Understanding Indoor Composting
As the population grows and cities become more crowded, urban gardening has become an important trend. But what do you do with all the waste that comes from indoor gardening? That’s where indoor composting comes in.
Composting is the process of breaking down organic material into a nutrient-rich soil amendment. Indoor composting allows for this process to occur without the need for outdoor space. Instead, you can take advantage of the small space available in your apartment or home to create a composting system.
The Benefits of Indoor Composting
The benefits of indoor composting are numerous. Not only does it reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills, but it also provides a natural fertilizer for plants. This can help improve the health of your indoor garden and reduce the need for store-bought fertilizers.
Indoor composting is also a great way to reduce your carbon footprint. By composting your food scraps and other organic materials, you are reducing greenhouse gas emissions and helping to combat climate change.
What is an Indoor Composting Toilet?
An indoor composting toilet is a type of toilet that uses the composting process to break down human waste into a nutrient-rich fertilizer. This type of toilet is ideal for those who live in apartments or homes without access to outdoor space.
How Does an Indoor Composting Toilet Work?
An indoor composting toilet works by separating urine from solid waste. The urine is collected in a separate container and can be used as fertilizer for plants. The solid waste is collected in a composting chamber, where it is broken down by bacteria and other microorganisms.
As the waste breaks down, it produces heat and carbon dioxide, which helps to speed up the composting process. The end result is a nutrient-rich soil amendment that can be used to fertilize plants.
The Best Indoor Composting Toilets
When it comes to choosing the best indoor composting toilet, there are several factors to consider. These include size, capacity, ease of use, and cost. Here are some of the best indoor composting toilets on the market today:
Nature’s Head Self Contained Composting Toilet
The Nature’s Head Self Contained Composting Toilet is one of the most popular indoor composting toilets on the market. It is compact and easy to use, making it ideal for small apartments or homes.
This toilet separates urine from solid waste and has a capacity of 2.2 gallons. It also comes with a ventilation system that helps to control odors. The only downside is that it is a bit pricey, with a cost of around $900.
Separett Villa 9200
The Separett Villa 9200 is another popular indoor composting toilet. It is designed for use in small homes or cabins and has a capacity of 4 gallons.
This toilet uses a unique design that separates urine from solid waste and has a composting chamber that is easy to remove and clean. It also comes with a ventilation system that helps to control odors. The only downside is that it is a bit expensive, with a cost of around $1,600.
Sun-Mar Excel
The Sun-Mar Excel is a high-capacity indoor composting toilet that is designed for use in larger homes or apartments. It has a capacity of 5 gallons and can handle up to 3 adults or a family of 5.
This toilet uses a unique design that separates urine from solid waste and has a large composting chamber that is easy to remove and clean. It also comes with a ventilation system that helps to control odors. The only downside is that it is quite expensive, with a cost of around $2,500.
Tips for Using an Indoor Composting Toilet
Using an indoor composting toilet may seem daunting at first, but it is actually quite easy. Here are some tips to help you get started:
- Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
- Use only biodegradable toilet paper.
- Use a composting starter to help speed up the process.
- Keep the composting chamber moist but not too wet.
- Add additional organic material, such as sawdust or wood chips, to the composting chamber to help with the composting process.
- Empty the composting chamber regularly to prevent odors.
Conclusion
Indoor composting is a great way to reduce waste and improve the health of your indoor garden. An indoor composting toilet is an important tool for urban gardeners who want to compost their human waste in a small space. By choosing the right indoor composting toilet and following a few simple tips, you can create a nutrient-rich soil amendment that will help your plants thrive.