Using a composting toilet can be a great way to reduce water waste, conserve energy, and divert materials from landfills. While composting toilets is becoming more popular, many people have questions about the process and what materials should be used. From what type of sawdust to use, to the best brands and products, finding the right sawdust for composting toilet systems can be overwhelming.
This article will focus on the best sawdust options for composting toilet systems. We will look at three reviews of sawdust products, their advantages, and disadvantages, and offer some tips on choosing the right sawdust for your composting toilet system. This article will also provide an overview of what a composting toilet is, what sawdust is, and how it is used in a composting toilet. We will also outline the environmental benefits of using a composting toilet system and explain how composting toilets help reduce water waste, conserve energy, and divert materials from landfills.
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Last update on 2023-09-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Table of Contents
What is a Composting Toilet?
A composting toilet is a toilet that uses natural aerobic processes to convert human waste into fertilizer. Composting toilets are a type of ecological sanitation system, meaning they are designed to take advantage of natural processes to reduce environmental pollution and conserve resources.
Composting toilets use naturally-occurring bacteria to break down and decompose human waste. The waste is then turned into a nutrient-rich compost material that can be used to enrich the soil. Composting toilets is becoming increasingly popular as a way to reduce water waste and conserve energy.
What is Sawdust and How is It Used in a Composting Toilet?
Sawdust is a type of fine wood shaving that is produced as a by-product of woodworking. Sawdust is most often used for firewood, animal bedding, or other industrial uses. In composting toilets, sawdust is used to absorb moisture from the waste and to provide a layer of aeration that encourages bacterial activity. The sawdust also helps to control odor and reduce the risk of pathogens.
When used in a composting toilet, sawdust should be added after each time the toilet is used. The use of sawdust helps create an environment that promotes the breakdown of organic waste materials and discourages the build-up of dangerous pathogens.
Tips for Choosing the Best Sawdust
When choosing the best sawdust for a composting toilet, there are a few tips to keep in mind.
First and foremost, you want to make sure that the sawdust is certified by a reputable source as being safe for use in composting toilets. You should also make sure that the sawdust is free of any additives, such as chemicals or fertilizers. The type of sawdust you choose can also make a difference. Some types of sawdust are more absorbent than others, so you may want to choose a type that is more absorbent. Also, some types of sawdust can produce more dust when disturbed and can therefore create an unpleasant odor. Therefore, it is important to choose sawdust that has been highly trained and is free of debris.
Finally, it is important to choose a product that comes in a bag or container that can be easily closed or sealed. This will help to keep the sawdust contained, reduce the risk of dust getting into the air, and discourage pests.
A Note on Environmental Benefits
Composting toilets are gaining traction as a viable environmental solution because of their extensive environmental benefits. Composting toilets have been proven to reduce water waste by a considerable amount. In a traditional flush-style toilet, much of the water usage is wasted through evaporation and draining, while with a compost toilet, no water is required to dispose of waste, as the waste is collected and decomposed onsite, ultimately providing a renewable source of fertilizer and soil amendment. This water-free solution ensures that scarce water resources (especially in arid climates) are preserved and properly allocated for essential tasks such as drinking, washing, and other hygienic needs.
The energy savings from using a composting toilet system is especially significant, as water-intensive sewage systems typically require a massive amount of energy inputs to keep the wastewater materials moving from the point of use to the treatment facility. The elimination of this energy requirement gives significant energy savings to the owner, which translates into a smaller carbon footprint from energy-related activities.
Composting toilets also benefits the environment by reducing the amount of material that is sent to landfills. The collected waste materials are processed onsite and converted into a natural, beneficial fertilizer that can be used to feed gardens, lawns, and other plants. This not only helps reduce the amount of waste and pollutants sent to landfills but also the use of chemical fertilizers that can potentially harm the environment. The composted materials are also more readily absorbed and utilized by plants, meaning there is less fertilizer runoff and better use of resources.
DIY Sawdust
Making sawdust for composting toilets is a great way to reduce your household’s environmental impact and make your own toilet supplies. Sawdust is a great material to use for composting toilets, as it easily breaks down organic material with its smaller particles, which supports the natural decomposition process. Before going into the process of making your own sawdust for composting toilets, it is important to consider whether it would be more cost-effective to buy your own sawdust in bulk.
Buying sawdust in bulk is usually the more viable and economical option, as the cost per unit for bulk sawdust is usually significantly lower than what you could make yourself. Additional savings can often be found when purchasing sawdust in bulk from suppliers, as they may be willing to deliver the sawdust to your location in addition to giving you a discounted rate for larger orders.
