The composting toilets are one of the most exciting aspects of this project, as this is the very first commercial application of composting toilets in Winnipeg (installation December 28, 1999). There are two toilets on the third floor that feed into composting units in the second floor and two toilets on fourth floor that feed into composting units on the third floor.
Why composting toilets? Using water to flush away human waste is a tremendous waste of water and is one of the largest contributors to water pollution. Instead of trying to figure better ways of dealing with waste at the sewage treatment plant, these toilets deal with the waste at source, turning it instead into a useful resource.
3rd Floor This photo and the one above show the composing units on the third floor that handle the material from the two fourth-floor toilets.
Simple Process The composting units collect the wastes in an aerated container, where bacteria and other microorganisms are ready to go to work. They decompose the waste, reducing the volume by as much as 90%, and leave a humus-like residue. All that's needed is good aeration, sufficient moisture, and the proper temperature.
2nd Floor This photo and the one above show the composing units on the second floor that handle the material from the two third-floor toilets.
