COMPOSTING TOILETS

Composting toilets are an innovative and sustainable solution promoted by Opulence Malawi as part of its Food Security Project. Unlike conventional pit latrines, composting toilets allow users to convert human waste into valuable compost manure, contributing to agricultural productivity while also protecting the environment.

The design features a two-compartment structure with a concrete slab that allows for easy access to the waste once it has decomposed into manure. One side of the toilet is used at a time, while the other side rests and the contents decompose. After four to six months, the manure is ready for harvest and can be used to enhance crop yields. This cycle alternates between the two compartments, ensuring continuous use.

Composting toilets are highly hygienic and safe. They are designed to minimize odor and prevent the attraction of flies by using dry materials such as sawdust, maize bran, or ash after each use. The toilets are also safer than traditional latrines, particularly during the rainy season, as they are not deep and can be opened from the side for easy access to the manure.

Environmentally, composting toilets offer significant advantages. They are permanent structures that reduce the need for cutting down trees to build new pit latrines, which is common with conventional toilets. The manure harvested from the toilets helps reduce dependency on inorganic fertilizers, making it a cost-effective and sustainable option for improving crop yields. Households using these toilets have reported better harvests and increased food security.