Composting is a natural process of recycling organic
materials into a rich soil known as compost. During the process
microorganisms break down organic matter, like feces,
into safe topsoil that can be used in gardens to
grow food. The compost has a pleasant smell and can be safely handled
without fear of contamination.
With Eco-San toilets, about a
cup of wood-ash is added to the compost after each use. (Most households in
Kovalam cook over wood fires, so there is a ready supply.) Ash reduces
acidity and speeds up the composting process. The ash also covers the feces,
helping eliminate odors. Dry leaves or grass can also be added to the mix.
Given an occasional stir with a long pole, the feces
partially composts--even as the toilet is being used. After about 6 months
of use one vault will be filled to capacity. It is then 'sealed' and the
second vault used for the following 6 months.
By the time the first vault is re-opened and the
compost removed, all
pathogens
will have been destroyed. The compost can
then be safely removed by hand and used around flowers, plants or trees.
Note:
Complete composting in warm tropical conditions takes about 9 months. Our
design calls for about 6 months of partial composting as the toilet is being
used, followed by 6 months of "non-use," a total of 12 months.
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