Which dry toilet is better: liquid or composting? What to buy: peat or chemical option

A dry toilet is an excellent replacement for cesspools. Its purchase is justified if there is no sewer network, local treatment plant or septic tank.The autonomous unit is useful for long country trips or for caring for sick people.

Among the large assortment of devices, there are models of different operating principles, differing in installation method, ease of use and price. To help you decide which dry toilet is better - peat, liquid or chemical, we will compare their characteristics and tell you about the nuances of operation.

General classification of dry toilets

First of all, options for existing autonomous sanitary systems should be identified.

All types of toilets independent of sewerage can be classified according to certain criteria:

• method of processing waste;
• installation method of autonomous plumbing;
• type of power supply to the plumbing fixture.

Most dry toilets consist of two chambers. The upper block with a seat acts as a toilet, the lower part is a reservoir for collecting and processing excrement.

The containers have a detachable connection. After filling, the lower storage tank must be cleaned. Service frequency depends on device type

Based on waste disposal technology, modern dry closets can be divided into two categories:

1. Liquid. Processing is carried out using special reagents that break down solid fractions.Depending on the liquid used, such toilets are divided into biological and chemical.
2. Composting. Waste comes into a storage tank, where it is dried with compaction or mixed with peat. The compost obtained as a result of such processing is buried in the ground or stored in a compost heap, in which it will lie for another 2-3 years until it is completely “ripened”, after which it is permissible to fertilize the beds.

Composting dry toilets are divided into two types: electric or peat. They differ radically from each other in the way they are processed.

Their common feature is the production of ready-made compost, suitable for further fertilization of the garden, vegetable garden or flower garden.

Based on the installation method, dry toilets are divided into stationary and mobile models. The first involves assigning a permanent location to the unit. As a rule, this is required by the operating principle of the biotoilet itself. For example, arrangement of an exhaust ventilation duct, connection of a drainage pipe.

Stationary models include peat and electric sanitary systems.

Mobile modules are operational without connecting any communications. They have small dimensions, allowing you to move them from place to place, take them with you on a long trip, on a picnic, etc. Almost all liquid dry toilets are portable.

Based on the type of power supply, autonomous sanitary systems are divided into energy-dependent and independent modules.

The first category includes all electric models. They operate from a 220 V network; some dry toilets can be connected via a car battery

Liquid and peat dry closets operate without electricity. They are perfect for use in the field.

Features of operation of liquid devices

These models are in wide demand due to their mobility and affordable cost. They are convenient when caring for elderly, sick people, and for quickly arranging a toilet on the go. However, for constant use at home or in the country, it is better to choose another model - one that does not require such frequent maintenance.

Principle of design and operation

Liquid dry closets are completely autonomous. No ventilation pipe, drain hose or electrical connection is required.

The autonomous bio-closet is designed very simply; the design contains two blocks:

1. Top knot. Designed like a toilet with a seat, a lid and a tank for a chemical composition or liquid with active natural ingredients. The flush pump is located here.
2. Storage device. The lower compartment is a large waste collection tank. Its displacement ranges from 12-25 liters.

The body of the storage tank can house a niche for storing reagents, a separating rod and a pressure relief valve.

The same chemical or biological composition is poured into the lower module as into the upper section. After entering the waste storage facility, its processing begins - the sewage is broken down to a liquid consistency, and the unpleasant odor is removed

Both compartments are securely fastened together. The lower tank is additionally equipped with a seal that retains aromas.

The design of most models includes an indicator - a light beacon notifies the user when it is time to empty the storage tank. The indicator light changes color from green to red.

After filling, the upper block is removed, and the lower one is taken to the drainage site.What it will be, a drainage pit outside the site, sewerage or land, depends on the operating conditions and the type of reagent used

It is not advisable to throw regular toilet paper into a liquid dry toilet - it does not decompose under the influence of degrading compounds and leads to the tank quickly filling.

Liquids for refilling dry toilets

To stimulate the breakdown of waste, chemical reagents or biological compounds are poured into the unit.

