HUMANURE COMPOSTING

[KristyHall]

I can't help but remain concern. What about pathogens and parasites that can live for a long time outside the human body? Are there any that can live for years?

Then again septic tanks are basically a form of composting as the drain lines feed the roots of the plants above them so maybe it is not such a bad idea

 

[KristyHall]

I think some parasites can live indefinitely outside the human body in egg form. This could be a real issue if you compost human feces. No matter how long it is composted, the risk of infecting oneself and subsequently re-infecting oneself with parasites would grow with each application. Especially if you have visitors that come and use your facilities. That is my greatest concern. Part of the reason why Americans have such a low parasite infection rate is because of our sewage and septic facilities. But, I do not know a whole lot on the topic so my concerns could be baseless.

 

[TheGoodLuckDuck]

I think it's a good idea to be concerned so that you don't do something foolhardy. Fresh night soil, for example, is probably still a bad idea.

The temperature of properly-composted feces gets high enough to destroy pathogens of most sorts. You mention humans' low infection rate (compared with other manure sources that we pay for) and that seems like a good reason to further investigate humanure as a resource.

Joseph Jenkins does a heckuva job defending and promoting humanure, and he has offered his entire book for free download - I recommend it just for its humor - you'll stay for the edumacation.

 

[gmendoza]

I think it's a good idea to be concerned so that you don't do something foolhardy. Fresh night soil, for example, is probably still a bad idea.

The temperature of properly-composted feces gets high enough to destroy pathogens of most sorts. You mention humans' low infection rate (compared with other manure sources that we pay for) and that seems like a good reason to further investigate humanure as a resource.

Joseph Jenkins does a heckuva job defending and promoting humanure, and he has offered his entire book for free download - I recommend it just for its humor - you'll stay for the edumacation.

 

[boskelli1571]

Well guys & gals,
I've wade through all this manure with great interest! I have been thinking of making a composting toilet for the barn/garden area. Currently it's either trek back to the house or pee in the barn - neither is satisfactory!

I just downloaded 'the humanure handbook' and the first chapter has me hooked.
I will now definitely be creating the 'barn throne' once I've finished the book and researched a bit more. My 'better half' cannot be persuaded to use such an article so it will be mine -all mine!!

Sue

 

[gmendoza]

and im sure you will jump with both feet in, err both cheeks in I mean.

You will find you will be a compost baron, like me. guarding your mess against all critters.

mine all mine, well it will be you all you from you too poo down the compost loo to the big pile of poo.

 

[bowen012]

About to complete my first year of humanure composting and am glad I made the change from flush toilets. Actually going a bit further in that direction as I prepare to move into my new house/cabin. Went with a small house (~300sqf) and putting a compost toilet in there as well as constructing a wetland to handle my grey water. (I can direct to good readings on the topic if interested). Unfortunately no funds to go solar but hoping to add it next year (lacking about $8000 for a solar system to handle 100% of my electrical needs), but going with a ~1000 gallon rainwater system for my water needs (laundry, bathing, dishes, etc. I currently use a ceramic water dispenser with 5 gallon bottles for my drinking needs (refillable or refundable spring water) and will continue to do so.

The compost toilet was a significant part of the transition and it's been a relatively educational year. I was surprised (thankfully) by the lack of an odor both indoors and at my compost pile outside. The indoor toilet has zero odor and the only time the outside pile has anything is in the moment I add to it and before I cover. Also surprised by the ever changing ecosystem within the pile as various insects and working organisms move in and out depending on the stage/heat of the pile. If you've ever wondered where to get a healthy start of black soldier flies - your compost pile is the answer.

To anyone considering a trial at humanure composting - I'd definitely recommend giving it a go.