However, if you wish to make your own sawdust for composting toilets, there are several easy steps you will need to take. First, you need to buy a saw or a power saw and the necessary protective gear (goggles, face shield, dust mask, etc.).
Depending on the type of saw you choose, it may also be a good idea to buy a few spare blades, as they will need to be changed periodically to provide a dependable and consistent cut every time. Once you have the saw and necessary gear, you will need to prepare the sawdust. To make sawdust for composting toilets, you will need to cut organic material, such as sawdust from trees, into small particles that are around 1/8th of an inch in size.
This can be done by running the material through a saw, chipper, or hammer mill. It is important to wear the necessary protective gear during this step so that the sawdust does not damage your eyes or lungs. Once the organic material has been cut into small, consistent particles, you will be left with a large pile of sawdust. From here, you can use the sawdust for composting toilets or store it for future use.
Storing sawdust is as easy as putting it into airtight containers or bags and placing them in a dry, cool, and dark place. In conclusion, while buying sawdust in bulk is usually the more economical option, it is possible to make sawdust for composting toilets yourself with the right equipment and some patience. With the right saw, protected gear, and careful cutting of organic materials, you can create high-quality sawdust that is perfect for composting toilets.
With that said, let’s take a look at the best options on the market now.
The Sausage Maker – Cherry Sawdust for Smokers, Five Pound Bag
The Sausage Maker’s Cherry sawdust is one of the better sawdust products on the market and is a great option for composting toilets. The cherry sawdust has a mild smell with a hint of sweetness and is produced from natural cherry wood.
I think the Sausage Maker’s Cherry sawdust is a great option for composting toilets. It has a mild smell with a hint of sweetness, is free of debris, and is soft, light, and highly absorbent. Its particle size makes it easier to spread and more likely to break down and decompose. The five-pound bag is tightly sealed and designed to keep out air, moisture, and pests. Plus, I can purchase it in bulk, and it’s very affordable.
- Adds a sweet, savory taste to your smoked meat
- Due to moisture loss, bag may weigh less than 5 lbs. when stored
- 5 lb. bag
Last update on 2023-09-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Jax Smok’in Tinder – Sawdust – 5 Pound Bag – All Natural Sifted and Free of Debris
I recently purchased some Jax Smok’in Tinder sawdust for use in composting my garden, and I’m very pleased with the results. The sawdust was finely sifted and had a mild cherry smell. It was highly absorbent and easy to store due to the tightly sealed five-pound bag. Best of all, it is certified as being safe for use in composting systems. The sawdust is also very affordable, and I was even able to purchase it in bulk at a discounted price. All in all, I am very satisfied with this product.
- All Natural Wood Sawdust, Five Pound Bag. For use in compost bin or outdoor area in garden and landscaping.
- All Natural and free of debris available in Apple, Maple, HIckory or combined Hardwood. Make this Father's Day extra special for your dad, friend, brother or husband by surprising him with cool...
- 5 Pound Bag of Wood Dust - Mix with wax to make your own Firestarter.
Last update on 2023-09-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Wood Smoker Chips – Hickory Flavored Wood Chips (1 Pint)
I also tried the Wood Smoker Chips “Hickory Flavored” for use in my composting toilet. The natural hardwood chips had a great smoky-hickory flavor, and the coarse texture was ideal for keeping odors under control in my composting toilet. The one-pint bag was plenty to get the job done and was easily sealed to keep away from air and moisture. I’m very happy with my purchase and would recommend these wood chips to anyone looking for an option for controlling odors in a composting toilet.
- Hickory BBQ Smoker Extra Fine Wood Chips. Ignite quickly and combust completely to create a delicate smokey flavor. Great for Father’s Day, Memorial Day, Summer Barbecue Cookouts, 4th of July,...
- Use these wood sawdust shavings for smoking and grilling in smoking guns, cocktail smokers, smoker boxes, stovetop smokers, and charcoal and gas grills. Each 1-pint container will yield...
- Made in the USA out of 100% natural raw timber that is kiln dried to provide the highest quality smoke. There are no additives, chemicals, or fillers.
- Hickory is a classic hardwood used to barbecue. It creates a lot of depth in its flavor but isn’t harsh. Hickory wood chips pair well with poultry, beef, pork, seafood, game, and cheeses!
- 1 Pint (0.473176 L tub) of extra fine cut barbecue wood chips. UNIT WEIGHT OF DIFFERENT SPECIES OF WOOD VARIES (can cause variance in total weight in tub)
Last update on 2023-09-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Thoughts on Living with a Composting Toilet
Living with a compostable toilet can be a strange and uncomfortable experience at first, especially if you’re used to using the traditional flushing toilet. It requires you to go through a few extra steps when it comes to handling waste, and you will need to become familiar with composting methods. But once you get adjusted, it’s a green, convenient and economical way of dealing with human waste.
