All local authorities have regulations for composting, so before you acquire a compost maker you should check what applies in your area. A permit is always required for latrine composting, so remember to submit an application in good time. You often find information and forms on the local authority’s website. The regulations can vary, but when it comes to latrine composting it usually entails:
- The container must have a sealed bottom so that any infectious organisms are not able to reach the ground water.
- The material must remain in the container for a certain period after the last filling, usually for 12 months, but sometimes longer.
- The compost container must have a certain volume, for holiday properties generally 350 litres in two containers if it just toilet waste and 500 litres if household waste is also going to be composted. Permanent residences often require twice the volume.
When it comes to household waste, the composter must generally be insulated, ventilated and vermin-proof, and you must position and maintain it in such a way that you not disturb your neighbours.
Before you start composting
Start by considering where you are going to place the compost. A shady place is preferable. Ensure that there is room for two containers and that there is space to work with the compost. For example, it might be a good idea for there to be room for a wheelbarrow when you empty the compost. Level the ground so that it is as flat as possible. If you compost household waste, it is also good to have litter material to hand. It is needed for the composting process to function well. Litter material can be sawdust, planer shavings, semi-mulched leaf compost, torn newspaper or peat mould. Note that you should not use litter material when solely latrine composting. There will then be too little liquid and nutrients to effectively produce compost.
Important to have acid, water and balance
Bacteria and microscopic fungi in the compost will break down the material into its component parts, including carbon dioxide, water and nutrients. Ensuring that you obtain the right type of micro-organisms to thrive and work effectively requires there to be sufficient oxygen, a moderate amount of water, as well as a balance between nutrient-rich and nutrient-poor material.
Easy to maintain
If, for example, you have a urine diverting toilet, where, for example, the urine is diverted to infiltration or to an ejector tank, you have less liquid in the compost and the maintenance is adapted to that. If you have a toilet which does not separate the urine from the dry waste, you have more liquid to deal with and the maintenance is different. Everything is described simply and in detail in our user manuals.
