Attach a bucket to the sawhorse, underneath the drum.
3	Sawdust, wood chips, or straw	1. Add a 6-inch layer of sawdust, wood chips, or straw to the bottom of the drum. 2. Add your waste to the drum. 3. Cover the waste with a 6-inch layer of sawdust, wood chips, or straw.
4	Water	1. Add a small amount of water to the drum to help the composting process.
5	Turn the compost	1. Every few weeks, turn the compost to help aerate it and speed up the composting process.
6	Harvesting the compost	1. After 6-12 months, the compost will be ready to harvest. 2. Remove the compost from the drum and spread it on your garden.

Materials and Tools

To build a compost toilet, you will need the following materials and tools:

• A 55-gallon drum or other large container
• A saw
• A drill
• A jigsaw or band saw
• A hammer
• Nails or screws
• A shovel
• A tarp
• A bucket
• A hose
• A compostable toilet seat
• A ventilation pipe
• A fan
• A timer

Building the Compost Toilet

Once you have gathered your materials and tools, you can begin building your compost toilet. The following steps will walk you through the process:

1. Dig a hole. The hole should be large enough to accommodate the 55-gallon drum and should be dug at least 3 feet deep.
2. Place the drum in the hole. The drum should be placed so that the open end is facing up.
3. Cut a hole in the drum. The hole should be large enough to accommodate the toilet seat.
4. Install the toilet seat. The toilet seat can be made from a piece of plywood or another material. It should be attached to the drum with nails or screws.
5. Line the drum with a tarp. The tarp will help to keep the compost from leaking out of the drum.
6. Add compost. The compost can be made from a variety of materials, such as leaves, grass clippings, and food scraps.
7. Cover the compost with a bucket. The bucket will help to keep the compost from drying out.
8. Install the ventilation pipe. The ventilation pipe will help to draw air into the compost pile and promote decomposition.
9. Install the fan. The fan will help to circulate the air in the compost pile and speed up decomposition.
10. Set a timer. The timer will help you to keep track of how long the compost has been fermenting.

Once your compost toilet is built, you can begin using it. Here are a few tips for using a compost toilet:

• Only flush biodegradable materials. This includes things like toilet paper, paper towels, and food scraps. Do not flush anything that is not biodegradable, such as diapers, sanitary products, or pet waste.
• Cover your waste with a layer of compost. This will help to keep the flies away and prevent the compost from smelling.
• Turn the compost pile regularly. This will help to speed up the decomposition process.
• Empty the compost pile when it is full. The compost pile should be emptied when it is about two-thirds full. The compost can then be used to fertilize your garden.

By following these tips, you can easily build and use a compost toilet in your own backyard. Compost toilets are a great way to reduce your environmental impact and save money on your water bill.

Compost toilets are a great way to reduce your environmental impact and save money on your water bill. They are easy to build and use, and they can be a great addition to any backyard. If you are interested in learning more about compost toilets, there are a number of resources available online and in libraries.

Maintaining the Compost Toilet

Once your compost toilet is up and running, there are a few things you can do to maintain it and keep it working properly.

Emptying the Compost Chamber

The compost chamber in your toilet will need to be emptied regularly, depending on how much you use it. A good rule of thumb is to empty it every few weeks or so. To empty the compost chamber, simply remove the lid and scoop out the compost into a compost pile or other designated area. Be sure to wear gloves to protect your hands.

Aerating the Compost

It is important to aerate the compost in your toilet regularly to help it break down and decompose properly. You can do this by stirring the compost with a pitchfork or shovel, or by using a compost aerator. Aerating the compost will help to improve the airflow and drainage, which will speed up the decomposition process.

Adding Water to the Compost

The compost in your toilet will need to be kept moist in order to decompose properly. If the compost becomes too dry, it will not break down as quickly and may start to smell bad. To keep the compost moist, simply add a little water to it every few days.

Monitoring the Compost

As the compost in your toilet decomposes, it will start to produce heat. This is a natural process and is a sign that the compost is breaking down properly. However, if the compost starts to produce too much heat, it could be a sign that there is too much moisture in the compost. To correct this, simply add a little more dry material to the compost.

Troubleshooting

If your compost toilet is not working properly, there are a few things you can check to troubleshoot the problem.

• Is the compost chamber full? If the compost chamber is full, the toilet will not be able to function properly. Empty the compost chamber and try again.
• Is the compost too dry or too wet? If the compost is too dry, it will not decompose properly. Add a little water to the compost and try again. If the compost is too wet, it could be a sign that there is too much moisture in the compost. To correct this, simply add a little more dry material to the compost.
• Is the compost producing too much heat? If the compost is producing too much heat, it could be a sign that there is too much moisture in the compost. To correct this, simply add a little more dry material to the compost.

