Waterless Toilets – A Green Plumbing Innovation

The Laveo Waterless Toilet

The ultimate in water saving toilets is the waterless toilet. This ultima thule in the toilet world works by separating the liquid and solid wastes and processing them separately. While the various waterless toilets work differently, they share certain concepts in common. After the wastes drop into the bowl, they fall into a lower receiving chamber through a wide mouth drain that is designed to permit the solid and liquid content to fall without a flush. A horizontal metallic pan in the waste chamber holds the solid wastes, but permits the liquid wastes to drain lower in the tank. From this point on there are varying processing techniques. In general, the soiled wastes are dehydrated and exposed to conditions in the tank, which permit aerobic digestion of the residue. This process kills harmful bacteria and transforms the solid material to a highly effective fertilizer.  The liquid wastes  either evaporate in the circulating air or in some cases mix with water until they are suitable for watering outdoor gardens and the like. Circulating air provides a low pressure atmosphere in the tank, which sucks in the wastes from the bowl to the tank and at the same time prevents smelly gases from emanating from the toilet into the room.

Self contained waterless toilets compost the waste in the bathroom;  remote tanks shuttle the wastes down a chute to an outside or hidden composting bin. Another point of differentiation between toilets is the composting temperature. Low-temperature composting toilets (below 98.6 F or 37 C) produce fertilizer that is suitable for ornamental gardens. High temperature composters (131 F to 140 F (55 C to 60 C) complete the job in a just a few hours and produce fertilizer that is safe for use in food gardens.  

Waterless toilets are versatile. Because they are not tied to the local water supply or sewage system, they can be set up in a camp, cottage, boat, or remote home.  Waterless toilets work in both hot and cold climates and their fans operate on either DC or AC current.  They are more expensive than conventional toilets, costing anywhere from $420 (for basic units) up to $7,000 + (for deluxe stylish models). However, for homeowners so inclined, using waterless toilets can save the cost of a sewer installation, future sewer repairs, as well as part of the cost of the home water bill. 

Waterless toilets are part of the green plumbing initiative and add numerous benefits to the ecosphere. They save water in areas prone to drought. They reduce strain on the sewage system. They provide fertilizer for crops, thereby contributing to a green sustainable universe. Finally they are ideal for small neighborhood theaters, where the bathroom adjoins the theater (no more disturbing flushes in the middle of a performance!   

If you live in the Greater Baltimore area, call 1st Choice Plumbing Inc. for more information about buying and installing a waterless toilet (or waterless urinal).  3502 Taney Road; Baltimore, Md.;21215; 410-967-6547