POOLE AGENDA 21 - ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP

TATNAM ORGANIC PATCH PROJECT
TOPS Toilet Project

Modern sewerage systems get rid of our waste, but they break the human nutrient cycle, and mix compostable human waste with industrial and other contaminants. It also takes significant energy and water consumption to process and dispose of material which has been used as manure for millenia.

System

Advantages

Disadvantages

Do Nothing

  • No input, effort or energy
  • Crossed legs, difficulties for volunteers & visitors

Hole in the Ground

  • Easy to make
  • Little upkeep
  • Ground & Watercourse pollution
  • Poor Composting
  • Potential Health Risks
  • The 'Mouldering' Toilet

    Waste is deposited directly into a vault
    • Safe & sanatory treatment of faecial matter
    • Conserves water
    • Little maintenance required
    • No smell
    • Urine and Faeces need separating
    • Expensive
    • Takes several years to fill & compost
    • Compost only suitable for horticulture
    • Needs lots of construction
    • Need for planning permission ?
    • Does not heat up sufficiently

    The 'humanure' Method

    Waste collected in 5 gallon bucket & deposited into a special compost bin
    • Conserves water
    • Easy & cheap to construct
    • No smell
    • No planning permission
    • Pathogens killed
    • Urine and Faeces not separated
    • Has to be emptied
    • Bucket needs cleaning each time
    • Squeamishness
    • Isolated compost bin
    • Needs good source of covering materials (eg sawdust)
    • Needs good source of carbon material for compost

    Progress to date (June 2002)

    • This project is still under discussion
    • We would welcome ideas/helpers/donations towards completing this project, and publicising the principles.

      This aspect of TOPS is designed and coordinated by Gary Finch. To get involved contact Barry Adams (01202) 671610 or Andy on 389782 or Agenda 21 Officer on 01202 633062

      Other aspects of TOPS garden or Return to Poole LA21 Home page

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