If you have tried all of these troubleshooting steps and your compost toilet is still not working properly, you may need to contact a professional for assistance.

Troubleshooting

If you are having problems with your compost toilet, there are a few things you can check to troubleshoot the problem.

• Is the compost chamber full? If the compost chamber is full, the toilet will not be able to function properly. Empty the compost chamber and try again.
• Is the compost too dry or too wet? If the compost is too dry, it will not decompose properly. Add a little water to the compost and try again. If the compost is too wet, it could be a sign that there is too much moisture in the compost. To correct this, simply add a little more dry material to the compost.
• Is the compost producing too much heat? If the compost is producing too much heat, it could be a sign that there is too much moisture in the compost. To correct this, simply add a little more dry material to the compost.

If you have tried all of these troubleshooting steps and your compost toilet is still not working properly, you may need to contact a professional for assistance.

How do I build a compost toilet?

To build a compost toilet, you will need the following materials:

• A 55-gallon drum or other large container
• A drill with a 1-inch spade bit
• A saw
• A hammer
• Nails or screws
• A shovel
• A tarp
• A bucket
• A hose
• A compost pile

Instructions:

1. Drill holes in the bottom of the drum. This will allow liquid to drain out of the toilet and into a collection container.
2. Cut a hole in the side of the drum, about 18 inches from the bottom. This will be the seat for the toilet.
3. Attach the seat to the drum using nails or screws.
4. Cover the inside of the drum with a tarp. This will help to keep the compost from getting wet.
5. Place the drum in a sunny spot. The sun will help to speed up the composting process.
6. Start using the toilet. As you use the toilet, the waste will fall into the drum and start to decompose.
7. Empty the collection container regularly. The liquid that drains out of the toilet will need to be emptied regularly. You can do this by pouring it onto your compost pile or by using it to water your plants.
8. Turn the compost pile regularly. This will help to aerate the compost and speed up the decomposition process.
9. Once the compost is finished decomposing, it can be used as fertilizer.

What are the benefits of using a compost toilet?

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

• Environmentally friendly: Compost toilets do not require water, so they are a great way to reduce your environmental impact.
• Cost-effective: Compost toilets are very affordable to build and maintain.
• Easy to use: Compost toilets are easy to use and maintain.
• Odorless: Compost toilets are designed to be odorless.
• Hygienic: Compost toilets are hygienic and do not attract pests.

What are the drawbacks of using a compost toilet?

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

• They can be bulky. Compost toilets can be bulky, so they may not be suitable for all applications.
• They can be messy. Compost toilets can be messy, especially if they are not maintained properly.
• They can be smelly. Compost toilets can be smelly if they are not maintained properly.

Is a compost toilet right for me?

Whether or not a compost toilet is right for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you are looking for an environmentally friendly, cost-effective, and easy-to-use toilet, then a compost toilet may be a good option for you. However, if you are concerned about the bulkiness, messiness, or smell of a compost toilet, then you may want to consider a traditional toilet.

How much does it cost to build a compost toilet?

The cost of building a compost toilet will vary depending on the materials you use and the size of the toilet. A basic compost toilet can be built for as little as $100. However, a more elaborate compost toilet, such as one with a built-in urine diverter, can cost up to $500.

Where can I find plans to build a compost toilet?

There are many resources available online for building a compost toilet. Here are a few links to get you started:

• [The Humanure Handbook](https://humanurehandbook.com/)
• [Compost Toilets 101](https://www.compostingtoilets101.com/)
• [The Composting Toilet Company](https://www.compostingtoiletcompany.com/)

Can I build a compost toilet without a permit?

The requirements for building a compost toilet vary depending on the local jurisdiction. In some areas, you may need a permit to build a compost toilet. It is always best to check with your local building department before starting any project.

What are the different types of compost toilets?

There are three main types of compost toilets:

• Dry composting toilets: These toilets use a dry material, such as sawdust or wood chips, to absorb liquid and speed up the composting process.
• Wet composting toilets: These toilets use a wet material, such as urine, to help break down the waste.

In this article, we have discussed how to make a compost toilet. We have covered the materials you will need, the steps involved in the construction process, and the benefits of using a compost toilet. We hope that this information has been helpful and that you will consider making a compost toilet for your own home.

Here are some key takeaways:

• Compost toilets are a great way to reduce your environmental impact. They can save you money on water and sewer bills, and they help to keep your septic system from becoming overloaded.
• Compost toilets are easy to build and maintain. You can find all of the materials you need at your local hardware store.
• Compost toilets are a great way to recycle your waste. The compost that you create can be used to fertilize your garden or lawn.

We encourage you to learn more about compost toilets and to consider making one for your own home. They are a great way to live a more sustainable lifestyle.