Listen Online 
Download 
Get all of the Podcasts in convenient, giant zip files 
Subscribe on iTunes
Summary
part 1 of a 2 part podcast.
Paul's consultation with Suze, part 1 (with JB)
Suze lives in an urban community where they pursue holistic and permaculture things, but the plumbing is a failing septic tank system which needs updating.
Suze wants to consider option besides connecting to the city sewage system.
Paul runs through the options.
Central sewage systems deal with the local problems, but cause pollution in rivers and oceans.
Composting toilets are in principle good, but implementation is often wanting and so people get sick.
A willow feeder system performs better than a typical sewage treatment plant.
Paul suggests a willow feeder system:
1) Dig a mulch pit and fill it with woodchip. Willow trees are planted alongside the pit. The greywater from the house and diverted urine from the toilet are directed to the mulch pit.
2) Make a toilet system with urine diverter, which collects the poop in a suitable can. The can is installed in a box which is vented to the outside. Once the cans are full they are stored in a suitable shed for at least 2 years, thereafter the contents are spread around the willow trees. You need to be able to store enough cans that they can be left when full for 2 years minimum, in a suitable shed.
Suze says it will cost $40K to connect to the city sewage. Paul says building a willow feeder will cost much less.
She also comments that she has already planted a row of willow trees along her now-depaved driveway. She suggests this as a location for the mulch pit. Paul is keen, it's good to have already growing trees.
They move on to talking about the willow candy. Paul's system is now standardized on a 32 gallon can, which he feels with 5 people will take about 3 months to fill.
Suze appeals to JB for his input: he mentions they have discussed a system using a smaller bucket, such as the humanure system. The drawback is more possibility of contact with the contents, as it has to be emptied frequently. Suze now feels the larger container has merit.
Relevant Threads
what is a willow feeder
Podcast 687 - Permaculture Smackdown 27 - Willow Feeders - Part 1
Toilet Alternatives forum
Composting forum
Support the Empire
Help support the empire and get all of the podcasts in a bundle
here in the digital market at permies.
To support production of these podcasts, make a donation
here at Paul's Patreon page.
This podcast was made possible thanks to:
Dr. Hugh Gill Kultur
Kyle Aster
Sasquatch
Bill Crim
G Cooper
Mehron Kugler
Bill Erickson
Julia Winter, world's slowest mosaic artist
Sean Benedict
Rita Bliden
Brent Lawson
Amy Berry
Song Zheng
Dana Martin
Janelle
thomas adams
David Lucey
Kay Gelfing
Clay McGowan
Shay Riggs
Dr. Jackie
Cindi Duehmig
Samantha Lewis
Polly Jayne Smyth
Banter Couch
Rebekah Harmon
Chris Holtslag
Zach Keeshin
Paul Tipper
6
