Forum:

toilet alternatives

earth auger style toilet

Rocket Scientist

Posts: 414

173

posted 5 years ago

Number of slices to send:

Optional 'thank-you' note:

Send

all or most of the humanure set ups on here are buckets with seats and sawdust , to be hauled away when full , has any tried out the auger style or built one and failed or success, apart from the vermicomposting set up built by Wendy , i have nt found a system that that will pass inspection once i have built it , and i am not referring to local authority , but the far stricter one i am married to.

John C Daley

pollinator

Posts: 6360

Location: Bendigo , Australia

610

I like...

posted 5 years ago

Number of slices to send:

Optional 'thank-you' note:

Send

So what have you in mind?
What are the parameters you need?

John Daley Bendigo, Australia The Enemy of progress is the hope of a perfect plan
BENEFITS OF RAINFALL COLLECTION https://permies.com/t/88043/benefits-rainfall-collection
GOOD DEBT/ BAD DEBT. https://permies.com/t/179218/mortgages-good-debt-bad-debt
SOIL REHABILITATION IDEAS https://permies.com/t/392436/farmland-rehabilitation-variety-examples#4005866

tony uljee

Rocket Scientist

Posts: 414

173

posted 5 years ago

Number of slices to send:

Optional 'thank-you' note:

Send

First one or two could look rustic ,they do not have to look like the conventional flusher but must have a human comfortable seat, the basic bucket enclosed in a nice wooden facade is just not what i want to do, complex gears , electric s and stirring procedures , tipping small buckets into larger ones ,too fiddly for me . I do nt get bothered dealing with shite , done my fair share of blockage sorting and tank fixing , human and cattle systems, its not the handling of it , so its the auger styled set up that interests me , i have to build it myself and from commonly available parts or easy adaptable . I have been collecting odds and ends and doing fair bit of reading up ,already with a plan and some ideas scribbled in my scrap book , just interested in anything along the same lines thats been tried or in use . The 2 systems that are being manufactured are interesting but again not exactly what i am trying to achieve , yes they work as far as i can find information on them , but lots of molded plastic in exposed bright colours to much along the lines of construction site /festival porta loo , not knocking them as they are built to achieve a safe sanitation in parts of the world with huge problems at affordable prices.

Anne Miller

master steward

Posts: 19952

Location: USDA Zone 8a

5001

I like...

posted 5 years ago

Number of slices to send:

Optional 'thank-you' note:

Send

tony uljee wrote: i have nt found a system that that will pass inspection once i have built it , and i am not referring to local authority , but the far stricter one i am married to.

I was going to say that the local authority is your best option until I read "the far stricter one I am married to".

Have you shown that person a "Nature Head"?

Amazon link

Since your thread title is "earth auger style toilet", I hate to post a picture of an alternative toilet. I could only find a picture of the earth auger that I was unsure of the copyright so I did not post it.

Have you found some articles on the style toilet?

Invasive plants are Earth's way of insisting we notice her medicines. Stephen Herrod Buhner
Everyone learns what works by learning what doesn't work. Stephen Herrod Buhner

John C Daley

pollinator

Posts: 6360

Location: Bendigo , Australia

610

I like...

posted 5 years ago

Number of slices to send:

Optional 'thank-you' note:

Send

Is this what you are trying to use, I have never heard of an earth auger toilet before?

I cannot load the image, help!

EA-X.png

tony uljee

Rocket Scientist

Posts: 414

173

posted 5 years ago

2
Number of slices to send:

Optional 'thank-you' note:

Send

sorry but the natures head is still a bucket that has to be emptied,its designed for temporary use , the earth auger is along the lines of what i am interested in , a fixed in place toilet with a flushing mechanism , that composts and moves the waste away into an external collection point that could be made bigger and perhaps added onto with another composing set up , i have not been able so far to find out how well they work--- or not if thats the case . I like the idea behind it , just needs a few cosmetic touches to it for others personal acceptance of it , if i make one suitable for the females of my house , then the 2 nd one could be made to suit myself , something more elaborate perhaps

tony uljee

Rocket Scientist

Posts: 414

173

posted 5 years ago

3
Number of slices to send:

Optional 'thank-you' note:

Send

heres what i had in mind to suit my style , something to inspire me

cabin-toilet-throne2.PNG

Anne Miller

master steward

Posts: 19952

Location: USDA Zone 8a

5001

I like...

posted 5 years ago

Number of slices to send:

Optional 'thank-you' note:

Send

Have you looked at incinerating toilets? Where we used to live the county requirements were fairly strict though my neighbor was able to get his incinerating toilet approved.

