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Composting Toilet

A composting toilet is one that captures the waste and turns it into compost, instead of flushing the waste down into the sewer system. Self contained composting toilets compost the material in a container within the receiving fixture. Split units, which are sometimes called remote, central or underfloor units, collect waste via a toilet stool, either waterless or micro-flush, from which it drains to a composter typically located in a basement or outside. Split systems can be made for high-volume use; however, they typically require significant space to house the composter.

Learn & Plan Topics

U.S. Waste and Recycling

The U.S. generated approximately 254 million tons of municipal solid waste (MSW) in 2007. Excluding composting, the amount of MSW recycled increased to 63.3 million tons, an increase of 1.9 million tons from 2006. This is a 3 percent increase in the tons recycled. Source: US EPA, Municipal Solid Waste in the United States. 2007 Fact and Figures.
Building Systems Upgrades

The following are Sustainable Strategies to consider as your space undergoes a building system upgrade to improve energy, water use and occupant comfort. Refer to the Share Section for a representative project Case Study to discover key practices, benefits, results and checklists.
Space Reconfiguration and Renovation Projects

As needs change over time, tenants often need to convert space or phase the conversion of individual space or rooms to meet these changing needs.
Water Efficiency

Buildings are significant users of the Earth’s potable water supply. The goal of a responsible building operator should be to encourage a smarter use of water, both inside and outside the facility. Indoor water use reduction is typically achieved through efficient plumbing fixtures, fittings, appliances and process equipment used to heat and cool the building; outdoor water use reduction efforts should focus on water-wise landscaping.

Whole Building Analysis

Materials

Composting Toilets

Composting toilets are not common in commercial buildings; however, they are becoming a more common environmentally preferred option as they are odor-free and use less potable water, if any. Composting toilets use an aerobic process to break down waste by using little or no water. There are two types of composting toilets: self-contained and split units.
Toilet / Shower Accessories

Toilet and shower accessories include soap dispensers, soap dishes, hand dryers, paper towel dispensers, trash cans, etc. These items may contain recycled content if they are made of metal or plastic. Hand dryers allow for drying without using paper products which reduces waste. Although automated paper towel dispensers typically use non-rechargeable batteries, they can also reduce waste by controlling the amount of paper dispensed.
Dual-flush Toilets

Dual-flush toilets have two levels of flushing - one for solid waste and a lower flush for liquid waste. There are dual-flush options for both commercial flush valve applications and for tank-type toilets.
Pressure-Assisted / Low-flow

Pressure-assisted toilets use the pressure from the main water line to more efficiently empty the bowl and use less water. Low-flow flush valves used in toilets are those that use less than 1.6 gallons of water per flush.
Conventional

Conventional toilets are those that use 1.6 gallons, or more, of water per flush.
Floor Mounted

Floor mounted toilet partitions are structurally supported at the base by the floor and are easier to install. They can be made of plastic or metal, both durable options.
Ceiling Hung Partitions

Ceiling mounted toilet partitions require structural ceiling support, which makes installation more technical. They can be made of plastic or metal, both durable options.