Articles Composting Toilets to Rescue Cape Cod
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Eemeli Palo

Waterless Toilet Expert
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Composting Toilets to Rescue Cape Cod

This article explores the benefits of composting toilets on Cape Cod as a solution to the region’s nitrogen pollution crisis caused by traditional septic systems. It highlights real stories from local families who have adopted these eco-friendly systems, overcoming initial misconceptions and making a positive impact on water quality. Watch the video below to see how composting toilets are transforming Cape Cod homes and communities.

The Problem with Septic Systems on Cape Cod

eutrophication problem

Cape Codโ€™s beautiful coastal environment faces a significant threat from nitrogen pollution caused by traditional septic systems. These systems release nitrogen-rich wastewater into the soil, which eventually reaches the aquifers and flows into nearby water bodies. The excess nitrogen fuels the growth of algae and plants, depleting oxygen levels in the water. This process, known as eutrophication, disrupts ecosystems, harms marine life, and diminishes the natural beauty of the area.

With much of Cape Cod reliant on outdated septic systems, the issue continues to escalate, affecting water quality in harbors, ponds, and coastal waters. Addressing this challenge requires innovative solutions that prevent nitrogen from entering the environmentโ€”such as composting toilets.

Composting Toilets on Cape Cod: A Smart Solution for Cleaner Waters

By replacing traditional flush toilets with composting systems, homeowners can keep nitrogen-rich waste out of the soil and water. Composting toilets are easy to maintain, odorless, and surprisingly cost-effective. Beyond reducing environmental impact, they also produce nutrient-rich compost that can benefit gardens and landscapes.

Overcoming Misconceptions About Composting Toilets

For many, the idea of a composting toilet might initially seem unappealingโ€”often due to misconceptions about odors, maintenance, or complexity. As one interviewee in the video candidly shares, they thought it was a “horrible idea” at first, imagining unpleasant smells and cumbersome upkeep. However, after experiencing the system firsthand, their perspective completely changed.

Composting toilets are designed to be odorless and user-friendly. With simple features like pine shavings to manage odors and easy maintenance routines, they often surprise first-time users with how convenient and effective they are.

This shift from skepticism to advocacy is common among new users. Once they see how composting toilets workโ€”and the environmental benefits they provideโ€”it becomes clear that theyโ€™re a smart, sustainable choice. For communities like Cape Cod, where water quality is a pressing issue, embracing composting toilets can make a real difference.

Composting toilets for residential use

waterless toilet shop Urine diverting porcelain pedestal

Urine-Diverting Porcelain Toilet Pedestal

$529.00
gl 90 batch composting toilet package

GL 90

Batch composting toilet

$1,190.00
CF 8 continuous composting toilet with non separating porcelain pedestal blue background

CF 8

Continuous Composting Toilet

$2,589.00
Green Toilet Lux 120 Composting toilet with spare container package

Green Toilet Lux 120

Composting Toilet

$1,849.00
Green Toilet Lux 330 Composting toilet with spare container package

Green Toilet Lux 330

Batch Composting Toilet

$1,949.00
$500 OFF
Rota-Loo 650 Split-system Batch Composting Toilet

Rota Loo 650

Batch Composting Toilet

$4,480.00
Rota Loo 950 batch composting toilet blue background

Rota Loo 950

Batch Composting Toilet

$5,980.00

Green Toilet 120 Family

๐Ÿ’ฉ Average Daily Capacity per 31-Gallon Composting Bin

(Based on approx. 356 uses involving a #2 โ€” i.e., poop) – only the solids count!

Service Interval #2 Visits per Day (involving a #2)
30 days (1 month) ~11.9 visits/day
60 days (2 months) ~5.9 visits/day
90 days (3 months) ~4.0 visits/day
180 days (6 months) ~2.0 visits/day
365 days (1 year) ~1.0 visits/day

๐ŸŸข What counts as a โ€œ#2 visitโ€?
Only visits that involve pooping (i.e., going number two) โ€” urine-only visits donโ€™t contribute to filling the composting bin and are not included in the estimate.

โš ๏ธ Disclaimer:
These estimates are approximations. The actual number of solid uses per bin may vary significantly depending on climate, temperature, ventilation, user habits, and the amount of dry bulking material (e.g., wood shavings or peat) added after each use.

Green Toilet 330

๐Ÿ’ฉ Average Daily Capacity per 87-Gallon Composting Bin

(Based on approx. 1,000 uses involving a #2 โ€” i.e., poop) – only the solids count!

Service Interval #2 Visits per Day (involving pooping)
30 days (1 month) ~33 visits/day
60 days (2 months) ~17 visits/day
90 days (3 months) ~11 visits/day
180 days (6 months) ~5.6 visits/day
365 days (1 year) ~2.7 visits/day

๐ŸŸข What counts as a โ€œ#2 visitโ€?
Only visits that involve defecation (pooping) โ€” urine-only visits donโ€™t fill up the composting bin and are not included in the 1,000-use estimate.

โš ๏ธ Disclaimer:
These estimates are based on typical, steady use. The actual number of solid uses a composting bin can handle may vary significantly depending on climate, temperature, humidity, ventilation, and how much dry bulking material (like wood shavings) is added after each use.

Composting toilet waste pipe extension

๐Ÿ’ง Liquid waste (urine) estimate

Average person produces about:

So for 100 people:


๐Ÿšฝ Flush water use estimate

Average flush volume in the U.S. is about:

Average person flushes ~5 times per day, so:

So for 100 people:


โœ… Summary in gallons

Type Per person For 100 people
Urine (liquid waste) โ‰ˆ0.4 gal/day โ‰ˆ40 gal/day
Flush water (toilet only) โ‰ˆ7.5 gal/day โ‰ˆ750 gal/day
Product Image Product Clearance Requirement
CF 4 continuous composting toilet with porcelain pedestal green background CF 4 Continuous composting toilet 13″ (when partially buried)
gl 90 batch composting toilet package GL 90 Batch composting toilet 18″
CF 8 continuous composting toilet with non separating porcelain pedestal blue background CF 8 Continuous composting toilet 18″ (when partially buried)
Rota-Loo 650 Split-system Batch Composting Toilet Rota Loo 650 Batch composting toilet 26″
Green Toilet Lux 120 Composting toilet with spare container package Green Toilet Lux 120 Batch composting toilet 28″
Green Toilet Lux 330 Composting toilet with spare container package Green Toilet Lux 330 Batch composting toilet 37″
Rota Loo 950 batch composting toilet blue background Rota Loo 950 Batch composting toilet 38″

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Urine Separation in Composting Toilet Article

outhouse next to winter cottage (1)

outhouse next to winter cottage

 

open compost bin outdoors

open back bench-type-of seat
Installation principle of Green Toilet 120 and 330

Green Toilet 120 Family composting toilet installed

Green Toilet 120 Family installed underneath outhouse seat

Green Toilet 330 outhouse inside flat seat

Green Toilet 330 ventilation pipes

Green Toilet features ventilation pipes.

On top of the vent pipe stack here is a Whirlybird

Green Toilet double base from below

Green Toilet’s double base from below

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