So what are your goals with what you are trying to do? I understand that you want something like a real toilet.

Our daughter has an off-grid Airbnb with real-looking toilets. Without knowing your county regulations or what your goals are, I can't tell you how it was done.

Without being able to find any information on an "earth auger toilet" it is really hard to give advice. From the picture that I found it looks like a square tube that is put in the ground and a real toilet might be set on top.

To me, this sounds like a glorified outhouse setup that might never get approval from local authorities.

Where did you find information on an earth auger toilet?

Invasive plants are Earth's way of insisting we notice her medicines. Stephen Herrod Buhner
Everyone learns what works by learning what doesn't work. Stephen Herrod Buhner

S Bengi

pollinator

Posts: 3831

Location: Massachusetts, Zone:6/7 AHS:4 GDD:3000 Rainfall:48in even Soil:SandyLoam pH6 Flat

563

I like...

posted 5 years ago

4
Number of slices to send:

Optional 'thank-you' note:

Send

It sound like it is a toilet that you flush, and a pipe runs to a ~~septic tank~~ worm composting setup. http://www.vermicompostingtoilets.net/design-construction/

I am assuming that you don't need the government to approve your system. And your biggest problem is that you are worried that the worm composting tank + drainfield will fail. How do you see it failing?

Iterations are fine, we don't have to be perfect
My 2nd Location:Florida HardinessZone:10 AHS:10 GDD:8500 Rainfall:2in/mth winter, 8in/mth summer, Soil:Sand pH8 Flat

tony uljee

Rocket Scientist

Posts: 414

173

posted 5 years ago

Number of slices to send:

Optional 'thank-you' note:

Send

thanks ,i have looked into all of those and none of them are what i am trying to find out about , not interested in adding to my electric bill with a plug in incinerator , i am fortunate enough to have enough space around me to store the end product until its either safe to use around some trees ---or dry it out till its gone to powder ,so i do not anticipate having any issues dealing with end products .I have looked at the set up used and improved by Wendy ,the worm composting bin, brilliant , simple and diy possible and proven to work .--Its on my list to possibly add it onto an auger style set up , if i can find out some first hand experience of the auger style in use, so far i have only been able to read a report about it being used and evaluated by some families ,with some improvements made from their observations.

S Bengi

pollinator

Posts: 3831

Location: Massachusetts, Zone:6/7 AHS:4 GDD:3000 Rainfall:48in even Soil:SandyLoam pH6 Flat

563

I like...

posted 5 years ago

Number of slices to send:

Optional 'thank-you' note:

Send

Okay it sounds like you are not concerned about the ~~septic tank~~ composting tank/bucket/drum instead you are more concerned about the flushing action.

Water: It seems that you would rather not use the water/wendy worm-composting system above unless you have no other option.
Gravity Basement tank: another option would be to have a hole/toilet that sit right atop a container in the basement/crawlspace.
Auger/Screw: It requires moving parts and gears (yes it has gears) that might break or jam, that would require disassemble to fix.

