Which dry closet is better: liquid or composting? What to buy: peat or chemical option

Pros and cons

Advantages:

1. The dry closet is autonomous, which allows it to be used in almost any building. Yes, some models require connection to the mains, ventilation or drainage, but still the amount of work is incomparable with the arrangement of a stationary bathroom.

The compact dimensions of the structures are an obvious plus

1. The designs are relatively compact in size, which allows them to be installed in relatively small rooms.

Dry closet can be installed in any country house

1. Maintenance of the system does not require significant time and financial costs. Waste is either dumped into a cesspit/sewer or composted with the possibility of being used as fertilizer.

The system is very easy to use

Flaws:

1. The dry closet must either be connected to the ventilation system, or put up with the presence of a smell. Yes, it will be weak - but still it will be.

On the street, such a design is appropriate, but in the house it will still smell

1. Service, although infrequent, takes time. Yes, and this process can not be called pleasant.
2. On the purchase of ingredients to fill the dry closet, you have to regularly spend money, sometimes quite significant. A peat mixture for closet powders is significantly cheaper, but you still have to purchase it regularly and in large quantities.

Regular updates of reagents are required for the system to function.

1. Models powered by electricity are notable for their noticeable energy consumption (this applies not only to thermal toilets). In addition, you have to install a generator so that at the most inopportune moment when the electricity is turned off, the device can be used.
2. The functionality of home-made models is low, and factory products are expensive. First of all, this applies to electric models, but a peat toilet (Biolan, Ecomatic, etc.) will cost you from 12 to 30 thousand rubles, depending on the volume and modification.

The cost of such a model is very high.

The conclusion can be made simple: a dry closet is an effective, but still largely forced decision. It is desirable to install it where it is not possible to equip a full-fledged bathroom with a septic tank or at least a cesspool.In such a situation, a quality dry closet is really indispensable!

Model overview

Consider a number of popular options.

The Thetford Porta Potti Excellence dry closet model is designed for one person. The number of visits until the lower tank is completely filled is 50 times. The toilet is made of high-strength granite-colored plastic, has the following dimensions: width 388 mm, height 450 mm, depth 448 mm. The weight of this model is 6.5 kg. Permissible load on the device - 150 kg. The volume of the upper water tank is 15 liters, and the lower waste tank is 21 liters. The design has an electric flush system. Flushing is easy and with minimal water consumption. The model is equipped with a holder for toilet paper. Fill indicators are provided in the upper and lower tanks.

The principle of operation of the dry closet

The main task of the dry closet is the disposal of human waste. The faster and better the solid mass is split, the more convenient and efficient the device is.

Outwardly, the device looks like a familiar toilet, but there is no pipe for draining waste into the sewer. Waste processing under the influence of various catalysts takes place in the storage chamber.

The device consists of two parts - the upper bowl with a seat and the lower drive. After filling the container, it is emptied into the sewer, compost heap or cesspool. With biologically safe processing, it is allowed to use a surrogate for fertilizing garden soil.

Designs are designed for mobile or stationary use. In the first case, these are portable devices with a small storage capacity that can be loaded into the trunk of a car.In the second - capacious units, designed for capital installation and long operation.

Piteco 506

Piteco 506

Piteco 506

Stationary model Piteco 506 with compost-peat sewage treatment, made of high quality polypropylene. The top tank is designed for 11 liters, and the lower removable storage with 3 convenient handles for transportation - 44 liters.

The device with a dry flush mechanism can withstand a maximum load of 150 kg. The kit includes a three-meter pipe for ventilation with a diameter of 75 mm, a drainage hose with a clamp, 3 couplings, a 30-liter peat tank.

dry closet with seat height 42 cm has compact parameters: 39x59x71 cm. The design weighs only 16.7 kg.

PROS:

• stable and comfortable
• Direct-flow ventilation pipe prevents the spread of unpleasant odors
• the set includes a toilet seat with a lid, a scoop and a bag of peat for 20 kg

MINUSES:

• it is necessary to empty the tank frequently and provide for drainage
• ventilation pipe too short
• you need to additionally provide a mesh for ventilation

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The principle of operation of a peat dry closet

The size of this device is slightly larger than the size of a standard toilet bowl. It has two reservoirs, in the upper one there is peat, which must be added regularly. There is no water flush in the design. Waste, after it enters the lower tank, is covered with a peat layer from the lower tank. This happens after pressing a special lever. Part of the waste evaporates through ventilation, and part is converted into compost.Waste after filling the lower tank can be unloaded into the compost pit from pallets or other materials. As a fertilizer, they can only be used after a year.

