How deep should a composting toilet be? A composting toilet should be between four and ten feet deep, depending on the number of users. Most people recommend a depth of at least six feet for best results, but you must check your state regulations to see if there are any limitations about the depth of a pit latrine.
How Deep Should a Pit Toilet or Outhouse Be?
The depth of a pit toilet or outhouse will depend on the number of people using it. For a family of around 6, a pit toilet or outhouse should be about five feet deep. For best results, dig the outhouse’s pit at least six feet deep.
Certain states have rules and regulations concerning pit latrines. Research your state’s regulations first to ensure you dig your pit toilet deep enough or in a legal location.
How long does an outhouse hole last based on its depth, width, and number of users?
An outhouse hole that is five feet deep, three feet across, and used by 6 people can typically last about five years. A larger depth with fewer users can last as many as 20 years. Most people prefer their latrine to be between six and ten feet since they often last ten years or more.
Of course, these numbers assume that you only put waste, toilet paper, and items that aid in the decomposing process into the pit.
What goes into an outhouse to break down waste?
Outhouse waste naturally breaks down on its own because of enzymes and bacteria in the soil. Heat and sunlight further aid this process, but the outhouse completely cuts off exposure to the sun. So, adding products that naturally break down waste can improve the decomposing process.
For example, stove ash and coconut coir can be added to an outhouse to aid the decomposition process. Ash is an especially great option because it reduces odor as well as breaks down waste. Do not add any other items other than the decomposition aid, human waste, and toilet paper to the outhouse for other items will cause the waste to break down slower.
Is an outhouse just a hole in the ground?
Technically, the word “outhouse” only refers to the wooden structure that surrounds the pit latrine. The outdoor composting toilet also includes a bench with a hole on it so that the waste can easily drop into the pit latrine. More modern outhouses can include pipes for additional ventilation, decorations, and even light.
Why is there a moon on outhouses?
It is unclear why there is a moon on outhouses other than to provide light inside the building. That being said, many people assume that the moon represented the male outhouse, whereas the sun represented the female outhouse.
Although this theory sounds nice, the Missouri Folklore Society notes that there is little evidence before the 1980s that outhouses were separated by gender. So, it is a mystery where this imagery came from.
Why did outhouses have two holes?
Outhouses were built with holes to maximize airflow and prevent odors from remaining trapped inside the building. The holes were supposed to let the foul air out and fresh air from the outside in.
How do you speed up the decomposition of human waste?
Heat, sun, and soil all aid in the decomposition process. If you add loose soil, ash, or coconut fiber to your outhouse, the process can be sped up. Additionally, avoid adding harmful materials, such as baby wipes or diapers, to the latrine because these items are more difficult to break down and will do the opposite of what you want.
If you have removed the waste from the pit latrine and are further composting it for fertilization purposes, mixing in different scrap food items can speed up the process.
What do you do when an outhouse is full?
Whenever an outhouse is full, the owner must remove the waste. Once the waste is removed from the outhouse, you have the choice to haul it away or compost it. Many people choose to compost it so that the human waste can be used as fertilizer. Do not use the outhouse waste as fertilizer unless you compost it because it can lead to water contamination and other unhealthy situations.
What states are outhouses legal?
Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Montana, Texas, Washington, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Nevada, Kansas, Alabama, Virginia, and Tennessee all have laws permitting compost toilets. However, each state has its own rules and regulations about the toilets, where they are placed, how deep they are dug, etc. Research your state’s specific laws to find out more.
What is the hole in an outhouse called?
The hole inside an outhouse is often called a pit latrine. The word “outhouse” only refers to the structure that protects and provides privacy around the pit latrine. Often, you can hear people call the pit latrine “pit” or “latrine” for short.
How do you keep an outhouse from smelling?
One downside of outhouses is that they smell. You can add stove ash, sawdust, straw, and lime to help reduce the odor that comes from the pit latrine. Note that if you use lime, the decomposition process of the outhouse waste will be slowed. It is for this reason that people often like to use wood ash since it both masks smell and aids in decomposition.
How do you manage an outhouse?
Outhouse management begins with strategic creation and building of the structure. For maximum ventilation, you can add pipes that filter air out and bring fresh air in. Add a little bit of wood stove ashes into the pit latrine after every use to reduce insects and odors.
After some years of use, managing your outhouse also includes keeping it clean and removing the waste whenever the pit latrine gets full.
To ensure that only waste goes into the pit latrine, it’s a great idea to add a small garbage bin inside the outhouse. This bin is used for materials that will slow down the decomposition process.
