Why Are Composting Toilets So Expensive?
If you are thinking about installing a composting toilet, also known as a dry or biological toilet, in your home, you should be aware that it will be more expensive than installing a traditional toilet. Does this Spark an idea?
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Installation
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Composting toilets are expensive to install. To operate one successfully, you need to hook the toilet up to a composting reactor big enough to handle the amount of waste the building will produce. The reactor needs a fan-forced screened exhaust system to remove odors and carbon dioxide, and a ventilation system to ensure enough oxygen enters the reactor for composting to continue steadily.
Maintenance
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Additional costs associated with a composting toilet include the installation of a rotation or stirring mechanism to turn over the waste in the reactor to help oxygen reach all levels of the compost pile. If you live in a cold climate, you might also need to heat the reactor to make sure the bacteria stay active, according to "Mechanical and Electrical Equipment for Buildings."
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Considerations
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You will save money on water costs with a composting toilet. It requires more attention and time than a traditional toilet because you will need to monitor moisture levels and the amount of waste in the reactor chamber to make sure it functions properly, according to "Field Guide to Appropriate Technology."
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