The best peat dry closets

In this modification of portable toilets, sewage is processed due to the bacteria in the peat. Two constructive solutions are possible here: a toilet without separation and with the separation of waste into liquid and solid components.

In the first case, the model is a kind of container with waste, which is sprinkled with peat. Models with waste separation require the organization of the removal of the liquid component into the sewer system or into the drainage pit.

When using such devices, sewage is converted into useful fertilizer. However, peat toilets have a very mediocre neutralization of odors, so you can’t do without good supply and exhaust ventilation.

Kekkila Ekomatic Sandi 110 - fixed toilet for 4 people

5

★★★★★
editorial score

100%
buyers recommend this product

See review

A new model among composting peat dry closets from a well-known Finnish manufacturer has already become popular with our summer residents. Its main feature was the use of thermal insulation of the tank, which prevents the waste from freezing. And it also has a very large capacity - such a closet is enough for a family of 4 for the entire summer season.

Removing the contents from the drive is done through the rear door of the tank. The price of the device is 13500 rubles.

Advantages:

• Impressive tank capacity.
• Thermal insulation of storage tank.
• Peat filler (50 l) is provided.
• Easy to operate.
• High quality.

Flaws:

The need for the organization of ventilation systems and removal of liquid waste.

Ekomatic Sandi is a very worthy model for seasonal use in a country house where the whole family lives. A non-freezing tank will allow you to use such a toilet all year round, if you clean it and change the peat filler in time.

Piteco 506 - toilet with increased "load capacity"

4.7

★★★★★
editorial score

88%
buyers recommend this product

See review

This model is designed for stationary installation, both indoors and outdoors. The kit comes with a ventilation pipe to remove unpleasant odors outside the room.

The thoughtful design of the dry flush mechanism makes it easy to sprinkle waste with peat.

The body is made of durable frost-resistant plastic that can withstand loads up to 150 kg, which guarantees a long service life of the closet. The volume of the storage tank is enough for a family of 4 for about a month.

Advantages:

• Rugged and durable construction.
• Excellent stability.
• Supplied with peat filler (30 l).
• Low cost - a little more than 5 thousand.
• Good equipment.

Flaws:

• A regular ventilation pipe of 2 m is clearly not enough when installed in a house.
• Not the best drainage system.

In general, Piteco is a very good model, which after some modifications (installation on a dais, building a ventilation pipe) will become an excellent alternative to pit latrines.

Biolan - with waste separator

4.7

★★★★★
editorial score

82%
buyers recommend this product

See review

Biolan is a classic peat toilet with a small volume of two storage tanks, which change places as they fill up.There is already a division of waste products into fractions - directly in the upper bowl. This solution significantly reduces the emission of unpleasant odors.

The body of the toilet is made of frost-resistant and impact-resistant polyethylene, which allows it to be used even in unheated rooms. For dry flushing, a tank with peat mixture is provided.

The cost is 15,000 rubles.

Advantages:

• Separation of waste in the upper bowl.
• Two storage tanks.
• Rugged construction.
• Possibility of use at subzero temperatures.

Flaws:

• Uncomfortable height.
• When installing two storage tanks, the ventilation pipe is partially blocked.

Biolan is suitable for indoor installation in a country house or country house where there is no connection to the sewerage system.

Which dry closet to choose for a summer residence - a comparison of peat composting and chemical dry closet

The table will allow you to determine which dry closet is better or worse, or rather, suitable or not for specific tasks and opportunities.

Selection parameter	Peat composting toilet	Chemical dry closet (liquid)
Active substance	Peat or peat-sawdust mixture	Chemical compositions (reagents, solutions)
Dimensions	Depend on the model (up to 10 m.)	More compact than a composting toilet (height varies from 300 to 450 mm)
pump type	Not provided	- accordion pump (for cheaper models); - piston pump; - electric pump (for the most expensive models)
Installation	Stationary (ventilation device required)	Mobile (portable, portable design)
Bottom tank volume	Up to 140 liters	up to 24 liters
Recycling	Recycled (recycled into fertilizer)	Requires dedicated storage device
cleaning frequency. Depends on the number of users, the volume of the tank and the model of the unit	No more than once a month	Once a week
Smell	Virtually absent	Depends on the type and quantity of chemicals
Required attributes	Availability of ventilation	The presence of a sewer or septic tank
The cost of purchasing a dry closet	Relatively low	Average price range
Operating cost	Low	Conditioned by choice toilet liquids
Exceptional use case	Not	there is no alternative to chemical toilets when installed: - in an apartment; - in kiosks; - in car parks; - etc.

