# Latest **URL:** https://waterlesswaste.discourse.group/latest.md [Latest](https://waterlesswaste.discourse.group/latest.md) · [Categories](https://waterlesswaste.discourse.group/categories.md) --- ## [👋 Welcome & Introductions: Tell Us About Your Work and Challenges](https://waterlesswaste.discourse.group/t/welcome-introductions-tell-us-about-your-work-and-challenges/46)
**Author:** [@Natalie\_ForumAdmin](https://waterlesswaste.discourse.group/u/Natalie_ForumAdmin)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [June 16, 2026, 9:51pm UTC](https://waterlesswaste.discourse.group/t/welcome-introductions-tell-us-about-your-work-and-challenges/46 "2026-06-16T21:51:50Z")
Welcome! We’re glad you’re here. This forum is designed to bring together people across North America working on, or interested in, waterless human waste solutions in wilderness and recreation settings. Whether you’re … --- ## [Community Guidelines & Charter](https://waterlesswaste.discourse.group/t/community-guidelines-charter/45)
**Author:** [@Natalie\_ForumAdmin](https://waterlesswaste.discourse.group/u/Natalie_ForumAdmin)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [June 16, 2026, 10:34pm UTC](https://waterlesswaste.discourse.group/t/community-guidelines-charter/45 "2026-06-16T22:34:08Z")
Community Guidelines & Charter 1. Purpose The Global Waterless Human Waste Management Forum (GWHWMF) is an international, interdisciplinary platform dedicated to advancing knowledge, collaboration, and responsible innova… --- ## [In practice, do most users understand and correctly use the conveyor pedal to “flush” solid waste?](https://waterlesswaste.discourse.group/t/in-practice-do-most-users-understand-and-correctly-use-the-conveyor-pedal-to-flush-solid-waste/44)
**Author:** [@Natalie\_ForumAdmin](https://waterlesswaste.discourse.group/u/Natalie_ForumAdmin)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [July 7, 2026, 10:08pm UTC](https://waterlesswaste.discourse.group/t/in-practice-do-most-users-understand-and-correctly-use-the-conveyor-pedal-to-flush-solid-waste/44 "2026-07-07T22:08:24Z")
We received this question during a recent webinar and thought it would be helpful to discuss here. --- ## [Does the urine drainfield area need to be signed as a biohazard?](https://waterlesswaste.discourse.group/t/does-the-urine-drainfield-area-need-to-be-signed-as-a-biohazard/21)
**Author:** [@Natalie\_ForumAdmin](https://waterlesswaste.discourse.group/u/Natalie_ForumAdmin)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [July 7, 2026, 10:03pm UTC](https://waterlesswaste.discourse.group/t/does-the-urine-drainfield-area-need-to-be-signed-as-a-biohazard/21 "2026-07-07T22:03:39Z")
We received this question during a recent webinar and thought it would be helpful to discuss here. --- ## [Is it possible for errant solids to make their way down the liquid drain and plug it? Could this cause long term contamination of the liquid drainfield?](https://waterlesswaste.discourse.group/t/is-it-possible-for-errant-solids-to-make-their-way-down-the-liquid-drain-and-plug-it-could-this-cause-long-term-contamination-of-the-liquid-drainfield/53)
**Author:** [@Natalie\_ForumAdmin](https://waterlesswaste.discourse.group/u/Natalie_ForumAdmin)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [July 7, 2026, 10:01pm UTC](https://waterlesswaste.discourse.group/t/is-it-possible-for-errant-solids-to-make-their-way-down-the-liquid-drain-and-plug-it-could-this-cause-long-term-contamination-of-the-liquid-drainfield/53 "2026-07-07T22:01:55Z")
We received this question during a recent webinar and thought it would be helpful to discuss here. --- ## [What is the maximum user capacity for urine diverting toilets? Is there a rule of thumb for users per day/week/month?](https://waterlesswaste.discourse.group/t/what-is-the-maximum-user-capacity-for-urine-diverting-toilets-is-there-a-rule-of-thumb-for-users-per-day-week-month/29)
**Author:** [@Natalie\_ForumAdmin](https://waterlesswaste.discourse.group/u/Natalie_ForumAdmin)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [July 4, 2026, 7:13pm UTC](https://waterlesswaste.discourse.group/t/what-is-the-maximum-user-capacity-for-urine-diverting-toilets-is-there-a-rule-of-thumb-for-users-per-day-week-month/29 "2026-07-04T19:13:04Z")
We received this question during a recent webinar and thought it would be helpful to discuss here. --- ## [Does land disposal of the decomposed solid waste comply with EPA and Public Health Service regulations?](https://waterlesswaste.discourse.group/t/does-land-disposal-of-the-decomposed-solid-waste-comply-with-epa-and-public-health-service-regulations/19)
