Composting Toilet Clinic

F.W. Horch Sustainable Goods and Supplies, 56 Maine St., Brunswick, will host a composting toilet clinic titled "No water, no septic, no problem!", on Thursday, June 11, at 7:00 pm. The clinic is free and open to the public.

"Conventional flush toilets waste between ten and 30 gallons of water every day when working properly -- and 200 gallons a day when leaking. You can save water, eliminate the need for septic or sewer, and protect our environment by installing an NSF-certified waterless composting toilet," says Fred Horch, founder of F.W. Horch. "Composting toilets meet code everywhere in Maine, and in most locations are the most cost-effective way to provide sanitary facilities."

Thursday's clinic will provide an overview of modern composting toilet technology, explaining how "dry" composting accomplishes the same results as a septic system or wastewater treatment plant, but on a much smaller scale, at a much faster rate, and at a much lower overall cost. Composting will be compared to other alternative toilet technologies, including outhouses, cess pools, incinerating toilets and chemical toilets. Participants will also learn how to install and maintain a composting toilet.

Maine code allows composting toilets to be installed in any residential or commercial building, as long as the system is certified to treat waste effectively. Several brands of composting toilets have been certified by the National Sanitation Foundation and meet code in Maine.

"Under the Maine Internal Plumbing Code, a homeowner is permitted to install a composting toilet provided it is listed for residential use by the National Sanitation Foundation, installed properly pursuant to the manufacturer's specifications and instructions, and approved by the Local Plumbing Inspector," says Anne Head, Commissioner of the State of Maine Department of Professional and Financial Regulation.

Those attending the clinic will have the opportunity to examine a disassembled composting toilet to see how waste is broken down inside the unit without the need for plumbing. Owners of composting toilets with questions or advice to share are particularly encouraged to attend.

Space is limited, so those interested in attending should call the F.W. Horch store at 729-4050 to reserve a seat. There is no charge for the clinic.

This clinic is part of the F.W. Horch series on sustainable living. Each monthly talk is held at the F.W. Horch Sustainable Goods & Supplies store, 56 Maine Street, Brunswick on the second Thursday of the month.