Introduction

The terms “composting toilet” and “compost toilet” are often used interchangeably, causing confusion.

In reality, a composting toilet is a waterless toilet that manages the entire composting process within the system itself, including the collection and breakdown of waste through natural biological processes, converting it into reusable compost directly within the unit.

The term “compost toilet” is simply another term for the same kind of toilet, and that are not real composting toilets.

In this article we are going to explore different concepts to understand their characteristics and functionalities of various waterless toilets. Specifically we discuss:

  • Importance of understanding the difference
  • What is compost toilet?
  • What is composting toilet?
  • Key Differences between Composting Toilets and Collection Toilets

1. Importance of understanding the difference

For customers, understanding the differences between composting and compost toilets is crucial, especially regarding the capacity and maintenance of the waterless toilet in question. While both types aim to off-grid toilet solutions, their capacity and maintenance differ significantly. True Composting Toilets take care of the whole waste management within the system from collection to the end of composting process, while compost toilets merely collect and store the waste hygienically until it is emptied to an external composter or other waste management system

2. What is compost toilet （actually collection toilet but not compost)?

Many people mistakenly believe that all waterless toilets are composting toilets, which is not true. This confusion is often perpetuated by manufacturers who misuse the terms “composting toilet” and “compost toilet” to market their products, even when those toilets merely collect the waste into the unit instead of actually composting it to reusable compost / humus. We think these types of waterless toilets should be called collection toilets. Collection toilets only separate liquids from solids and store waste hygienically until it can be composted elsewhere. They do not initiate the composting process within the unit.

3. what is composting toilet?

Composting toilets are dry toilets which operate without the need of flushing water. They can be used independently and provide a safe and hygienic sanitation alternativce in areas without conventional sanitation infrastructure. Composting toilets can considerably reduce household water consumption and the costs for wastewater treatment.

A composting toilet manages the whole composting process within the system itself. These toilets are designed to break down waste through natural biological processes, converting it into reusable compost directly in the unit. By using aerobic bacteria and other microorganisms, composting toilets transform human waste into safe, usable compost.

4. Key Differences between Composting Toilets and Collection Toilets

The main difference between compost (collection) toilets and composting toilets lies in how they handle waste. Compost (collection) toilets are focused on waste separation and collection, making it easier to transport and compost waste outside the unit. In contrast, composting toilets take a comprehensive approach by managing the entire composting process from separation and collection all the way to recycle and reuse of ready compost. This involves not only separating and collecting waste but also actively promoting its decomposition into compost within the toilet system.

For Bionova, it is a truly self-contained continuous composting toilet. By automatically controlling factors such as temperature, humidity and oxygen content in the composting chamber, it decomposes human waste through aerobic bacteria into the final pathogen-free humus, which is true compost.

Conclusion

While the terms “compost toilet” and “composting toilet” are often used interchangeably, it’s essential to understand the differences between true composting toilets and collection toilets.

Recognizing these distinctions ensures you choose a system that aligns with your waste management goals and environmental objectives. Both systems contribute to a greener future, providing sustainable solutions for managing human waste.

Perhaps the blog that interests you

1 3