Compost toilets: separating fact from fiction

Do you think separating/compost toilets on boats should be banned? That they are dangerous? That no one composts? That having one involves carrying huge containers full of sewage around on the boat for a year or more? If so, this session is for you!

The number of boats with separating toilets has grown hugely over the last 6-8 years. Current estimates by CRT are that about 5% of boats now have one (although their survey methods are a bit loose!). And they are probably to be found more on high use boats i.e. liveaboard or extensive cruising, so if we look at the ratio of separating toilets to person/day use it is probably higher than 5%.

However, they have brough all sorts of controversy, not least the 'bin it' advice from CRT followed four years later (and a lot of toilet sales) with 'don't bin it'.

But they aren't going to go away, however many arguments there are on social media!

I'm not going to try and convince you that you should throw away your cassette, unplumb your pump out or put a match to your incinerator. I just want to separate fact from fiction. Questions like...

• Is there such a thing as a composting toilet?
• What do we know about how many people compost?
• Just what are we talking about when we talk about pathogens?
• How much 'waste' is there to dispose of?
• Does human poo compost in landfill?
• What is CRT's position?

The presentation will be recorded - it will focus on the speaker but there will also be time before we start to turn off your camera if you wish to. After the recording there will be an opportunity to share your views and ask questions.

If there is a topic you would like covered please email compostboatloos@gmail.com