In a world that is becoming increasingly aware of sustainability and environmental issues, it's crucial to explore alternative and eco-friendly methods for waste management. One such method that has gained traction in recent years is humanure composting. In this blog post, we will delve into the basics of humanure, including how to effectively use composting toilets, the process of composting, setting up a backyard pile, the diverse range of uses for humanure, and the numerous benefits of diverting human waste from the conventional sewer system.
What is Humanure?
Humanure, simply put, is human waste that is composted and recycled in an environmentally responsible manner. Instead of relying on the traditional sewer system, humanure composting allows us to harness the nutrient-rich properties of our waste and convert it into a valuable resource for our gardens and farms.
Composting Toilets: How They Work Composting toilets are the primary component of a humanure system. They are designed to facilitate the composting process by separating solid waste from liquids. Generally, composting toilets employ a combination of aerobic decomposition (using oxygen) and moisture control to effectively break down organic matter.
How Much Human Waste Approximately Each Human Produces: On average, one person produces about 0.6–1 pound of solid waste per day. This amount can vary depending on various factors such as diet, age, and overall health. In terms of composting, it's essential to have an adequate supply of carbon-rich materials to balance out the nitrogen-rich humanure.
What Happens to Our Human Waste When it Goes to Landfill: When human waste goes to landfill, it contributes to the formation of methane, a potent greenhouse gas that is harmful to the environment. Landfills are designed to bury waste in a way that minimizes contact with air, making it difficult for organic materials such as human waste to decompose properly. Additionally, the leachate produced by organic waste can contaminate groundwater and soil if not properly managed.
Uses and Benefits of Humanure: Humanure serves as a valuable resource in various applications, including:
Compost for gardening: The enriched compost derived from humanure can be safely used to nurture plants and enhance soil fertility.
Soil restoration: The nutrient content in humanure makes it an excellent choice for rejuvenating depleted soils.
Reducing water pollution: By diverting human waste from the sewage system, we help minimize water pollution and protect our waterways.
Closing the nutrient loop: Humanure composting allows us to reclaim nutrients that would otherwise be lost when flushed away.
Lowering resource consumption: Adopting composting toilets and humanure systems significantly reduces water usage and reliance on energy-intensive sewage treatment plants.
Composting Process: Timeframe and Backyard Pile Setup: The duration of the composting process largely depends on various factors such as temperature, moisture levels, oxygen supply, and the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio. On average, it takes around one to two years for humanure to fully compost and transform into a safe and nutrient-rich substance.
To set up a backyard pile, consider the following steps:
Choose an appropriate location, keeping in mind proximity to the house, ease of access, and airflow.
Create a containment system using materials such as wooden pallets or wire mesh.
Begin with a layer of carbon-rich material at the bottom of the pile.
Layer waste material from the composting toilet with carbon-rich materials such as leaves, straw, or sawdust.
Maintain proper moisture levels and regularly turn the pile to encourage decomposition and ensure an even composting process.
After one to two years, the compost should be ready for use in your garden or landscape.
Composting Process: How Often to Add, and How Many Piles to Have for Once a Pile Fills Up: To ensure an even composting process, it is recommended to create a separate pile for each new year of waste. This means that you should begin a new pile at the start of each year and let the previous year's pile continue to compost. You can add waste materials to each pile as needed, ensuring that the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio remains balanced. Regularly turning the pile and maintaining proper moisture levels will help accelerate the composting process.
Can You Add Baby Poo and Biodegradable Diapers to the Humanure Pile? Yes, you can add biodegradable diapers and baby poo to your humanure pile. However, it is essential to ensure that the diapers are compostable and contain no synthetic materials. Likewise, the baby poo should be covered with a layer of carbon-rich material to help balance out the nitrogen content. Always research the specific brands of biodegradable diapers to ensure they are compliant with your composting process.
What to do if You Don't Have a Backyard Pile: If you don't have a backyard pile, there are several options for disposing of your human waste. One option is to find a local community garden or farm that accepts humanure for composting. Another option is to use commercial composting services, which can dispose of your waste in a safe and environmentally friendly manner. You can also consider using a humanure composting bin, which allows you to compost your waste on a smaller scale, indoors or outdoors.
How Van and RV Life People Can Dispose of their Human Waste Properly and the Best Bags to Use to Dump in the Trash:
For those living the van or RV life, there are several options for disposing of human waste. One option is to use a portable composting toilet, which collects solid waste and stores it for later composting. The compost can be dumped in a designated composting station or deposited in a backyard compost pile. When disposing of human waste in the trash, it's essential to use biodegradable liners or compostable bags to minimize environmental harm. Some recommended options include Biobags or compostable trash bags.
How to Safely Bury Human Waste in the Wild: If you find yourself in the wild and need to dispose of human waste, the safest approach is to bury it in a hole that is at least 8 inches deep and at least 200 feet from any water sources or trails. After filling in the hole, cover it with soil and natural materials to discourage animals from digging it up.
The Comparison of the Best Carbon & Nutrient-Rich Substances to Use to Cover Poo in a Composting Toilet System: The best carbon-rich materials to use in a composting toilet system include sawdust, wood shavings, straw, leaves, and coconut coir. These materials help maintain the correct ratio of carbon to nitrogen, which is essential for effective composting. Nutrient-rich materials to use as a cover for poop includes dried leaves, straw, or grass clippings.
Coco Coir Benefits: Coco coir is a sustainable alternative to traditional peat moss. This coconut fiber byproduct is an excellent substitute for peat moss as it is highly absorbent, rich in potassium and phosphorus, and can easily retain water. Furthermore, using coir instead of peat moss prevents the degradation of peat bogs, an essential ecosystem that provides habitat for numerous plant and animal species.
Conclusion: Embracing the concept of humanure and exploring its numerous benefits not only offers a more sustainable and responsible waste management solution but also allows us to actively participate in the conservation of our environment. By taking small steps towards composting our waste and utilizing the resulting resource, we contribute to a healthier future for ourselves and the planet we call home. Remember to follow safe and responsible disposal practices, whether in a backyard pile, community garden, or composting station, and always research specific regulations and guidelines for your area.
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