Editing Composting toilet (section)

===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.