Does Rid-X decompose human waste?
#1
07-11-14, 04:14 PM
Does Rid-X decompose human waste?
I want to build an outhouse.
A buddy told me just to dig a 2 foot deep hole and periodically dump Rid-X in the hole and the Rid-X just "eats up" all the human waste there.
True?
A buddy told me just to dig a 2 foot deep hole and periodically dump Rid-X in the hole and the Rid-X just "eats up" all the human waste there.
True?
#2
07-11-14, 05:07 PM
Group Moderator
You do not need to add anything to an outhouse pit. Mother Nature provides what's needed.
2' deep is way too shallow for health reasons if you are trying to make a proper outhouse. The waste level in the pit should be at least six feet below ground to prevent hookworms from being transmitted.
2' deep is way too shallow for health reasons if you are trying to make a proper outhouse. The waste level in the pit should be at least six feet below ground to prevent hookworms from being transmitted.
#4
07-11-14, 07:16 PM
Member
You need to dig 6' as PDane has stated. However, I do think chemical assistance is needed to help decompose. As youngster we dug several outhouses. And the elder who was in charge of our camp would put several ladle fulls of lime in to the pit every several days. Also he would dump much of the fire ashes into the pit at the end of the day. We never had any smell or problems. Except every once in awhile bees would like to nest in it. I never could figure that out.
#7
07-11-14, 09:10 PM
#8
07-12-14, 03:56 AM
The few outhouses that I helped install - we dug the hole with shovels. The type of ground determines what is needed to make it safe while you are digging. My grandfather was a firm believer of dumping some lime in the hole every month. I don't remember his outhouse ever having a strong odor ..... but that was along time ago and my memory isn't what it once was.
#9
07-12-14, 12:17 PM
I'll have to head in a different direction since digging a 6' deep hole isn't going to be an option for various reasons.
Let me ask the question: "What are the buses & airplanes using in their toilet bowls to keep things safe until the receptacle full of waste can be emptied out?"
A $300 Porta-John is something I've considered but it won't fit in the area I've reserved for the outhouse. What could be used as the receptacle and what is the blue stuff that I can use to kill any bacteria, worms, etc.?
Thanks
Let me ask the question: "What are the buses & airplanes using in their toilet bowls to keep things safe until the receptacle full of waste can be emptied out?"
A $300 Porta-John is something I've considered but it won't fit in the area I've reserved for the outhouse. What could be used as the receptacle and what is the blue stuff that I can use to kill any bacteria, worms, etc.?
Thanks
#10
07-12-14, 01:03 PM
We called it "blue water" in the aviation industry. You can buy it at RV or boat places in concentrate form. A port-a-pottie, if you can buy one outright may work with the blur water. You'll have to pressure wash it occasionally to keep it clean. Then you have the problem of disposal of,the blue water. How will you evacuate it?
#11
07-12-14, 01:13 PM
Scroll down to Mound Built Latrines in this PDF: http://www.who.int/water_sanitation_...cies/fs3_4.pdf
#12
07-12-14, 01:52 PM
The mound latrine is not a bad idea except that it needs to be a distance from the house. I want this thing butted close to the house. Is there some sort of plastic container that can hold the excreta and then periodically be emptied out?
#13
07-12-14, 01:55 PM
OR, you could cut 55 gallon barrels in half, top to bottom, modify your porta pottie to accept it, and when it gets half full, pull it out, dump diesel in it and let it burn for a day. It's been done, but not in a neighborhood setting. OK, not really a viable option. 
#14
07-12-14, 02:17 PM
Super Moderator
Build a regular outhouse without a hole. Put a 5 gallon bucket lined with a heavy plastic bag under the seat. Use a small amount of the blue stuff. Pull the bag out and dispose of it as needed. (Just saw a Dirty Jobs episode with that exact system. They burned every thing in some sort of propane fired burner box. And they cooked flapjacks on top while it was running.)
I can't imagine having an outhouse unless it's at an isolated cabin with no septic. Even then, I'd want it at least 50 ft or more away from any place I might be sitting or working.
I can't imagine having an outhouse unless it's at an isolated cabin with no septic. Even then, I'd want it at least 50 ft or more away from any place I might be sitting or working.
#16
07-13-14, 08:56 PM
I think the composting toilet is what I'm looking for, however these systems are cost-prohibitive (for me).
Is there a good DIY tutorial on how to construct one?
Is there a good DIY tutorial on how to construct one?
#17
07-13-14, 09:30 PM
You just need to Google "DIY composting toiets" plenty of hits like this one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0R41RAry_g
