Would You Use A Sawdust Toilet?

by Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger

07 Jan 2007 10:44 AM

Frugal people, environmentalists and homesteaders all like to conserve resources. One interesting way to conserve is by the use of a sawdust toilet.

What is a sawdust toilet? It is basically a sort of "inhouse" instead of an outhouse. With this type of toilet, a five-gallon bucket is fitted underneath a toilet seat. The bucket may be hidden by a wood box that goes around it. A layer of sawdust, or sometimes peat moss is layered in the bottom on the bucket.

The toilet is used like any other, with the exception that it isn't flushed. After each use, a layer of sawdust must be added to keep odors suppressed. When the toilet is full, someone has to go and empty it out, usually into a compost bin created for this use. The compost bin should be divided into three sections: current um waste, waste from last year that is ready for the garden, and extra sawdust storage.

Proponents of the sawdust toilet like the fact that they are not wasting gallons of water for a little bit of human waste. The resulting compost, they say, is wonderful for the garden, and free for the taking.

You can build your own sawdust toilet and three-section compost bin for anywhere from $25 to less than $200.

I applaud anyone who would build, maintain and use a sawdust toilet. Is is definitely environmentally friendly and would save money on water, sewer and garden compost.

As for me, I don't know if I would be brave enough to try this. At the moment we live in suburbia, right outside of Philadelphia, Pa. I can't imagine having a play date in which some small child needed to go to the potty. "Just add some sawdust," I could say. Actually the kids probably wouldn't blink. It is we adults who would have a hard time.

Also, I am just too comfortable with indoor plumbing. It has been a part of my life ever since I could remember. I have a hard time camping for that same reason.

What do you think? Have you ever seen a sawdust toilet? Would you ever consider using one in your house?

For more information on the sawdust toilet, you can click here.

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Learn more about Mary Ann Romans

Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, the kids and a 16-pound cat.

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jonesx6 (1606) 08 Jan 2007 05:29 AM

YIKES!!! With three boys, one husband, and a two year old I could never use this. lol Laura

Mary Ann Romans (26791) 08 Jan 2007 05:46 AM

Well, maybe you could get the boys and the husband to do the "composting" part? I know what you mean though. I only have one small boy (and the adults) using the potty and it is still so tough to keep clean.