The biggest drawback is initial uncertainty. You may find it strange to think about not flushing your toilet and instead having to deal with the waste on your own. In addition, you will have to educate yourself on composting practices. Fortunately, compostable toilets are designed to make the composting process straightforward and efficient. The primary benefit of a compostable toilet is the environment. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, about 4,000 gallons of water is used for a single flush. With a compostable toilet, you won’t be using any of this water and will be instead diverting the waste from water treatment plants and sewer systems.
This will help to lessen the strain put on natural resources. The other advantage of this type of toilet is its cost-effectiveness and convenience. You don’t have to pay hundreds of dollars to have the toilet installed. All you need is an initial investment in the toilet, a spear, and then the necessary composting materials. The compostable toilet is also much lighter and easier to transport than a traditional one, which makes it perfect for those who are on the road or who want to use it on the go.
The installation process of a compostable toilet is fairly simple, as you don’t need an extensive plumbing system. You just need to make a hole in the ground, place the toilet inside, and fill it up with the appropriate composting material. When it’s ready to be used, you can then add your waste, cover it with the composting material and then mix it with a spear, which will be used to stir and aerate the waste. This will help to speed up the composting process.
It’s important to note that user error is the biggest risk when it comes to using a compostable toilet. To ensure your own safety, you must follow the instructions properly, including the type of composting material you need to use, the types of waste you can add, and the proper way to mix and aerate the waste. Additionally, it’s important to stay up to date with the maintenance requirements, including regularly cleaning the interior and exterior of the toilet, as well as checking for any leaks.
Living with a compostable toilet takes some getting used to, but once you become familiar with the process, it’s a convenient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly way to deal with your waste. Once you have the toilet, it’s important to remember to use it correctly in order to avoid any potential health hazards. With time and the right composting procedures, you should be able to make the most of your compostable toilet.
A Note on Safety
Speaking of hazards, let’s take a look at safety.
Sawdust has been a popular and natural resource used in compostable toilets for many years. Not only is it an absorbent material that helps to reduce odors and control moisture, but it is also completely compostable and sustainable. However, when used in compostable toilets, certain safety measures must be taken to ensure their proper functioning and avoid any potential health risks. First, sawdust must be uncontaminated by other materials, such as plastics, chemicals, and metals, which can disrupt the natural composting process. It is important to buy sawdust that has been screened and certified to be free of potential contaminants.
Second, it is important to know that any sawdust used in a composting toilet should not have come from treated wood, as this could potentially contaminate the compost with chemicals that are not safe for humans to be exposed to. It is also best not to use sawdust from construction sites as this can contain contaminants from paint, chemicals, or other potentially hazardous materials used during the construction process.
Additionally, it is important to remember that sawdust from different types of wood can contain different particles, and some types of wood may have compounds that inhibit the composting process, so it is best to stick to using sawdust from the same type of wood for best results. When using sawdust in a compostable toilet, it is also important to remember not to use too much. An excess of sawdust can cause a blockage of materials as they become matted together and form clumps, reducing the composting process.
Generally, one cup of sawdust per toilet flush is considered a safe amount to use. Finally, it is necessary to monitor the moisture levels of the sawdust. Too much sawdust can absorb necessary moisture in the compost and clump material together, while too little can cause the sawdust to form a hard, cement-like material which can be difficult to break apart in the composting process.
Overall, sawdust is an effective and sustainable way to reduce odors and control moisture levels in compostable toilets, as long as it is used properly and safely. By purchasing uncontaminated sawdust from the same type of wood, monitoring moisture levels, and not using too much sawdust, compostable toilets will remain functioning – providing a safe and efficient environment for human waste.
Last update on 2023-09-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Conclusion
Finding the right sawdust for a composting toilet system can be a challenge. There are many different types of sawdust and a variety of products to choose from, but it is important to make sure that you choose one that is safe for use in a composting toilet and meets your needs. The Sausage Maker – Cherry Sawdust for Smokers, Five Pound Bag, Jax Smok’in Tinder – Sawdust – 5 Pound Bag – All Natural Sifted and Free of Debris, and Wood Smoker Chips – Hickory Flavored Wood Chips (1 Pint) are all great options for sawdust for a composting toilet system.
Each of these products has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to consider your needs and budget before selecting the best sawdust for your composting toilet system. Ultimately, determining the right sawdust for composting toilet can be a difficult decision, but with the right research and consideration, you can make an informed decision and select the sawdust that is right for your composting toilet system.
