Wouldn’t a composting toilet be a better option in almost any circumstance? Incineration only adds to the carbon problem.
this post was submitted on 03 Sep 2023
4 points (75.0% liked)
SolarDIY
414 readers
1 users here now
SolarDIY is a vibrant community dedicated to embracing the power of solar energy. Here, we encourage you to showcase your ingenious ideas, innovative projects, and inspiring stories, while also seeking valuable advice, fresh ideas, and fostering meaningful connections.
Our passion lies in witnessing the remarkable achievements of individuals who have harnessed the potential of solar energy. Whether you have successfully wired your entire house with solar panels, created a portable solar-powered generator, or crafted an efficient solar pool heater, we are eager to learn from your experiences and celebrate your accomplishments.
Join us on this empowering journey as we explore the endless possibilities of solar energy and inspire one another to make a positive impact on our environment and our lives. Together, we can unlock the full potential of solar power and shape a sustainable future.
Share your DIY solar projects, exchange knowledge, and let your creativity shine!
founded 1 year ago
MODERATORS
My (limited) understanding is that they release only a small amount of CO2, using only solar electricity--no propane in my situation. What's left is a tiny bit of sterile ash that can be emptied outside or sprinkled in the trash. And composting toilets sounded promising until I really started researching them. Ultimately, dumping out solids all the time was too much of a gross-out factor for me, and dedicating a space for dumping them out was a big issue. I was really set on the Envirolet or SunMar central composting systems for a while, but even they were a much bigger hassle to clean and maintain, and the outdoor tank takes up too much space to be practical for my setting.
Interesting. From a quick internet search, no one even mentions CO2 for any type of waste management.
If you’re looking at a permanent fixture with an external tank anyway, why not a traditional septic system? Properly installed and colonized, they’re just a longer term composting solution that’s easier to maintain.
Septic's unfortunately not an option in that location. It would definitely be much more convenient in the long run.
Folks with money and DIY skills have made mini-splits work in campervans, so it should be possible. There's a lot more mounting area for panels on the ground than on a van roof. :-)
In the Ambition Strikes YouTube channel, they've installed several mini splits and an incinerating toilet. Their entire property runs off solar + batteries.
2 caviouts though:
- they're not professionals, often times they don't really know what they're doing
- their solar setup is massive, so can probably absorb the issues with high surge devices by the sheer scale of it.
My mini-split uses around 400 watts when it is on and it is several years old and not a particularly energy efficient model, so running a newer more efficient model is no problem.
As far as an incinerating toilet, I can't comment on that specifically, but I could recommend a maceration sewage pump which would allow you to move the waste practically anywhere you wanted for storage, disposal, or even incineration. I have been using one of these for a couple of years with no problems.
Just out of curiosity, why is a septic system not an option? There may be other similar systems that would work.
The ground is so rocky that digging to that extent is prohibitively expensive, unfortunately.