Build your own zero-waste system in a weekend for less than $25. You will need a composting system in which to dispose of your waste--or at least access to one. These instructions are for the Humanure Loveable Loo composting toilet--an 18-inch-wide, 24-inch-long commode that uses 5-gallon buckets to collect waste.

Materials

Gather the following materials: four boards (¾-inch by 3-inch by 12-inch), two boards (¾-inch by 10-inch by 18-inch), two boards (¾-inch by 10-inch by 19-½-inch), one piece of plywood (¾-inch by 18-inch by 18-inch), one additional piece of plywood (¾-inch by 3-inch by 18-inch), two brass-door hinges, a jigsaw, a hand-held power drill, a box of 2-inch screws, sandpaper, a standard toilet seat, four identical receptacles (5-gallon buckets work well), and a regular supply of sawdust--from a sawmill if possible.

Lid

Take the 18-inch by 18-inch piece of plywood and the 3-inch by 18-inch piece and hinge them together, using four screws and the power drill. Trace a circle on the larger piece of plywood, using the rim of the receptacle as your guide. The hole should be no more than 1 1/2 inches from the edge of the plywood. Cut it out, using a jigsaw. You have just made the lid of the toilet box. It will fit snugly over the receptacle so the receptacle can't shift around beneath the hole.

Toilet Box

Make the toilet box by screwing together the 18-inch and 19.5-inch boards. The box will be 10 inches deep. Screw the lid--3-inch by 18-inch with the hole--on top of the box. Screw the 3-inch by 12-inch pieces to the inside corners of the box. These are the legs of the toilet box. The top of the receptacle must protrude ½ inch from the hole so the toilet seat will also fit snugly. Adjust legs accordingly.

Seat

Swivel the plastic toilet ring bumpers sideways so they will fit around the receptacle. The bumpers are held in place by two screws. Remove one screw and push the bumper to the side. Place the seat over the hole and mark where you will drill the holes to attach it to the lid. Attach toilet seat. Place the receptacle inside the box with the handle towards the back. Close the lid over the receptacle, then put down the seat. Take some time to sand down the edges of the box.

Waste Disposal

Choose receptacles that come with tight-fitting lids. When the receptacle itself if full, secure the lid and either empty it promptly into the compost pile or designate a temporary receptacle storage space until you wish to empty it. Wash the receptacle with dish detergent and rinse before putting it back into the toilet. Dispose of the wash water in the compost pile.

Source:

"Humanure Handbook"

Jenkins Publishing