ALTERNATIVES TO THE FIVE-GALLON FLUSH

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WATERLESS WASTE RECYCLERS

Human waste can be broken down by natural biological processes that, if properly maintained, render it safe and useful for fertilization of certain types of plants. The mechanism by which decomposition takes place is roughly the same as that which cuts in a garden compost pile, and consists of bacteria that thrive in an environment well supplied with air. Both biological action and-to some extent—the heat generated by it are responsible for the sterilization of the waste.

Very generally, composting waste disposal systems can be divided into two types: privies (where the waste is removed periodically for composting in a separate bin) and toilets (where most of the biological action takes place within the receiving chamber). In addition, though composting privies are often located separate from the residential structure and frequently don't bear much physical resemblance to the conventional toilet, they are distinct from the traditional outhouse (in which the little decomposition that does take place is anaerobic).

In use and maintenance, a composting toilet or privy requires more care than do most of the other alternatives we've mentioned. For one thing, material that's rich in carbon (vegetable matter) must be added, with each use, to balance the nitrogen present in human waste (a 30:1 C-to-N ratio is ideal for decomposition). The contents may also have to be stirred occasionally, and-once every year or so-some totally decomposed matter can be removed.

Studies have shown that the residue left by a properly functioning composter has very few remaining pathogens. Nonetheless, the potential for disease from incorrectly processed human waste should not be ignored. To date, few experts recommend that the humus from a composter be used to fertilize anything other than ornamental plants, and it's quite likely that local health regulations will prohibit any above-surface disposal. In time, though, the confidence of' health experts may increase, and the state of technology and its application may improve enough to allow more fruitful use of decomposed human waste.

Commercial composting toilets are for the most part very well engineered and backed by caring people. Still, the prices of such units may exceed many folks' budgets ... particularly because some sort of system to dispose of gray water (liquid from sinks, bathtubs, etc.) will have to be set up,

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