Welcome to Composting Guide
Composting Toilet Article
. For a permanent link or to bookmark this article for further reading, click here.
Dog Waste Composting
Dog waste composting, although seldom heard of in the past, is becoming quite common today, especially for those with multiple dogs. Over 270 pounds of waste is produced each year from the average dog or an average of ¾ of a pound per day. Dog waste on your front or back lawn not only looks unattractive but can cast an unpleasant odor in your entire yard. If dog waste is not tended to, it not only is unpleasant but makes for a very unsanitary living space for the dog and can transmit infectious diseases and parasites.
Composting the dog waste is not only an inexpensive way of getting rid of the dog waste but is also very simple. Dog waste composting also helps the environment by lessening the amount of waste that needs to go into landfills. It also produces a high quality soil additive as well as improving the fertility and physical condition of the soil. Dog compost can be used as a soil additive for lawns, flower beds or as a mulch material. It should not be used for vegetable gardens or crops used for human consumption.
Bins for dog waste composting are being seen more and more in urban areas or on beaches. They're basically simple to use and can be made in your backyard. You can use an old garbage can or large plastic pail. A garbage can works well because it has a cover. Cut out the bottom of the can and drill holes in the sides for ventilation. The next step is digging a hole in the ground large enough for you to place the entire can inside. Put some gravel or rocks on the bottom of the hole for drainage. Place the garbage can in the hole. If you've put in enough rocks, the garbage can should be just a little bit above the soil level.
Put the lid on the can and label the can. The reason for the labeling is so it's not mistaken for something other than what it is and to alert children so they'll stay away from it. As soon as you find some dog waste, put it in the can. You'll need to purchase some septic tank starter to sprinkle on top of this waste. Then add some water to the mix. The septic tank starter is non-caustic and will promote the growth of natural bacteria. It will begin to work on the waste within 48 hours. After this time you can add dog waste to it regularly. It will begin to biodegrade and flow into the ground and subsoil.
If you find that this doesn't take very long to fill, you can also move the can and start another pile in a different location. Your visitors will love that your lawn is no longer filled with dog waste and you'll be helping the environment at the same time.
Composting Toilet Specific links
Composting Toilet News
3 Composting Toilets for Green Building and LEED - Green-Buildings.com
3 Composting Toilets for Green Building and LEED Green-Buildings.com Composting toilets are dry toilets that use little or no water to process waste. Instead, the waste is mixed with substances such as peat moss or sawdust to absorb liquids, promote aerobic digestion, and reduce odor. The following 3 composting toilets ... |
Sunshine, Composting Toilets, Rainwater: Recipe for a Top 10 Green Building - PBS NewsHour
 PBS NewsHour | Sunshine, Composting Toilets, Rainwater: Recipe for a Top 10 Green Building PBS NewsHour A classroom in the back woods of the University of Minnesota Duluth's campus is using storm water and the state's first composting toilet to achieve near-zero waste production. A government building in Iowa is not only capturing rain for use within the ... |
Pine Knot looks to increase public role - The Daily Progress
Pine Knot looks to increase public role The Daily Progress Pine Knot, the former retreat of President Theodore Roosevelt, is seeking special permission from Albemarle County to establish a small educational building and to install a composting toilet on its 90-acre grounds. Plans also include monthly events ... |
Royal Engineers install composting toilet at Holy Trinity School in Weymouth - Dorset Echo
Royal Engineers install composting toilet at Holy Trinity School in Weymouth Dorset Echo ROYAL Engineers braved wind and rain on a composting mission to give a Weymouth school an eco-friendly flush. A group of 15 soldiers visited Holy Trinity School in Cross Road to install a composting toilet in the school garden. |
Toilets at Rio Grande on horizon - Aspen Daily News
Toilets at Rio Grande on horizon Aspen Daily News Aspen City Council on Monday voted unanimously to allow composting toilets on city-owned property. Aspen's first compost commodes are expected to be installed at Rio Grande Park. The initial public hearing will be followed by a second and final council ... |