The earth auger folks say that one should never use toilet paper with their system. I assume this is because it will jam and break their auger mechanism. Do they use a toilet bidet system, Where does this water go. How will family & friends feel about a no tiolet paper bathroom. Will there be another bucket just for toilet paper?
http://www.earthauger.org/operations.html

Iterations are fine, we don't have to be perfect
My 2nd Location:Florida HardinessZone:10 AHS:10 GDD:8500 Rainfall:2in/mth winter, 8in/mth summer, Soil:Sand pH8 Flat

John C Daley

pollinator

Posts: 6360

Location: Bendigo , Australia

610

I like...

posted 5 years ago

2
Number of slices to send:

Optional 'thank-you' note:

Send

Details of an Earth Auger Toilet
earth auger toilets

The Earth Auger toilet, a low-cost, easy-to-use toilet that diverts urine and feces into separate systems, thereby making it easier for the fecal sludge to be treated and turned into compost.
The Sustainable Living Center has purchased four of these to put into a AirCrete Tsunami Shelter.
In 2011 The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation provided a Grand Challenges Phase I grant to enhance the interface of the toilet to make it more user friendly
Heres more
Earthauger.org
Critical Practices LLC is a USA based organization that provides services for design and implementation of sustainable technologies.
As the originator of the EarthAuger design, CP:
- Manufactures and distributes the technology
- Provides technical expertise
- Trains local partners in assembly and installation of the EarthAuger and the Community System.
Our goal is to alleviate the global sanitation crisis by developing safe, affordable, and environmentally sustainable sanitation technologies for marginalized communities worldwide.

Critical Practices, LLC 60 Goat Peak Ranch Road, Cle Elum, WA 98922, critical.practices@gmail.com
The goal was to have a toilet that could:
- be installed inside the house and get treated solids and liquids out of the house, while avoiding smells and flies
- create usable end products
- operate effectively without power or water

tony uljee

Rocket Scientist

Posts: 414

173

posted 5 years ago

1
Number of slices to send:

Optional 'thank-you' note:

Send

thanks . i have all of that info gathered awhile back ,its what got me started out on this , i have just been looking for anyone else who has something like it made ,up or anyone who has used one of these on an everyday basis , there is another auger styled toilet setup as well ,and a soar heated chimney toilet which uses a hand cranked moving belt system

tony uljee

Rocket Scientist

Posts: 414

173

posted 5 years ago

1
Number of slices to send:

Optional 'thank-you' note:

Send

well i have it made , a working prototype ,and from this i have found some improvements , that could be done when building a second one , problem now is if i put up pics of it am i treading on someones rights , i have no intention of making these for anyone else or to make plans on how to do it , and from the various replies on here it seems likely it would never get any authority s approval . Its working for me in principal ,now for a long term real life testing of it , this will be for later ,about 2 or 3 months away from that , i will be processing toilet paper through it ----just as other composting toilets seem to do ---but not the ultra cheap brands ----these have proven a huge blockage problem with my conventional tank and leach field set up ---and currently trying to get some cowboy toilet paper growing for the total eco end result

John C Daley

pollinator

Posts: 6360

Location: Bendigo , Australia

610

I like...

posted 5 years ago

2
Number of slices to send:

Optional 'thank-you' note:

Send

Firstly I believe you will not cause any legal issues, since the concept is not patentable.
As you stated its for personal use.

tony uljee

Rocket Scientist

Posts: 414

173

posted 5 years ago

4
Number of slices to send:

Optional 'thank-you' note:

Send

ok --here it is , rough as the back end of a badger at the moment , had i grander notions i suppose the mold around the zinc bucket could have been made to a better shape ,added some chicken mesh wire for strength , vibrate the mold and then sand and paint with an epoxy paint ---white or other colour---and a bolt on toilet seat ----but this is destined for rustic cabin finish and will be enclosed with wood surround , back filled with hemppcrete insulation. It empties to an outside barrel with sealed lid and connection piece and has a vent pipe that exits above roof line.

rough1.jpg

rough2.jpg

John C Daley

pollinator

Posts: 6360

Location: Bendigo , Australia

610

I like...

posted 5 years ago

Number of slices to send:

Optional 'thank-you' note:

Send

Are the photos orientated correctly?

tony uljee

Rocket Scientist

Posts: 414

173

posted 5 years ago

Number of slices to send:

Optional 'thank-you' note:

Send

yep , just back your ar se up to the wall ,pull the lever to activate negative pressure and you are good to go ,---only joking---- i have taken the pics long way round and have yet to figure out the way to post them up the correct way round

John C Daley

pollinator

Posts: 6360

Location: Bendigo , Australia

610

I like...

