Does anyone have advice about composting toilets? I'm opening a day camp and trying to save some money on putting in a septic system, and am also interested in the "green" aspect of these toilets. Has anyone used composting toilets at a camp? What worked? What didn't? We'll have 120 people on camp for 9 weeks. We're also building a private home on the property. Thanks for any advice, help, or direction you can offer.

We are still in the design and planning stage and are looking to use composting toilets mounted on small trailers. Until we have a permanent location and need to stay mobile, but would like to have an alternative to the traditional portable out house. Like you, we like the ?green? aspect composting toilets.

I would recommend checking with your local health authorities about regulations regarding human waste disposal. When I spoke with the authorities in my area they seemed concerned about sanitization, though I feel it is more because of their knowledge (or lack of). You will also need to figure on the number of units needed, I have seen information saying that a composting toilet can a handle 6-12 people for regular use. You might need 10-20 units to meet your needs depending on the model that you use.

Composting Toilet World might be a good resource to use, their website is:
http://www.compostingtoilet.org/

The Advanced Composting Systems has some good information about facility design planning, at:
http://www.compostingtoilet.com/

Some other sites and their systems can be found, at:
http://www.biolet.com/
http://www.envirolet.com/
http://www.sun-mar.com/

I know that Frost Valley YMCA has some. They might be worth a phone call?

Thanks for your input. We've checked with the local health department and you're right they aren't really familiar with composting toilets.