Features of various fillers:

1. Chemical liquids. They react quickly and are able to process waste into a liquid mass within a day and completely neutralize the odor. The chemicals are aggressive; the storage tank must be emptied into a sewer or a separate pit away from the site so that the reagents do not harm the environment.
2. Biocompositions. Environmentally friendly preparations with a complex of microorganisms: bacteria and enzymes. They break down impurities into water and neutral components. The drainage can be done directly into the ground - the processed mass will not cause harm to plants and animals.

Biological compounds convert sewage into fertilizers for the garden.

Organic preparations have a milder effect. At the same time, they effectively remove unpleasant odors and prevent the development of pathogenic and pathogenic microorganisms

The only disadvantage of biological fluids is their high cost.

Among the chemical reagents most often used:

• formalin-containing substances;
• nitrogen-containing and ammonium compounds.

The first group of chemicals is considered very caustic and toxic. They quickly dispose of waste and neutralize odors.However, their use is permissible only in urban conditions - it is necessary to remove formalin-containing liquid only through the sewer network.

Such toilets are not suitable for a summer house or a picnic. Or, when leaving your vacation spot, you will have to take the filled tank with you and dispose of the contents through the city sewer

The approximate consumption of the drug is 1 liter for 4 months, about 8 refills.

Ammonia liquids are safer. However, the active ingredients, when in contact with oxygen, can quickly decompose - in 5-7 days. A significant advantage is the possibility of using recycled sewage for compost. To dispose of them, sewerage is not needed, so this dry toilet can be used outside the city.

Pros and cons of liquid models

The strengths of all types of liquid dry toilets include mobility, versatility of use, independence from communications, and loyalty to the pricing policy. In addition, the installations are completely sealed and hygienic - they do not emit unpleasant odors.

Liquid models can be placed outdoors during field trips, used in kiosks, on yachts or indoors, for example, to care for a seriously ill person

Disadvantages of such dry toilets:

• the need to purchase consumables;
• frequency cleaning the storage tank – a 20-25 liter capacity is designed for 50 uses; if used by three people, the tank will have to be emptied every week.

An additional disadvantage of chemical biotoilets is the toxicity of processed waste.

Composting dry toilets: nuances of operation

Composting models - peat and electric - are considered environmentally friendly.Each type has its own characteristics of operation and operation, strengths and weaknesses. Common features: the need to install a ventilation pipe and drainage hose, the use of recycled waste as fertilizer.

Peat models - operation scheme

The entire waste treatment cycle occurs based on natural processes. Peat with microorganisms plays an active role in waste decomposition. The natural mineral serves as a kind of sponge, making the mass loose and homogeneous. Biobacteria break down solid waste and activate the composting process.

We also recommend reading the article about which filler to choose for a peat toilet. More details - go to link.

The design of the peat unit is very simple. Some craftsmen make a prototype of a commercial dry toilet using improvised means.

Explanations for the diagram: 1 – upper compartment body, 2 – seat, 3 – lid of container with peat, 4 – dispenser handle, 5 – peat tank, 6 – ventilation duct, 7 – dispenser, 8 – storage container

Peat models are considered stationary. It is advisable to install them in a compact, ventilated room. To remove unpleasant odors, it is necessary to connect a vertical ventilation duct.

Care should be taken to drain the liquid - a drainage hose is installed from the storage tank with an outlet into the ground, sewer or waste pit. Some of the liquid sewage evaporates through ventilation.

Operating principle:

1. After using the toilet, turn the dispenser handle and the peat is automatically poured into the waste compartment.
2. The liquid is discharged through the tube into the ground.
3. After filling the tank, the contents are poured into the compost pit. It is advisable for the fertilizer to stand for another year.

The frequency of cleaning the container depends on its volume and the number of users. On average, a 100 liter tank, if used by a family of 4 people, will have to be emptied monthly.

Operating principle of an electric bio-toilet

The design and technology of waste processing in an electric dry closet is somewhat more complicated. It provides for the separation of waste into liquid and solid fractions. The first ones are discharged into a separate tank or drainage hole through a drainage hose, the second ones go into the lower tank.

Solid fractions are dried. This occurs due to active ventilation in the storage compartment.

In some models, additional heating occurs to speed up the process - the corresponding heating element is placed under the compost tank

Gases and unpleasant odors are removed through the ventilation pipe. Electric dry closets are often equipped with forced exhaust.

