Composting Toilets Versus Vermicomposting Compost Sorts

Composting is the process of turning waste material into humus (a crumbly mass). Recycling is a method for recycling various non-biodegradable items such as food waste, paper, metal waste, fuel etc. This is done by breaking down the waste material into simpler inorganic and organic substances in a non-humecting process called composting. This process recycles different organic materials otherwise considered to be trash. A good compost contains rich in beneficial life organisms and plant nutrients.

Microorganisms are the major active participants in composting process. They are the basic life source of carbohydrates and nitrogen that are broken down to produce the essential elements necessary for plant and animal life. Carbon is the most important component that is required to encourage the growth of microorganisms. Therefore, carbon forms a major component of the humus. The other components that constitute the composting mixture are the nitrogen, Potassium, Phosphorus, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium and Bacteria.

Organic materials that are to be composted must first be aerated before they are added into the compost pile. This is usually done by manually stirring the compost while adding it to the pile. Adding the organic materials is not sufficient. They also need to be combined with the organic composting waste products to enhance the composting process.

When composting to produce humus, a very efficient composting toilet is a must. This composting toilet is a special type of worm composting commode that uses earthworms (called humic acid) as its digestion medium. These earthworms will eat the organic waste matter that is already present in the compost pile. This leads to the decomposition of the waste material into carbon dioxide gas. The gas that is produced is then released into the air, and the digestion process takes place within the composting toilet itself.

A composting toilet works best in areas where there is an adequate supply of oxygen. This can usually be achieved by building a ventilation system within the composting commode. This venting system allows for fresh air to come in contact with the organic material being composted and breaking it down naturally. Without ventilation, the anaerobic digestion process cannot take place; therefore, the product will lack the oxygen that it needs for decomposition. This leads to littler bacterial growth within the composting bin, which is not necessary to maximize the composting process.

Vermicomposting is the reproduction of nutrient-rich compost by using worm composting and aerobic composting processes. Both processes are highly efficient. But composting commodes are cheaper and easier to set up than a composting facility. Therefore, a vermicomposting operation is often more cost-effective and practical for families that do not have the budget to start their own composting operation.