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[[Image:Icon_composting_chamber.png |right|95px80px]]
'''Composting refers to the process by which biodegradable components are biologically decomposed under aerobic conditions by microorganisms (mainly bacteria and fungi). A Composting Chamber converts excreta and organics into Compost. Compost is a stable, inoffensive product that can be handled safely and used as a soil conditioner.'''
It is appropriate to assume a design value of 300L/person/ year to calculate the required chamber volume.
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{{procontable | pro=
- The compost that is removed is safe to handle and can be used as a soil conditioner. <br> - Can help reduce the volume of solid waste generated by diverting organic material into the composting unit. <br> - Can be built and repaired with locally available materials <br> - Long service life. <br> - No real problems with flies or odours if used correctly. <br> - Low-moderate capital costs depending on emptying; low operating costs. <br> - High reduction of pathogens. <br> - Does not require constant source of water. | con=
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<br>===Adequacy===
Although simple in theory, Composting Chambers are not always easy to operate. The moisture must be controlled to prevent anaerobic conditions, the ratio of carbon and nitrogen must be well balanced and the volume of the unit must be such that the temperature of the compost pile remains between 40 to 50°C. However, once the composting process is well established, the system is quite robust.
This technology is appropriate to almost all areas, but since it is compact and waterless, it is especially suited to warm climates and to areas where land and water are limited. In colder climates, a Composting Chamber can also be used indoors to ensure that low temperatures do not impede the composting process. A Composting Chamber cannot be used for the Collection and Storage/ Treatment of anal cleansing water or greywater; if the reactor becomes too wet, anaerobic conditions will form and there will be problems with odour and improper degradation.
===Health Aspects/Acceptance===
If the Composting Chamber is well designed and constructed, there should be no reason for the users to handle the material for at least the first year, and thus, little opportunity to come in contact with pathogens. A well functioning Composting Chamber should not produce odours, and should be easy to maintain. If there is ample cover/bulking material there should not be problems with flies or insects.
===Upgrading===
A simple Composting Chamber can be upgraded to include a small ventilation fan, a mechanical mixer, or multiple compartments to allow for increased storage and degradation time.
===Maintenance===
Depending on the design, the Composting Chamber should be emptied every 2 to 10 years. Only the completely mature compost should be removed. With time, salt or other solids may build up in the tank or in the leachate-collecting system, which can be dissolved with hot water and/or scraped out. A squeeze test can be used to check the moisture level within the Composting Chamber. A squeeze test requires the user to squeeze a handful of compost. The compost should not crumble and feel dry, nor should it feel like a wet sponge. Rather, the compost should only leave a few drops of water in the user’s hand.
===Field experiences===
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===References===
* Del Porto, D. and Steinfeld, C. (1999). [http://books.google.com/books/about/The_composting_toilet_system_book.html?id=ve8eAQAAIAAJ The Composting Toilet System Book. A Practical Guide to Choosing, Planning and Maintaining Composting Toilet Systems, a Water-Saving, Pollution-Preventing Alternative]. The Center for Ecological Pollution Prevention (CEPP), Concord, Massachusetts. Comprehensive installation and maintenance for pre-fabricated units.
* USEPA (1999). [http://water.epa.gov/aboutow/owm/upload/2005_07_14_comp.pdf Water Efficiency Technology Fact Sheet: Composting Toilets- EPA 832-F-99-066]. US Environmental Protection Agency, Washington. Information related to microbial die off rates and risks.
===Acknowledgements===
{{:Acknowledgements Sanitation}}