Kinds

Dry closets are a structure consisting of two containers. The lower container, when filled with waste, is disconnected and sent for cleaning. At the top is a filler - a special chemical composition, biological agent or other product that acts on waste, eliminating odor and speeding up processing.

Depending on the type of filler, there are several types of these devices.

1. Liquid. Liquids or powders based on formaldehydes or microorganisms are used here as fillers. Chemical fillers are not recommended for use in summer cottages, as they harm the environment. Bio-based fluids are very popular because recycled waste can be used as natural fertilizer in your yard.
2. Peat. Here, the waste is covered with a mixture of peat, sawdust and composite additives. Such a toilet does not require a connection to the water supply. There are models in which plastic bags are used as waste containers.
3. Electrical.Their principle is based on the separation of solid and liquid waste. Liquids are discharged into the sewer or into a simple drainage. Can work together with the compressor and ventilation.

Which dry closet for a summer residence to choose?

The following criteria will help you to correctly approach the solution of the problem:

• – ease of maintenance and simplicity of design;
• - storage capacity. The larger the volume, the less frequent the cleaning. The tank (12 l) is designed for 30 visits, 20 l will be filled in 50 times (calculation per person). Please note that a large container is harder to carry and harder to drain;
• - manufacturing quality. The material will be able to withstand the maximum load, weight categories of family members, temperature differences;
• – availability of drain, dependence on sewerage;
• – absence of an unpleasant smell.

These criteria will help you choose among: light liquid, reliable peat, comfortable electric the right model that will last for many years.

Which dry closet to choose for a summer residence - a comparison of peat composting and chemical dry closet

The table will allow you to determine which dry closet is better or worse, or rather, suitable or not for specific tasks and opportunities.

Selection parameter	Peat composting toilet	Chemical dry closet (liquid)
Active substance	Peat or peat-sawdust mixture	Chemical compositions (reagents, solutions)
Dimensions	Depend on the model (up to 10 m.)	More compact than a composting toilet (height varies from 300 to 450 mm)
pump type	Not provided	- accordion pump (for cheaper models); - piston pump; - electric pump (for the most expensive models)
Installation	Stationary (ventilation device required)	Mobile (portable, portable design)
Bottom tank volume	Up to 140 liters	up to 24 liters
Recycling	Recycled (recycled into fertilizer)	Requires dedicated storage device
cleaning frequency. Depends on the number of users, the volume of the tank and the model of the unit	No more than once a month	Once a week
Smell	Virtually absent	Depends on the type and quantity of chemicals
Required attributes	Availability of ventilation	The presence of a sewer or septic tank
The cost of purchasing a dry closet	Relatively low	Average price range
Operating cost	Low	Due to the choice of liquid for the toilet
Exceptional use case	Not	there is no alternative to chemical toilets when installed: - in an apartment; - in kiosks; - in car parks; - etc.

How to correctly choose the best dry closet?

All similar designs are divided into three main groups - liquid, peat and electric. They differ from each other in the principle of operation, as well as in some operational characteristics. Liquid devices are compact in size and have a sealed container. Depending on the liquid used, they can be formaldehyde, ammonium and bacterial. Formaldehyde dry closets are among the cheapest on the market, but they use a rather toxic liquid. It is strictly forbidden to pour waste from such a device directly on the site or near water bodies, so the disposal method must be thought out in advance.

Ammonium is safer, the liquid they contain will decompose on its own into environmentally friendly compounds within about a week. Bacterial dry closets are the most environmentally friendly. They include colonies of active bacteria, so the waste from such a toilet can later be used as fertilizer on the site. A liquid dry closet consists of two main elements: a toilet bowl and a direct storage tank in which waste will be split without gas emission. Such designs have compact dimensions and absolute tightness.

