Editing Composting toilet (section)

== Basics ==
{{Main article|Compost}}

===Components and use===
A composting toilet consists of two elements: a place to sit or [[Squatting position|squat]] and a collection/composting unit.<ref name=":1">Berger, W. (2011). [http://www.susana.org/en/resources/library/details/878 Technology review of composting toilets - Basic overview of composting toilets (with or without urine diversion).] Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, Eschborn, Germany</ref> The composting unit consists of four main parts:<ref name="tilley"/>
* storage or composting chamber
* a ventilation unit to ensure that the degradation process in the toilet is predominantly aerobic and to vent odorous gases
* a leachate collection or urine diversion system to remove excess liquid
* an access door for extracting the compost
Many composting toilets collect urine in the same chamber as feces, thus they do not [[Urine diversion|divert urine]]. Adding small amounts of water that is used for [[anal cleansing]] is no problem for the composting toilet to handle.

Some composting toilets divert urine (and water used for anal washing) to prevent the creation of anaerobic conditions that can result from over saturation of the compost, which leads to odors and vector problems. This usually requires all users to use the toilet in a seated position. Offering a [[waterless urinal]] in addition to the toilet can help keep excess amounts of urine out of the composting chamber.  Alternatively, in rural areas, men and boys may be encouraged just to find a tree.

=== Construction ===
The composting chamber can be constructed above or below ground level. It can be inside a structure or include a separate superstructure.

A drainage system removes [[leachate]]. Otherwise, excess moisture can cause anaerobic conditions and impede decomposition. Urine diversion can improve [[compost]] quality, since urine contains large amounts of [[ammonia]] that inhibits microbiological activity.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url = http://ecompendium.sswm.info/sanitation-technologies/composting-chamber?group_code=s|title = The online Compendium of Sanitation Systems and Technologies|date = 2014|access-date = 2014-12-29|website = The online Compendium of Sanitation Systems and Technologies|publisher = eawag aquatic research}}</ref>

Composting toilets greatly reduce human waste volumes through [[Psychrophile|psychrophilic]], [[Thermophile|thermophilic]] or [[Mesophile|mesophilic]] composting. Keeping the composting chamber insulated and warm protects the composting process from slowing due to low temperatures.

=== Odorous gases ===
The following gases may be emitted during the composting process that takes place in composting toilets: [[hydrogen sulfide]] (H<sub>2</sub>S), [[ammonia]], [[nitrous oxide]] (N<sub>2</sub>O) and [[volatile organic compound]]s (VOCs).<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Font|first1=Xavier|last2=Artola|first2=Adriana|last3=Sánchez|first3=Antoni|title=Detection, Composition and Treatment of Volatile Organic Compounds from Waste Treatment Plants|journal=Sensors|date=6 April 2011|volume=11|issue=12|pages=4043–4059|doi=10.3390/s110404043|pmid=22163835|pmc=3231348|bibcode=2011Senso..11.4043F|doi-access=free}}</ref> These gases can potentially lead to complaints about odours. Some [[methane]] may also be present, but it is not odorous.