Lifting the Lid: An Ecological Approach to Toilet Systems

A comprehensive overview of DIY sewage treatment and green alternatives to the mainstream flush toilet.

Human waste has been traditionally seen as a problem rather than a valuable resource. This book explains how to transform human 'waste' from a water pollutant into valuable source of environmental capital. There are chapters on the problems with current methods of treatment; possible alternatives; methods of designing dry toilets and on recycling grey water and sewage. A number of case studies also provide a practical reference point and the two final appendices give detailed plans of dry toilet designs.

This book examines alternatives to the flush toilet, how to manage your household's output of sewage, conserve water, and turn a potential pollutant into a nutrient for use in improving the environment. It includes chapters on the biology of breakdown, how to choose a composting toilet, maximising septic tanks, utilising grey water in the garden, and designing twin-vault toilets. Note that this book originates from Europe and may contain measurement units, etc. not commonly used in the US.