The waste, dried to a powdery state, enters a separate receiver. After filling it, clean it. Maintenance frequency is 2-3 times a year.

Advantages and disadvantages of composting units

Despite different processing technologies, peat and electric models have several common advantages.

Main advantages:

• environmental friendliness and safety;
• the possibility of using compost in crop production;
• reducing the number of cleanings of the storage tank;
• year-round use in the country, in a private house.

The models also have common disadvantages. Both types of dry closets are considered stationary; they require the connection of a ventilation duct and drainage.

Electric and peat toilets are not suitable for use in an apartment, on picnics, or in transport.Their lot is a complete replacement of a stationary toilet in a residential building or country house

In addition to general pros and cons, each device has its own specifics.

Distinctive features of peat dry closets:

• poor cleaning of the toilet - no water drain;
• the need to purchase a peat composition - a dry filler with soil bacteria, aerobes, and crushed sawdust is suitable;
• Effective ventilation of the room is required, otherwise unpleasant odors will be noticeable;
• the difficulty of emptying the tank - the storage tanks are usually large in volume, it is quite difficult to bring them to the compost pit and clean them out;
• malfunctions in the peat distribution mechanism - sometimes you have to add the dry mixture manually.

An important advantage of “peat bogs” is their affordable cost. These are the most popular models among summer residents.

Features of electric sanitary systems:

• energy dependence - you cannot use the toilet without electricity;
• operation exclusively in a sitting position - when pressure is applied to the seat, the curtain moves, tearing off the storage tank;
• very high price.

An electric toilet does not require flushing. After using the toilet, the waste container is automatically closed.

Due to the built-in forced exhaust, the unpleasant smell from the room quickly disappears. No consumables are needed to operate the electric closet.

It is advisable to install such a unit in private houses or summer cottages for all-season residence, provided there are no interruptions in the power supply.

There is an article on our website that presents rating of dry toilets for a summer cottage.

Comparison of the main parameters of different dry closets

To decide which toilet is better to buy - peat, liquid, chemical or electric, it is necessary to conduct a comparative analysis of the main parameters of choice.

Criteria for evaluation:

1. Hygiene. In this regard, electric and liquid models with water flush take precedence. Peat toilets often require manual backfilling of waste with a dry mixture.
2. Service. The leader is an electric unit. The amount of cleaning is minimal, and there are no difficulties with emptying the tank. A liquid toilet requires emptying more often than others; this option is not suitable for use by a large family.
3. Mobility. There are no equal to liquid models here. They are chosen for travel and temporary use on vacation.
4. Commissioning. The liquid closet is ready for use immediately after filling the tanks with clean water and reagents. Composting devices require more labor-intensive preparation.
5. Environmental friendliness. All models, with the exception of chemical toilets, are environmentally friendly.

In terms of comfort level, all dry toilets are more or less equivalent - the seat height corresponds to the dimensions of a standard toilet. There is a caveat to using an electric moth - only a sitting position is allowed.

Price criterion. The cost of peat and liquid dry closets is approximately equal. The price depends on the manufacturer, the volume of storage containers and additional equipment of the module

The cost of the electric version is several times higher than the price tags of competitors. But this dry toilet does not require any maintenance costs, with the exception of paying for electricity. In other matters, electricity consumption is minimal and will not particularly affect the family budget.

For a summer cottage, it is not necessary to buy an expensive model of a dry closet - you can build it yourself. And we discussed in detail how to do this in this article.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Description of the operating principles of peat and liquid dry closets. Comparison of models and selection tips:

Overview of different types of autonomous sanitary systems, operating and maintenance rules:

It is impossible to say for sure which dry toilet is better and which is worse. Various modifications will be the optimal solution in a given situation. If you need a portable toilet for occasional use, then a portable liquid unit is suitable.

For a house or cottage without an autonomous sewer system, it is better to buy a composting dry closet. It does not have to be cleaned often, and the recycled waste can be put to use and used to fertilize the beds.

Which dry closet did you choose? What were you guided by? Are you satisfied with the purchased plumbing fixture? Please tell our readers about it. Leave your comments in the contact block below the article.