It’s a question we hear often: “Is it safe to flush toilet paper (tissue roll) in my biodigester?”
Many wonder about the environmental impact and the effect on their system.
Good news! The answer to whether it is possible to flush toilet paper in a biodegradable biodigester is “Yes!”
But why is that, and what else do you need to know? Let’s explore the details about using a biodigester for waste treatment.
The Biodegradable Magic of Toilet Paper
The key is that toilet paper is biodegradable. This means it can decompose organically in the environment. As an organic material, toilet paper can be processed in a biodigester. The system uses microorganisms to break down organic materials, including toilet paper, into simpler chemicals. This process transforms the waste into a useful product like fertilizer or compost.
Ready to learn more about building your own sustainable system?
Gain expert insights into biodigester construction!
👇 Get the Biodigester Construction eBook Now! 👇
      Download Biodigester Construction eBook
What NOT to Flush: Protecting Your Biodigester’s Ecosystem
While toilet paper is okay, it’s crucial to remember that a biodigester should only be flushed with biodegradable materials. This means you must NOT dispose of inorganic materials like rubber and baby diapers in a biodigester. Microorganisms find these extremely difficult to break down.
Cleaning Your Bathroom: Choose Your Agents Wisely!
When it comes to cleaning your bathroom and flush units, it’s essential to use appropriate cleaning agents. Harsh detergents like bleach or Parazone should not be used in the biodigester. Why?
Because introducing substances that could hinder the biodegradation process or harm the microorganisms responsible for waste breakdown is important to avoid. Instead, simple, soapy water is sufficient for cleaning purposes.
The Tricky Subject of Kitchen and Bathroom Wastewater
One common question is whether kitchen and bathroom wastewater can be added to a biodigester. In most cases, it is not advised to add this type of wastewater.
The main reason is that the flow from these sources cannot be regulated. An accidentally open tap could send a significant amount of water, potentially overwhelming the system.
Instead, it is recommended to have a separate system, such as a simple soakaway, for kitchen and bathroom wastewater.
This allows for better control and regulation of the water flow.
Adding this wastewater may be possible if the soil in the area has good absorption capabilities, such as sandy soil, but proper testing should be conducted first.
Why Biodigesters excel with toilets
Biodigesters are ideal for toilets or flush units because the water from these sources can be easily recirculated within the system. This recirculation ensures a consistent flow of water, allowing the biodigester to function properly.
However, even with toilets, it’s important to monitor the number of people using the system to avoid overloading the biodigester. If the system becomes overwhelmed, it may not be able to effectively treat the waste.
The Golden Rule: Follow Your Constructor’s Instructions
Ultimately, to guarantee correct biodigester operation, it is advised to adhere to the constructor’s instructions. They know the specifics of your installed system.
In conclusion, tissue paper is safe to flush as it’s biodegradable. Avoid inorganic materials and harsh detergents.
While kitchen/bathroom wastewater is generally not recommended unless soil conditions are suitable and tested, biodigesters are a fantastic solution for toilet waste, provided you follow guidelines and avoid overloading.
By following these guidelines, your biodigester can effectively treat waste and continue producing valuable compost or fertilizer!
Remember to check our other posts for more insights on sustainable waste management!
- Interested in digging deeper into biodigester construction? Don’t forget to Download the Biodigester Construction eBook!
Interested in my weekly newsletter, which talks about current news and happenings around biodigesters in Ghana?
Then subscribe here.
