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'''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.'''

This technology usually requires four main parts:

# a leachate collection system ; and

# an access door to remove the mature product.

A Composting Chamber can be designed in various configurations and constructed above or below ground. UDDT can be used as a User Interface for specifically designed Composting Chambers. Anal Cleansing Water should not be added to the composting chamber as it could cause anaerobic conditions, foul smells and reduced collection capacity.

There are four factors that will ensure the good functioning of the system:

- Leachate requires secondary treatment and/or appropriate discharge. <br> - Requires expert design and construction supervision. <br> - May require some specialized parts <br> - May require long start up time.

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==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.

==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 completelymature 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.

==References==

* Elizabeth Tilley et.al (2008). [http://www.eawag.ch/organisation/abteilungen/sandec/publikationen/publications_sesp/downloads_sesp/compendium_high.pdf Compendium of Sanitation Systems and Technologies] ([http://www.eawag.ch/organisation/abteilungen/sandec/publikationen/publications_sesp/downloads_sesp/compendium_low.pdf low res version]). Department of Water and Sanitation in Development Countries ([http://www.sandec.ch/ Sandec]) at the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology (Eawag). (Provides a full overview of sanitation systems.)