©Ecoflo Wastewater Management Pty LtdIMCM-203-2023.08.30
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how can i Tell if My coMPosT is reaDy?
The size of the pile should have reduced in size by approximately 20%. Finished compost should
appear crumbly and moist (similar to fresh potting mix), not sodden or dry. It should not have any
offensive odour, just an earthy one. Also, the pile should not be producing high heat any longer.
whaT can i Do wiTh coMPosTeD MaTerial?
The compost must be disposed of as per the local health department regulations. This normally
means burying the compost 100mm below the surface of the ground so that it does not get moved
around by people or animals walking over it. You could bury compost around fruit and nut trees,
lawns, flower beds or shrubs.
Avoid contact with edibles such as vegetables, herbs, and plants for harvesting seeds (eg. sunflower,
sesame). Although thermophilic composting reaches temperatures high enough to kill pathogens, we
want to avoid any chances of contamination.
exPlanaTion of The coMPosTing Process
Our composting toilet uses a natural aerobic process called Thermophilic composting. Basically,
aerobic microbes, actinomycetes bacteria and fungi generate heat and break down waste into
odourless compost that’s safe to handle.
To explain it in detail, it begins with the piling and layering of waste and carbon-rich materials
like wood shavings. Initially, mesophilic microorganisms break down easily decomposable
materials, releasing energy in the form of heat. As the temperature surpasses 45°C (113°F),
thermophilic microorganisms, including heat-tolerant bacteria and fungi, become dominant. These
microorganisms rapidly decompose complex organic compounds, generating even more heat.
The sustained high temperatures in the thermophilic phase accelerates the breakdown of organic
matter, kills pathogens, and promotes nutrient release. The compost pile naturally cools down after
the thermophilic phase, allowing mesophilic microorganisms to continue decomposition at a slower
pace.
For optimal performance, microbes require composting conditions that include:
• a minimum temperature of 12°C
• Moisture content of about 70%
• 30:1 carbon-nitrogen ratio
• Oxygen/airflow
Microbes require a balanced diet of carbon and nitrogen to thrive and carry out their metabolic
processes effectively. Simply put, carbon provides a source of energy, and nitrogen in the urine and
faeces is for growth and metabolic activity.
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