HOW COMPOSTING WORKS
Composting is the natural process of decomposition that can be assisted by providing the ideal
conditions to help your composting toilet work at peak performance. The ideal conditions for
decomposition to occur depend on several factors: oxygen, temperature, moisture content, and the
carbon/nitrogen ratio.
Oxygen
Oxygen is very important in composting. Your compost should be aerated in order to encourage
aerobic bacteria growth. Aerobic bacteria are bacteria that grow and live in the presence of oxygen
and are very efficient in breaking down waste. To aerate the compost and encourage the growth of
these bacteria, the compost drum should be turned three times per week (6 complete turns of the
drum).
Temperature
Temperature is another important consideration when composting. Optimal composting
temperatures range between 70-90° F/20-30° C. Decomposition will slow significantly or stop
completely if the compost becomes too cold (below 55° F/13° C). If you are in an area that
experiences temperatures below 55° F/13° C additional heat is required if the composting toilet will
be used continually or frequently. If used for intermittent cottage application (3 - 4 weekends
throughout the cold season) no additional heat is required. The toilet will function as a holding tank
until the temperature warms up.
Moisture
Moisture is necessary to achieve good compost. Your compost should always be damp, like your
garden after you have lightly watered it. This moisture allows the bacteria to travel around in the
compost so that they can speed decomposition by digesting the waste. If the compost is too dry, the
bacteria cannot survive and decomposition will slow or cease. When adding moisture to the
compost, you are aiming for damp compost, not saturated. Too much liquid in the compost limits the
amount of oxygen that aerobic bacteria require to survive. If normal urination is not enough to
maintain the correct moisture level in the compost, you may need to add additional water to the
drum.
Carbon/Nitrogen Ratio
Almost all organic material will compost with the proper amounts of carbon and nitrogen. In order to
maintain a good balance between carbon and nitrogen, only carbon-rich materials (SUN-MAR
Compost Sure Green) and nitrogen-rich human waste should be added to the composting toilet.
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