Yes, Envirolet is still in business. Established in 1987, Envirolet is an environmentally responsible company dedicated to the production and sales of sustainable, off-the-grid hygiene products. Their products are powered by natural resources such as wind and solar energy, helping to save on energy costs and reduce their environmental footprint.
Envirolet products operate entirely off the power grid, serving communities seeking to reduce water usage and improve their water and waste management systems. With a wide range of products available, they are able to offer solutions for areas with limited access to water or power.
Envirolet is a socially responsible company and an industry leader, providing eco-friendly sanitation solutions that meet the needs of those living in remote or rural areas. With a steadfast commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly practices, Envirolet is committed to helping keep our planet green for generations to come.
What do you do with the poo from a composting toilet?
Once collected in the container beneath the composting toilet, you will need to transfer the poo to a composting bin or area. To facilitate faster composting, the poo should be mixed with carbon-rich material (eg straw, dried leaves, sawdust) before being added to the compost.
The bacteria and fungi in the compost will break down the poo, eventually making an odour free, nutrient-rich soil amendment. Depending on your circumstances, you may choose to bury or spread it onto the area that you wish to fertilise or feed.
If your composting system provides enough heat during decomposition (generally achieved through regular aeration and correct compost pile size), then the compost should also be safe to use without needing to further treat it.
To be extra safe, you can test the compost temperature with a thermometer, and ensure that it has achieved the required heat of 55 – 65°C (130-140°F) for three consecutive days. Once the compost has cured for several months, it should be safe to use on the garden or lawn.
Can you use composting toilet waste in garden?
Yes, you can use composting toilet waste in the garden. Composting toilet waste is organic matter that can be an excellent source of nutrients for your garden. It can help improve the soil structure, add beneficial microorganisms, and increase the amount of organic matter in the soil.
Composting toilet wastes eliminates the need for chemical fertilizers, which can be damaging to the soil in the long run. To use composted toilet waste in the garden, simply spread the composted material over the soil and work it into the top few inches.
You can mix it with existing topsoil or add it as a layer between the soil and mulch or other cover material. Composting toilet waste should be safe for use in the garden, but always be sure to research and follow safety precautions before composting or using composted material in the garden.
How do composting toilets get emptied?
Composting toilets, also known as “dry toilets” are a type of toilet that uses a simple and natural process to treat human waste, resulting in compost. Composting toilets work by burying the waste in various stages, allowing the composting process to break down the waste naturally and make it safe to use around plants.
The first step in emptying a composting toilet is to remove the liquid member container, also known as “liquid chamber”, located near the bottom of the toilet. This is done by slowly detaching the container from the toilet, taking care not to spill any of the liquid.
It is important to remove this container on a regular basis in order to prevent an overflow buildup.
The second step is to scoop out the contents of the compost chamber, where the solid waste is collected. This is done using a suitable compost scoop, and then deposited in the compost receptacle in a systematic and secure way.
Finally, the compost can be safely collected and added to a composting facility or zone. Composting toilets should be emptied regularly, as frequent use of the toilet can cause it to become full faster.
What are the drawbacks of a composting toilet?
Composting toilets, while a great way to reduce your carbon footprint, have a few drawbacks to consider before making the switch.
The first drawback is the cost. Composting toilets are more up front than traditional flushing toilets, and they require periodic maintenance.
The second drawback is the smell. Composting needs oxygen to work properly, so the composting toilet must have a ventilation system that must be kept clean and well maintained. Without proper ventilation, the composting toilet can smell like a sewer.
The third drawback is the need for maintenance. Composting toilets require more frequent maintenance compared to conventional toilets, and this can become quite a tedious process.
The fourth drawback is the high moisture content of the composted material. This can lead to pooling water and even freezing in winter climates. It is important to check the compost container often to ensure there is no standing water.
Finally, composting toilets may require more space than ordinary toilets because of the composting containers used in most models.
Are composting toilets stinky?
No, composting toilets are not typically stinky. Composting toilets are designed to allow organic material to decompose into compost, which is a process that naturally eliminates odors. Some composting toilet systems come with a built-in ventilation system to help remove any potential odor.
Additionally, some toilets are designed to contain a small amount of water and organic material to help reduce odors. If a composting toilet is not properly maintained and the compost is allowed to dry out, the smell can become more noticeable.
Regular maintenance and occasional cleaning of the composting toilet will help reduce odor.
What is the thing to use in a compost toilet?
The “thing” to use in a compost toilet is something called a carbon source. Carbon sources are materials that help to offset the nitrogen produced by the waste in the toilet. They help to balance out the levels of nitrogen and carbon to encourage the breakdown of waste.
Common carbon sources for compost toilet systems include peat moss, wood chips, sawdust, shredded paper, shredded cardboard, and coconut coir. Additionally, some composting toilet systems use chemistry as part of their design.
For instance, many systems actually use baking soda to help neutralise the acidity of the effluent. In addition to these materials, composting toilet systems may also need to be activated with a compost activator solution that contains enzymes and helpful bacteria.
These compost activators help to break down the waste faster and more efficiently.
Can you throw paper towel in compost?
No, it is not a good idea to throw paper towels in the compost. Paper towels, along with other paper products such as tissue, paper napkins, and paper plates are not considered “green” compostable material.
Paper towels typically contain synthetic fibers, which will not break down in a compost pile and thus reduce its efficacy. In addition, many paper towels have been treated with chemicals and other substances which can be harmful to the environment if not properly treated and composted.
Therefore, it is better to avoid throwing paper towel in the compost.
Can you make compost in 2 weeks?
No, it is not possible to make compost in two weeks. Composting is a slow process that takes several weeks to several months, depending on a variety of factors. These factors include the type of organic materials used, how much humidity and air is available, and the size of the compost pile and how often it is turned.
Additionally, beneficial microorganisms need time to break down the organic materials into compost, taking anywhere from two to five months or more.
Methods to speed up the composting process can include grinding or chopping ingredients before adding them to the pile and/or adding more nitrogen-rich materials (like green grass clippings, kitchen scraps, seaweed, etc.
). Turning the pile more often also can speed up the process, as this introduces more air and helps the microorganisms to do their job. Additionally, keeping the pile moist will help the composting process, as dry materials take longer to decompose.
In conclusion, while it is not possible to fully make compost in two weeks, there are methods of speeding up the process which can be helpful.
What turns into compost the fastest?
The materials that turn into compost the fastest are usually nitrogen-rich ‘green’ materials, such as fresh grass clippings, fresh weeds, vegetable or fruit scraps, coffee grounds and tea bags. Source materials that are high in nitrogen content tend to break down more quickly, releasing nutrients into the soil sooner.
Additionally, the size of the materials can contribute to how quickly a compost pile can break down. Chopping or shredding materials helps increase air circulation to the pile and speeds up the composting process.
Examples of items that can be chopped up before adding them to the compost are straw, bark, leaves, and prunings from shrubs and trees. Finally, the ideal composting balance of Carbon, Nitrogen, Oxygen, and Moisture is key to having successful and rapid composting.
All four components must be present in order for bacteria and fungi to thrive and turn the material into compost. In general, wetter compost piles with more of the nitrogen-rich materials will break down faster.