**Author:** [@Natalie\_ForumAdmin](https://waterlesswaste.discourse.group/u/Natalie_ForumAdmin)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [July 4, 2026, 7:05pm UTC](https://waterlesswaste.discourse.group/t/does-land-disposal-of-the-decomposed-solid-waste-comply-with-epa-and-public-health-service-regulations/19 "2026-07-04T19:05:20Z")
We received this question during a recent webinar and thought it would be helpful to discuss here. --- ## [Are urine drainfields typically considered Underground Injection Control (UIC) wells, and what key compliance considerations or requirements should practitioners be aware of?](https://waterlesswaste.discourse.group/t/are-urine-drainfields-typically-considered-underground-injection-control-uic-wells-and-what-key-compliance-considerations-or-requirements-should-practitioners-be-aware-of/59)
**Author:** [@Natalie\_ForumAdmin](https://waterlesswaste.discourse.group/u/Natalie_ForumAdmin)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [July 4, 2026, 6:55pm UTC](https://waterlesswaste.discourse.group/t/are-urine-drainfields-typically-considered-underground-injection-control-uic-wells-and-what-key-compliance-considerations-or-requirements-should-practitioners-be-aware-of/59 "2026-07-04T18:55:57Z")
We received this question during a recent webinar and thought it would be helpful to discuss here. --- ## [What is the user experience of urine diverting toilets like?](https://waterlesswaste.discourse.group/t/what-is-the-user-experience-of-urine-diverting-toilets-like/42)
**Author:** [@Natalie\_ForumAdmin](https://waterlesswaste.discourse.group/u/Natalie_ForumAdmin)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [July 4, 2026, 4:58pm UTC](https://waterlesswaste.discourse.group/t/what-is-the-user-experience-of-urine-diverting-toilets-like/42 "2026-07-04T16:58:14Z")
We received this question during a recent webinar and thought it would be helpful to discuss here. --- ## [For coastal, temperate environments is there data to show that the solids will decompose completely enough to avoid having to pack them out?](https://waterlesswaste.discourse.group/t/for-coastal-temperate-environments-is-there-data-to-show-that-the-solids-will-decompose-completely-enough-to-avoid-having-to-pack-them-out/26)
**Author:** [@Natalie\_ForumAdmin](https://waterlesswaste.discourse.group/u/Natalie_ForumAdmin)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [June 16, 2026, 11:07pm UTC](https://waterlesswaste.discourse.group/t/for-coastal-temperate-environments-is-there-data-to-show-that-the-solids-will-decompose-completely-enough-to-avoid-having-to-pack-them-out/26 "2026-06-16T23:07:14Z")
We received this question during a recent webinar and thought it would be helpful to discuss here. --- ## [Could you give insight and tips on how to handle the decomposed solid waste pile when moving it at the end of the season when smell and consistency have become a concern?](https://waterlesswaste.discourse.group/t/could-you-give-insight-and-tips-on-how-to-handle-the-decomposed-solid-waste-pile-when-moving-it-at-the-end-of-the-season-when-smell-and-consistency-have-become-a-concern/32)
**Author:** [@Natalie\_ForumAdmin](https://waterlesswaste.discourse.group/u/Natalie_ForumAdmin)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [June 16, 2026, 11:05pm UTC](https://waterlesswaste.discourse.group/t/could-you-give-insight-and-tips-on-how-to-handle-the-decomposed-solid-waste-pile-when-moving-it-at-the-end-of-the-season-when-smell-and-consistency-have-become-a-concern/32 "2026-06-16T23:05:45Z")
In our case, it seemed that adding wood shavings was necessary. Could you speak to this? --- ## [To minimize or eliminate packing distances, is land disposal an option for getting rid of the decomposed solids?](https://waterlesswaste.discourse.group/t/to-minimize-or-eliminate-packing-distances-is-land-disposal-an-option-for-getting-rid-of-the-decomposed-solids/37)
**Author:** [@Natalie\_ForumAdmin](https://waterlesswaste.discourse.group/u/Natalie_ForumAdmin)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [June 16, 2026, 11:03pm UTC](https://waterlesswaste.discourse.group/t/to-minimize-or-eliminate-packing-distances-is-land-disposal-an-option-for-getting-rid-of-the-decomposed-solids/37 "2026-06-16T23:03:25Z")
We received this question during a recent webinar and thought it would be helpful to discuss here. --- ## [Are there additional costs for removal of the decomposed solids and, if so, what do they average out to?](https://waterlesswaste.discourse.group/t/are-there-additional-costs-for-removal-of-the-decomposed-solids-and-if-so-what-do-they-average-out-to/36)