In a peat dry closet, waste is processed by bacteria contained in the peat itself. There is a special dispenser here, where the consumables are poured. If necessary, it will evenly cover the waste. It is advisable to install such a structure in a separate room or a special extension, since it will need to be equipped with an exhaust pipe. The mixture here is spent efficiently and economically. After processing, waste does not become toxic, so it can be added to humus or compost.

It is most convenient to use electric dry closets, but you should first think about where and how they will be connected to the network. Such models are equipped with a fan and a compressor. In the storage tank, solid and liquid fractions are separated. Liquids are removed through a hose, and solids are thoroughly dried to a powder state and enter the storage container. It should be noted that these models are the most expensive. It is desirable that any dry closet is equipped with a tank full indicator

Be sure to pay attention to the volume of the storage tank and the overall dimensions of the products

How to install a peat dry closet?

The installation of such a latrine is quite simple and consists of several successive steps:

A simple peat dry closet with a container from a bucket

• Ventilation is provided (it is necessary to run a ventilation pipe, its length is at least three meters through the roof of the toilet or the wall of the house). A large pipe length is necessary so that the unpleasant odor does not linger in the room;
• Install drainage: a hose that drains excess fluid must be led into a gutter or buried in the ground;
• Fill the upper compartment of the toilet bowl with peat filler;
• Attach the toilet firmly to the floor.

drainage system

Both capacitive and composting dry closets need drainage to be present and properly installed.

Drainage system in a peat dry closet
Drainage is a pipe or pipe system that drains excess fluid from pre-designated areas. In this case, liquid waste must be discharged. The main task is to bring the drainage outside the toilet itself into a special container, from where the liquid is gradually absorbed into the ground. As a rule, the drainage system comes with a dry closet and instructions for installation and operation.

Advantages and disadvantages

Naming the advantages of a peat dry closet, users who leave product reviews usually note:

The main advantage of a peat dry closet is environmental friendliness

• The ability to install it both in the house (if drainage and ventilation are established) and on the street;
• Small size (even in comparison with the usual country toilet);
• The fact that the container has to be emptied a maximum of three times per season (once a month);
• Processing of waste products of the human body into a useful and environmentally friendly fertilizer at home;
• Savings on consumables;
• No need to constantly spend money on use;
• Attractiveness of the price;
• Ecological cleanliness, which implies the absence of the need for the constant use of a variety of chemicals for the toilet bowl with water;
• Ease of installation and use;
• Compliance with sanitary standards and requirements;
• Possibility to use even at low temperatures due to the lack of drain.

Speaking about the shortcomings, many mention:

• Mandatory ventilation;
• The need for careful sealing due to their attractiveness to insects;
• A fairly common problem with the dosage of peat spilled onto waste (many types of toilet bowls are not equipped with dispensers);
• The need to specifically make purchases of peat;
• The need for regular replacement of peat (if not changed, a specific and rather unpleasant smell will appear) once every three months.

What to look for when buying

The first step is to decide which version of the dry closet is more suitable for country conditions: stationary or portable. A stationary model is a finished structure that is placed on a cesspool, or a volumetric container is substituted for collecting waste. Suitable for those who are planning a long stay in the country with a large family. Of the minuses - the need to monitor the emptying of the storage tank or pit.

Portable devices are more popular. Small, mobile - they are easy to carry, clean, suitable for any room. They differ according to the principle of operation:

• – chemical;
• – electrical;
• - peat.

Chemical models are the lightest and most compact among dry closets. Since odors and microbes are neutralized chemically, there are no unpleasant odors. Accordingly, such waste for compost is not suitable. The disadvantage of this group is the further removal of sewage and the need for constant purchase of chemicals.

Electric the most expensive type, but also the most comfortable. Dependent on electricity. It has a convenient cleaning system, absorbing a minimum of energy. Does not require additional purchases of chemicals, as it automatically separates liquid and solid waste for further drying. Expensive models have the function of recycling in the form of freezing or burning.

Peat models are the simplest and most environmentally friendly. The most common type of toilets for country use. The inconvenience is caused by the mandatory arrangement of the ventilation pipe, so it will not work to transfer it from place to place. Instead of a water drain, a special peat mixture acts, the stocks of which must be regularly replenished. But you can get a useful organic fertilizer by keeping the fermentation time in the compost. Some models must have access to an outlet to dry waste and run a fan.

