OK, joke all you want about this. The composting toilet has a rep that puts it almost on par with an outhouse. On a commune. Decorated with love beads. But really, it's not that far out. This type of toilet, which uses no water or very little, really does work. Noseplugs not required. Rather than being flushed, the waste is collected in an enclosed container and composted-transformed, gradually, into a safe, nutrient-rich humus material that can be used as a soil amendment in the garden. A typical American family using a composting toilet can potentially save more than 3,000 gallons per year.

The composting toilet's job is facilitated by air vents and in some cases, heaters to maintain the ideal temperature. Food scraps and other organic household waste can be composted in the toilet as well. A good choice for locations where sewage systems are not available, these toilets are not looked on favorably (or even allowed, in many cases) in many communities that have working sewage systems, however, since their improper maintenance or usage could pose health risks. This could change with greater awareness and education over time. Plenty of people hold their noses at the notion of a flush-free life, but composting toilets aren't difficult to use, and if well maintained can be very sanitary and even odor-free. 

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