Ever heard of Niagara Falls?

Up to 520 billion gallons of water flow in it in approximately 12 days.

Imagine a world where a toilet is efficient to the point of saving an equivalent amount of water annually. That’s how resourceful a waterless toilet is.

In today’s world, the chocking effects of industrialization are slowly killing Mother Nature as a result of air and water pollution, cutting down of trees, destroying vegetation and destruction of natural habitats.

Humans have failed planet earth as they seek to put up buildings, build roads and boost the manufacturing sector paved by environmental degradation.

But all is not lost. At least there are environmentally conscious folks who have realized that something needs to be done fast before Mother Nature spills her anger on the universe.

Most households today embrace eco-friendly living as compared to a few decades back where flush toilets were the in thing. As people put up new homes they are going green as they set up more environmentally friendly spaces.

The lavatory is one way of minimizing environmental impact regardless of your living area. Although the mention of waterless toilets brings rural areas to mind, the cities and urban centers also largely benefit from this technology.

Dual flush toilets stand a better functional chance in the cities than in the rural areas for obvious reasons.

Their water consumption levels will likely not auger well with the remote populations who sometimes have to walk for miles to even find water for simple household activities like cooking and cleaning.

But what is a Dual Flush Toilet?

How does it work?

A Look at Dual Flush Systems

As the name suggests, a dual flush toilet flushes twice depending on whether a user goes for a long or short call.

Human poop will definitely require a larger flush while a short call prompts a small flush.

The dual flush toilet is made this way in an attempt to save on water by ensuring more gallons of water are used only when necessary, that is when there is more waste in the toilet.

The toilet comes already built with the two options for users to choose from each time they use the toilet. The concept used by the dual flush toilet is easy and the ready availability of this system makes it suitable for any household.

Waterless Toilets

On the other hand, the waterless systems work without using any water. The waterless technologies devise different ways for the toilet to dispose of human wastes without the wanton wastage of gallons and gallons of water.

The various waterless technologies that have so far transformed how the world poops include the following.

• Composting– this waterless waste disposal mechanism works by naturally decomposing poop into compost that releases gases for energy generation and an end product suitable for use by farmers as fertilizer.
• Incineration– Human waste is burnt to ashes in the incinerating chamber before being hygienically disposed of in trash cans.
• Vaporizing poop– This waterless technology of waste disposal desiccates poop into dry solids that are used as fertilizer for farming and the fluid is vaporized, sanitized and condensed back to clean, safe water that can be utilized in the home.

Waterless Toilet Vs Dual Flush Toilet: Which Should You Choose?

The different toilets have their pros and cons depending on which side of the green movement you are on.

The advocates of the dual flush toilet laud it for its management of the amount of water that is flushed down the bowl after each use.

They argue that most modern toilets today are constructed to be low flow which in effect further reduces water consumption by the dual flush.

That aside, grey water from the toilet and bathrooms can be sanitized and reused within the household.

The pro waterless toilets bandwagon, on the other hand, argue that water is scarce and there is a need to conserve it, however little.

Waterless toilets are energy producers in most cases as they give by-products that can light up stoves, heat up households and run operations within the home.

The advocates for waterless toilets thrive on the recycling of wastes which does not necessarily require water.

The availability of space within your household will also play a key role in your choice between a dual flush toilet and a waterless toilet.

On many occasions, the dual flush toilet requires complex septic hookups that apart from requiring huge tracts of space are not quite cheap. You will also require the local authority’s approval before such septic tanks are built.

Waterless toilets, on the other hand, are laid back. There are no septic hookups required and DIY designs are available for installation even within the tiniest of spaces.

These make them a cheaper alternative for waste disposal, especially in developing countries.

Despite the ease of construction and their affordability, waterless toilets require the highest standards of care, hygiene, and maintenance compared to the dual flush or low flow models.

A slip in any of these leads to illness-causing pathogens, pests and foul smells that users and households will not tolerate.

There is a need to strictly adhere to operations provided by manufacturers failure to which the repercussions can be dire.

The dual flush toilet, on the other hand, is easy to clean and maintain. A good disinfectant and WC brush, scrub away, flush and you are good to go!

The area you live in also influences your choice between an eco-friendly toilet and a dual flush toilet.

Are you located in the city? A cabin in the woods perhaps? Or is it in a remote town that has no electricity?

Depending on your location and the facilities and resources available, these will influence your choice for what best works for you.

If water and electricity access is a problem, you can opt for the waterless toilet.

If you are in the city and the thought of a completely waterless toilet gives you the jitters, then a dual flush toilet will work just fine.

Wrapping Up

The lavatory in the home is the main consumer of water in a household so before you make your choice, weigh your options. Otherwise, go for whatever tickles your fancy.