posted 5 years ago

Number of slices to send:

Optional 'thank-you' note:

Send

Sometimes you can rotate them under an Edit function.

tony uljee

Rocket Scientist

Posts: 414

173

posted 5 years ago

2
Number of slices to send:

Optional 'thank-you' note:

Send

thanks i will try that with these , now i must state that normally my pace of projects is snail speed , but lately i have been able to put more time down into my projects ---kids are older and kitchen duty trained--even the dogs are listening to me lately ---so here is a closer to finished pic

toilet78.jpg

Jake Hallinger

Posts: 4

posted 1 year ago

1
Number of slices to send:

Optional 'thank-you' note:

Send

How did it work out? did you have issues? could you "flush" toilet paper down there?

Jake Hallinger

Posts: 4

posted 1 year ago

1
Number of slices to send:

Optional 'thank-you' note:

Send

John C Daley wrote:

Is this what you are trying to use, I have never heard of an earth auger toilet before?

where did you find that image? tineye reverse image search shows zero reults. is this mechanism available to buy anywhere?

John C Daley

pollinator

Posts: 6360

Location: Bendigo , Australia

610

I like...

posted 1 year ago

Number of slices to send:

Optional 'thank-you' note:

Send

Here is something similar
https://sustainablelivingcenteroregon.com/2020/02/26/earth-auger-toilet-innovation-in-waterless-sanitation/

Here is a poor focus video

This is better

tony uljee

Rocket Scientist

Posts: 414

173

posted 11 months ago

3
Number of slices to send:

Optional 'thank-you' note:

Send

yes it does work and t /paper can be used in it ,copes well with moderate use--- but has n t been for awhile /lately as its in a separate outdoor hut and i built a wendy howard style system with a water flush loo ---indoors ---the auger style toilet is commercially made ---but i have no idea where it could be purchased from or parts for it ---theres a lot of them in use in south america somewhere---made mine up from scrounged piping ---which is all standard sizes available from farm co op stores or building hardware supply yards----the racheting mechanism ---which allows the back and forth movement of my flush lever ---is from a bicycle rear sprocket

Burton Sparks

pollinator

Posts: 139

I like...

posted 11 months ago

Number of slices to send:

Optional 'thank-you' note:

Send

Reminds me of Toilet Tech Solution's Conveyor Toilet, which uses a conveyor instead of an auger.

peacefulvalleyfold.com

tony uljee

Rocket Scientist

Posts: 414

173

posted 11 months ago

2
Number of slices to send:

Optional 'thank-you' note:

Send

yes the belt convey system is nice ,that one shown is a lot better than the types i found 4 tears ago ----but the method of use is not the same as an auger type ---which rotates and turns the waste and cover material into the compost material ---a bed of shavings/pine needle/leaves/chopped miscanthus --and rotation moves the whole lot a stage further along to the exit pipe ---dropping down into a composting barrel----- a big problem for me ---the belt type would be a lot harder to make and all the fiddley bits getting coated with poo bits over time---the auger self cleans as it turns into the compost material bed ---mostly ---any thing left thats too visible ---throw in more scoops of cover mix stuff------this was a problem for my system ----it worked but ----to well ---i used a double blade ---should be a single ----and my kids were younger ---so it was great fun to throw lots of paper and mix into it---keep pulling the lever---i went through bags of miscanthus chopped grass----also a few toys ---small teddy bear ---small transformer----passed through the system ---into and onto a far distant galaxy---never to be seen again ----well i fished them out after a few months and into the burn barrel.

tony uljee

Rocket Scientist

Posts: 414

173

posted 11 months ago

2
Number of slices to send:

Optional 'thank-you' note:

Send

theres a lot more info on this at SuSana .org , and pics of actual working examples of the kit that has been developed ---all injection moulded ---there must have been some further advancements made---my latest thinking of this system ----treat the deposited material with lacto solution ----as done with terra preta sanitation---when collection barrel is full --- tip contents into a wendy worm system . This combo of treatment seems to be capable of up to 99 % pathogen removal---good news for high water table /hardpan /clay ground types

auger1.png

Rico Loma

pollinator

Posts: 678

122

posted 11 months ago

2
Number of slices to send:

Optional 'thank-you' note:

