human waste in compost?

[milkymumma]

It's taken me a while to get this far... I'd like to start composting our kitchen scraps. :yes
But I have also been wondering whether it's ok to tip potty contents onto the compost heap. I was reading about compostable disposable nappies the other day, and I figure if I can compost wee + nappy, I can add wee without the nappy! Does anyone know if this is true? And what about poo?

[milkymumma]

Oh, the waste is not coming from adults, just from 4mo DS.

[Rinelle]

I have heard of people who wee on their compost heaps/fruit trees (citrus especially like it apparently). Wee is actually sterile, and full of nitrogen, so it will speed up the breakdown. I wouldn't add poo though, as it has a lot of bacteria in it that would find the compost a great place to multiply.

[michelle_j_r]

yep, same.
wee= good
poo= bad
:)

[Rach]

I grew up in a house with a composting toilet... but it was specificaaly designed for that purpose and was/is very well maintained by my Dad. When one of my more tecno savy friends visits I will get them to scan an article on our house. ;) Or I may even ask my Dad to scan and email it to me...

[jodiemiller]

I actually think the poo of a breastfed 4 month old would be quite sterile. It's only once we start eating meat that our poo can harbour the nasty bacteria that can make us sick.

[milkymumma]

I was pondering the same thing, Jodie.

DS had a poo straight on the garden today, so I guess we will just keep experimenting on the weeds! :rofl

[Rinelle]

LOL, it won't bother the weeds in the least! The only concern is if it comes in contact with something you plan to eat.

[milkymumma]

Oh, right. But don't people grow vegies etc in animal poo all the time? What's the difference?

[Rinelle]

The difference is the animal it comes from. Chooks, cows, sheep etc are all herbivores, and thus their manure is safe. Cats, dogs, pigs etc, that not only are carnivores, but share some diseases with us, aren't safe to use on vegetables/fruit.

[milkymumma]

Ohh... yep, I get it! Thanks T

[Bron]

chooks most certainly aren't herbivores :) they're omnivores, with a very simple digestive system. sometimes i really wonder if i want to eat eggs from a creature that finds worms and grasshoppers edible :2lol

cats are carnivores, but dogs and pigs are also omnivores.

i agree with jodie, unless bub has had live vaccines, the poop would be fine for compost :) (IMO)