If you’ve ever dabbled in organic gardening or sustainable living, you’ve likely come across the concept of composting. A vital process for converting organic matter into nutrient-rich soil, composting is not only about recycling kitchen scraps and yard waste but also about turning what some consider waste, such as human excrement, into valuable resources. This might stir many questions: Is it safe? How is it done right? Let’s dig into the guidelines and methods for composting humanure safely and effectively.
Understanding Humanure Composting
Humanure, a blend of the words ‘human’ and ‘manure,’ refers to human feces and urine when it is recycled via composting for agricultural purposes. The idea of using human waste as fertilizer is not new; it has been practiced for centuries in various cultures. However, modern sanitation and waste management often treat human waste as a disposable nuisance rather than a resource.
Is it Safe to Compost Human Feces?
The main concern with composting human feces is the potential presence of pathogens that can cause disease. These include bacteria, viruses, parasites, and their eggs. However, with a proper composting setup and process, which includes achieving high temperatures and allowing sufficient time for the compost to break down, it is possible to kill these pathogens and create humus that’s safe to use in the garden.
Setting up a Humanure Compost System
Creating a compost system for humanure involves several key steps to ensure safety and efficiency.
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Choosing the Right Location
Firstly, situating your compost bin or pile is crucial. The location should:
- Be accessible for adding material year-round.
- Allow for easy removal of the finished compost.
- Be situated away from water sources to prevent contamination.
- Have good drainage to avoid waterlogging.
Designing the Compost Bin
The bin or pile should be designed with the following parameters in mind:
- Be large enough to reach the temperatures needed to kill pathogens, typically a cubic yard or meter.
- Allow for proper aeration.
- Have a cover to regulate moisture and prevent animals from gaining access.
- Have removable sides or doors for ease of turning the compost and harvesting.
Composting Toilets
Composting toilets are a convenient way to collect humanure. They range from simple bucket systems to more sophisticated commercial units. No matter the type used, it’s essential that they are used correctly and maintained appropriately to avoid odors and to aid in the composting process.
The Humanure Composting Process
The composting process itself involves four critical stages: collection, composting, curing, and usage.
Collection
This involves the use of a composting toilet or collection container. Materials commonly added to the humanure to facilitate the composting process include sawdust, straw, or other carbon-rich materials, often referred to as “brown materials.”
Composting
After collection, the humanure is added to the compost pile, along with additional brown materials. The pile needs to be kept moist but not waterlogged and should be turned regularly to introduce oxygen. This promotes aerobic decomposition and heats the pile, which is essential for killing pathogens.
Curing
When your compost pile has fully broken down and reached the necessary high temperatures for a sustained period—often around a year—it should be allowed to cure. Curing is a period of rest where the compost is no longer added to and is left to mature for several additional months to a year.
Usage
Once the compost has cured, it can be used in the garden. It’s generally recommended to use humanure compost on non-edible crops or to apply it to fruit trees and other food plants at least 120 days before harvest, as suggested by the US Environmental Protection Agency’s guidelines for biosolids.
Do’s and Don’ts of Humanure Composting
Composting humanure requires attention to detail. Here’s a list to guide you:
Do:
- Do educate yourself about local regulations regarding humanure composting.
- Do manage moisture levels to keep the pile damp.
- Do turn your pile regularly to introduce air and promote decomposition.
- Do ensure your pile reaches the required temperatures to kill pathogens (ideally between 131°F and 170°F).
- Do use a thermometer to check your compost pile temperature.
- Do allow the compost to cure properly before use.
Don’t:
- Don’t compost humanure if you are using pharmaceuticals that could harm your compost’s ecosystem.
- Don’t let pets or pests get into your compost.
- Don’t use fresh humanure on plants.
- Don’t use humanure compost on vegetables that are consumed raw if the compost hasn’t fully cured.
Health and Safety Precautions
When dealing with humanure, always prioritize health and safety. Wear gloves when handling compost and wash hands with soap and water afterward. If you feel unsure or have concerns, seek advice from experts in the field of composting and waste management.
Dealing with Pharmaceuticals and Chemicals
If the person providing the humanure is on medication, some of these substances might pass through the body and into the compost. Research any pharmaceuticals in question and consider their potential impacts.
Keeping Animals Out
Ensure your compost is well covered to deter animals, which can spread pathogens and disrupt the composting process.
Scientific Research and Global Practices
Studies on composting toilets and the safe use of humanure reinforce the importance of composting as a sustainable waste management practice. For example, Sweden has been implementing dry sanitation solutions and researching their impacts on pathogens and the environment. Learning from global approaches can help in setting up and managing your system.
Finishing Thoughts
Composting humanure represents an impactful way to recycle waste and infuse your garden with rich nutrients. While it requires care and effort, the rewards of transforming what would be sewage into fertile soil align with circular living principles. By following the guidelines outlined, you can partake in this age-old yet innovative practice, fostering a more sustainable relationship with the resources we once took for granted.