Dry closet in winter - features of operation

Most often, dry closets are installed on the street. Caring for a dry closet in winter has its own specifics. In order for this device to serve as long as possible without failures, it is enough to follow a few rules for its operation in the winter.

reduce the period between changes of used content.Frequent cleaning will eliminate the possibility of fluid freezing;

users are advised to add antifreeze to the flush fluid.

Note: Antifreeze must be non-toxic. You can mix ethylene glycol and water in a 1:2 or 2:3 ratio, or use the more expensive propylene glycol.

models of a dry closet with heating have proven themselves perfectly for operation in country conditions.

Conservation of a dry closet for the winter

It often happens that the owners leave the cottage for the winter and visit only in the spring. At this time, the dry closet is not used. To prevent its destruction, the unit should be subjected to conservation. Moreover, this is done before the onset of the first frost. Conservation goes like this:

for a chemical toilet: the liquid from the upper tank is drained, the lower tank is emptied and special cleaning bacteria are placed in it;

no conservation is required for a peat toilet. The main thing is to clean the bottom tank.

If the toilet device is not preserved in a timely manner, its further operation, in particular cleaning, may be accompanied by difficulties.

Peat dry closet

This type of dry closet can be a great solution to the problem of sewage. The peat toilet not only disposes of waste, but also produces fertilizer from it. This design does not require a connection to the water supply. The principle of operation of a dry closet for a summer residence is very simple - instead of a liquid, special peat-based compositions are used here. They fill the tank before using the dry closet.

Before you start using the device, you should thoroughly wash the container and pour a small layer of peat into it (about one centimeter).Scrolling the handle of the dispenser, you should pour the right amount of the composition. During this action, it is necessary to rotate the dispenser in different directions in order to achieve the most even layer of peat.

peat dry closet

Waste goes through the process of mineralization and turns into compost. This compost can be added to the soil and the resulting soil can be used to grow plants. Peat has a high degree of absorption, which means that it does not require frequent replacement. One kilogram of dry composition can absorb up to ten liters of liquid. The device of a peat dry closet allows you to empty the Receiving tank once a month.

Before you opt for a peat dry closet, you should find out all the nuances of installing this device. In this toilet, liquid is separated from solid elements. Water is partially absorbed by peat, the rest evaporates or is removed by drainage, which means that the device must be equipped with a drain.

Installation of the product on the street will not cause any special problems, but during installation indoors, it is necessary to think in advance where and how to position the outlet hose. In addition, a peat toilet is not able to completely eliminate unpleasant odors, therefore, to use it at home, it is necessary to equip ventilation. All the difficulties that arise during the installation and operation of such a dry closet are paid off by its low cost and the ability to fertilize the land for free.

How to choose a dry closet for a summer residence and a private house?

The dry closet is bought for long-term use. The functions assigned to it must be performed in accordance with sanitary standards and the expectations of the buyer.Therefore, when buying a dry closet, you should consider:

place of use. Peat are indispensable in cases of lack of sewerage and water supply. Convenient in urban areas.

need for compost. Peat toilets allow you to get fertilizer for the soil;

possibility of transportation. A compact dry closet can be taken with you on the road, on a hike, moved around the apartment, installed in a hospital ward for the duration of a person’s stay there;

number of users;

the weight of the largest user. After all, each unit is designed for a specific maximum load;

frequency of use. The volume of the lower tank depends on this;

acquisition and operating costs. A peat toilet will cost $60-70, a chemical one $65-90, an electric one from $940;

physical capabilities of the person who will serve and empty the lower tank. When filled, it is quite heavy;

Tip: If the dry closet is intended for a disabled person or an elderly person, you should give preference to models with handrails and an adjustable chair.

As you can see, it is difficult to give an unambiguous answer to the question of which dry closet is better.

But you can give a few technical parameters that you definitely need to pay attention to when purchasing a dry closet of any kind

The choice of dry closet - technical parameters:

type of dry closet, which is based on the principle of waste recycling;

seat height;

the size of the lower container;

Tip: the container has a shelf life limit. Therefore, when purchasing a dry closet, you should not buy a large one for one person.

presence and type of tank full indicator;

the location of the pressure valve and its stroke. The valve is designed to empty the container;

dimensions and load capacity;

flush direction. The larger the area, the cleaner the toilet bowl will be;

Advice. Give preference to biotoilet models with double-sided flushing.

instruction, warranty, etc. .

Note: Please note that manufacturers usually indicate the period for filling the lower tank by one person.