| Composting toilets can be a complex product to shop | | | | they are certified to be odorless. Only buy from |
| for, because there are so many different styles and | | | | companies that can show you such documentation. |
| types to choose from. If you don't know much | | | | When you begin shopping, you'll need to decide |
| about composting toilet systems or how they work, | | | | whether you want a central system or a self |
| the process of shopping for one can be downright | | | | contained toilet. The essential difference between |
| daunting. In this article, we'll explain the ins and outs | | | | these two systems is where the composting of the |
| of shopping for composting toilets so that you'll know | | | | waste takes place. In a self contained unit, waste is |
| what to look for and all the right questions to ask | | | | composted inside the toilet itself. With a central |
| during the buying process. | | | | system, the toilet is connected by a pipe down to a |
| First, we'll begin with a basic definition of the product. | | | | central unit in the basement or lower level, and this is |
| Composting toilets are a type of waste management | | | | where the composting process takes place. Your |
| system that turn human waste into clean, dry, | | | | decision will likely depend on the nature of your |
| non-offensive compost that can be applied to your | | | | installation. |
| gardens. The toilet itself can be installed virtually | | | | Central systems are a more complex installing |
| anywhere because many of these systems require | | | | process, where self contained units are quite simple |
| no water or sewer hookups. The most important | | | | to install. To fully understand what is involved in |
| feature of any composting toilet system is that it | | | | installing any composting toilet system, you should |
| should be 100% guaranteed odorless. It should be a | | | | ask for a copy of the installation and user manual. |
| clean and low-maintenance system that is easy to | | | | While this may be a lengthy document, you should |
| own and operate. | | | | take the time to read it thoroughly so you'll have an |
| With that having been said, how do you begin | | | | understanding of what you're buying before you |
| shopping for a composting toilet? While many | | | | purchase it. |
| consumers want to see the product in person, this is | | | | Another critical deciding factor will be whether you |
| sometimes easier said than done. Because there are | | | | want a system that uses water or not. Many people |
| so few dealers of composting toilets in the United | | | | falsely believe that all composting toilets are |
| States, you may find your search relegated to | | | | waterless. However, it is possible to have a very |
| catalogs and internet retailers as opposed to bricks | | | | traditional looking, water flush toilet fixture in the |
| and mortar stores. This should not put you off of | | | | bathroom that connects to a central composting unit |
| the buying process. If you are purchasing from a | | | | below. If aesthetics are particularly important to you, |
| good, reputable company, you will have nothing to | | | | a water flush central system may be a good option |
| worry about. | | | | for you to consider. |
| When deciding who or what company you want to | | | | After you've hammered out these critical decisions, |
| buy from, you'll probably also be deciding on a brand | | | | you'll probably have a few other choices to make |
| or manufacturer, as most retailers only carry one | | | | such as capacity, style, and possibly a color choice. |
| brand of toilets. The most important deciding factor | | | | By that time, you'll be well versed on composting |
| in what brand you purchase should be the | | | | toilets, so the final choices will fall into place quite |
| manufacturer's endorsements, testing reports, and | | | | easily. With all that in mind, you should be on your |
| certifications. This information will tell you whether | | | | way to making a good decision and choosing the |
| their systems have been independently tested and if | | | | composting toilet system that's right for you! |