With all the myths and misconceptions out there about composting toilets, it's hard to know what is and isn't true. In this article, we'll explore and disprove the five most common myths surrounding composting toilet systems.
There are a lot of misconceptions about composting toilets. In spite of the fact that they are economical to own and operate,
and very clean and sanitary, there are still many misunderstandings about what a composting toilet is and why someone would be prompted to own one. In this article, we'll explore and dispel the five most common myths and misconceptions about composting toilets.
Myth 1: They smell
The first and most common misconception is that composting toilets smell. However, nothing could be farther from the truth. Most composting toilet owners will tell you that these units actually smell less than traditional toilet fixtures. This is because they are designed with special fans and venting systems that constantly maintain a negative airflow inside the toilet, pulling air downward through the seat, and out the vent in the roof of your home. For someone who isn't familiar with a venting system like this, imagine if the fan in your bathroom ceiling were located inside your toilet, and if it ran all the time. Talk about an odor free bathroom!
Myth 2: I'm going to have to deal with my own waste
The biggest difference between a composting toilet and a regular toilet is where the waste goes. With a traditional water flush toilet, waste is transported via city sewer to a waste water treatment plant, and thus you don't have to deal with it. In a composting toilet, all the processing happens in your home. However, this does not mean that you have to come into contact with your own waste. To the contrary, today's high tech systems are designed so that you never even see your waste until it's been completely processed. By that point, it is turned into ordinary compost, a dirt-like substance that is sanitary and non-offensive.
Myth 3: They're only for people in rural or remote areas
Traditionally, most composting toilets were used in rural areas that didn't have access to city sewer or water lines. However, today's composting toilets are cropping up everywhere, including metropolitan and suburban homes, business, and public places, too. Composting toilets are more than just a solution for a lack of infrastructure like sewer lines; they are emerging as a way to save water, recycle, and go green at home.
Myth 4: One won't work in my house
It's true that composting toilets are a very sophisticated product. Researching and making sense of the many different types of systems and their specifications can be daunting. However, if you work with a knowledgeable retailer, they should be able to walk you through every step in the selection process. And believe it or not, there is a composting toilet that's right for every home and every installation situation. A good retailer will be able to guide you to the system that's right for you.
Myth 5: They're difficult to install
For most people with basic tools and skills, a composting toilet system is not too difficult to be installed as a DIY (do it yourself) project. Before purchasing any system, it's a good idea to obtain a copy of the product installation manual and read it thoroughly, so you'll understand what is entailed in installing the unit. Most people will find that the installation is easy enough to complete on their own. For those who are unsure, take the installation manual to a professional handyman and inquire if they can do the work for you.
Now that we've dispelled the most common misconceptions surrounding composting toilets, we hope that you'll be ready to take the next step toward considering a system for your home or business. After doing a little more research, you'll discover that these units are not only affordable to own and operate, but they will save you thousands of dollars over their lifetime in decreased water and sewer costs. So what are you waiting for? There's no time like the present to find out if a composting toilet might be right for you.
