In current news that gets curiouser and curiouser, burning our poop—instead of flushing it—may be one of the next big things in sustainability.
We know this sounds like a Poosh parody, but it’s not. Promise.
We were made aware that this is A Thing by Kim (as in Kardashian). She dropped a video about an incinerating toilet in our group chat, curious if we knew anything about them. We did not, so we decided to do a deep dive into the world of poop burning and incinerating toilets.
Namely, wtf are they? Are they more environmentally friendly than flushing? Can regular people buy them?
Follow us down the toilet bowl to learn some real interesting shit.
What is an incinerating toilet?
Pretty much exactly what it sounds like—a toilet that cremates waste instead of flushing it.
Because they don’t use any water, they don’t require traditional plumbing. The ash resulting from the incineration is easy to dispose of and is pathogen- and stink-free, a major reason why they’re popular in places like cabins, RVs, and boats.
This type of toilet has actually been around for decades, but until recently, the available options were large, clunky, and loud. Technological advances, however, may make them more mainstream. Modern iterations, like ones from Cinderella, are smaller, computerized, and more appealing for private homes.
How do we use an incinerating toilet?
Before doing our business, we place a wax paper liner in the bowl. When finished, the bowl opens inside. The waste drops into the incineration chamber and gets turned into a small amount of ash (which can be used as fertilizer, if desired).
Are they more environmentally friendly than flushing?
In terms of water use, most definitely. Flushing the toilet accounts for almost 30 percent of the average American household’s indoor water use, whereas an incinerating toilet doesn’t use any water.
But something to consider is that most incineration toilets are powered by electricity or gas, which have their own carbon footprints. Not to mention, the costs can add up quickly.
How much do they cost?
Price is definitely a barrier when it comes to these toilets. Electric incinerating toilets from brand Incinolet start at around $2,500, and the Cinderella toilets mentioned earlier are upwards of $4,000. And that doesn’t include the additional costs of powering them.
So while these toilets may not be feasible for most of us right now, there may still come a time when flushing isn’t the norm.
Up next, be the first to know our weekly content and sign up for our Poosh newsletter.