Send

Love to see this valuable thread reborn, or reincarnated
Tony I learned a lot from your efforts, in mere minutes, ince I repair bikes and could make my augur style with spare parts ....but won't give up any Ultegra or Campagnolo bits
Thanks. One question please: are you familiar with a low tech method with descending stairs ?? We might build on of these for the sake of simplicity. One I met and sat upon was used for years, perhaps with permission, on Georgia's rampagingChattooga River, replete with a rustic 4-person 'group poop' setup. I kept up with these modern day Comanches over time, and it seems that the humanure slowly turned itself while tumbling downhill. Gravity and peat moss....OK probably some fall leaves too....did all the work

The poop deck was 10 ft tall, and the downstairs had several doors opening outwards. The river guides backed their trucks up to the doors, in the correct month
, and shoveled out black gold.
I saw and smelled finished 12 month compost. Could have been used promptly as cologne. The kayaking community had vibrant and fecund gardens by the way

Just wanted your opinion , sir, if you have contemplated this style

Rico Loma

pollinator

Posts: 678

122

posted 11 months ago

2
Number of slices to send:

Optional 'thank-you' note:

Send

Mea culpa, I didn't quickly find a great example yet this image shows a similar
idea. The stairs are not level, they intentionally slope downhill so gravity gets a bit of help

I have no clue how stuffed animals or plastic transformers would navigate this system , be advised

Screenshot_20251117_142638_Samsung-Internet.jpg

tony uljee

Rocket Scientist

Posts: 414

173

posted 11 months ago

3
Number of slices to send:

Optional 'thank-you' note:

Send

that idea seems to resemble the way a clivas multrum works , i had looked into these ideas and several others---mostly all of them are large systems to build and would take up more space , materials and time than i wanted to use, my version of Chuck Henrys auger has worked well enough for me , its been out of use now for awhile as the lure of indoor water flushing loo is too strong---my wendy howard system is coming online---but its rugged simple and easy to make with a few handtools---and a small bit of welding---which might need to be done by someone else for some people---but its easy and quick so should nt be expensive----it deposited into a half size plastic drum ---which has a lid with a rubber seal and a retaining clip ring

Opal-Lia Palmer

Posts: 207

Location: North Idaho. Bonner County

I like...

posted 11 months ago

3
Number of slices to send:

Optional 'thank-you' note:

Send

I like Geoff lawtons idea's on these. Here are a few video's

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tCabwJ1MRBs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rlml3Lmdv2o

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPFFvcbYWyY

Heres a newer one I just saw by someone else................ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EvgrnKdZmvE

tony uljee

Rocket Scientist

Posts: 414

173

posted 11 months ago

2
Number of slices to send:

Optional 'thank-you' note:

Send

yes seen a few similar set ups , used a few of them over the years as well---at some gatherings---thats why i went with the auger set up ---those are all still just shitting into a bucket style and whilest mostly no smell or problems ----does nt take much to go wrong ---numpty s and staggerer s at these events---its usually fine if yourself is the only user--the auger covers the deposits and moves it along---into a manageable size drum ---i will re assemble the chute and vented lid set up i was using ---and take some pics ---had a lot more pics of construction and set up ---my old comp system died awhile back --a friend download the drive onto a cloud----it must have rained away by now

tony uljee

Rocket Scientist

Posts: 414

173

posted 11 months ago

2
Number of slices to send:

Optional 'thank-you' note:

Send

heres a pdf brochure showing a lot of detail, and improvements in design ,project doesn t get nearly as much support as it deserves---seems theres issues around investors wanting the rights to it ---on an open source design ---back to basics i say---build your own ---plenty of detail here to show how. It can be simple or as complex as you wish to make it

Filename: 225._toilet_EarthAugurToiletEcuador.pdf

File size: 2 megabytes

[Download 225._toilet_EarthAugurToiletEcuador.pdf]

Download Attachment

Do not set lab on fire. Or this tiny ad:

better than composting toilets

https://www.richsoil.com/willow