**Author:** [@Natalie\_ForumAdmin](https://waterlesswaste.discourse.group/u/Natalie_ForumAdmin)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [June 16, 2026, 11:01pm UTC](https://waterlesswaste.discourse.group/t/are-there-additional-costs-for-removal-of-the-decomposed-solids-and-if-so-what-do-they-average-out-to/36 "2026-06-16T23:01:13Z")
We received this question during a recent webinar and thought it would be helpful to discuss here. --- ## [Regarding the logistics for removal of solids, how many people does it take to lift and pack out the decomposed solids?](https://waterlesswaste.discourse.group/t/regarding-the-logistics-for-removal-of-solids-how-many-people-does-it-take-to-lift-and-pack-out-the-decomposed-solids/34)
**Author:** [@Natalie\_ForumAdmin](https://waterlesswaste.discourse.group/u/Natalie_ForumAdmin)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [June 16, 2026, 10:50pm UTC](https://waterlesswaste.discourse.group/t/regarding-the-logistics-for-removal-of-solids-how-many-people-does-it-take-to-lift-and-pack-out-the-decomposed-solids/34 "2026-06-16T22:50:21Z")
We received this question during a recent webinar and thought it would be helpful to discuss here. --- ## [Where do the decomposed solids get transported to?](https://waterlesswaste.discourse.group/t/where-do-the-decomposed-solids-get-transported-to/35)
**Author:** [@Natalie\_ForumAdmin](https://waterlesswaste.discourse.group/u/Natalie_ForumAdmin)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [June 16, 2026, 10:43pm UTC](https://waterlesswaste.discourse.group/t/where-do-the-decomposed-solids-get-transported-to/35 "2026-06-16T22:43:50Z")
We received this question during a recent webinar and thought it would be helpful to discuss here. --- ## [How long does it take for the solids to “dry out”?](https://waterlesswaste.discourse.group/t/how-long-does-it-take-for-the-solids-to-dry-out/33)
**Author:** [@Natalie\_ForumAdmin](https://waterlesswaste.discourse.group/u/Natalie_ForumAdmin)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [June 16, 2026, 10:41pm UTC](https://waterlesswaste.discourse.group/t/how-long-does-it-take-for-the-solids-to-dry-out/33 "2026-06-16T22:41:16Z")
We received this question during a recent webinar and thought it would be helpful to discuss here. --- ## [How long does it take for the worms to "go to work"?](https://waterlesswaste.discourse.group/t/how-long-does-it-take-for-the-worms-to-go-to-work/56)
**Author:** [@Natalie\_ForumAdmin](https://waterlesswaste.discourse.group/u/Natalie_ForumAdmin)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [June 16, 2026, 10:40pm UTC](https://waterlesswaste.discourse.group/t/how-long-does-it-take-for-the-worms-to-go-to-work/56 "2026-06-16T22:40:01Z")
How long does it take for the human waste in a vault (Decompose) system to break down? We received this question during a recent webinar and thought it would be helpful to discuss here. --- ## [Is there any point in adding worms to a Waste Away toilet system?](https://waterlesswaste.discourse.group/t/is-there-any-point-in-adding-worms-to-a-waste-away-toilet-system/55)
**Author:** [@Natalie\_ForumAdmin](https://waterlesswaste.discourse.group/u/Natalie_ForumAdmin)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [June 16, 2026, 10:37pm UTC](https://waterlesswaste.discourse.group/t/is-there-any-point-in-adding-worms-to-a-waste-away-toilet-system/55 "2026-06-16T22:37:37Z")
Waste Away systems collect the human waste in a structural bag or bin which is emptied as needed. We received this question during a recent webinar and thought it would be helpful to discuss here. --- ## [How does retrofitting an existing toilet structure work? What are considerations to keep in mind?](https://waterlesswaste.discourse.group/t/how-does-retrofitting-an-existing-toilet-structure-work-what-are-considerations-to-keep-in-mind/51)
**Author:** [@Natalie\_ForumAdmin](https://waterlesswaste.discourse.group/u/Natalie_ForumAdmin)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [June 16, 2026, 10:16pm UTC](https://waterlesswaste.discourse.group/t/how-does-retrofitting-an-existing-toilet-structure-work-what-are-considerations-to-keep-in-mind/51 "2026-06-16T22:16:58Z")
We received this question during a recent webinar and thought it would be helpful to discuss here. --- ## [At backcountry sites, what is the average number of users per day for these urine diverting toilets?](https://waterlesswaste.discourse.group/t/at-backcountry-sites-what-is-the-average-number-of-users-per-day-for-these-urine-diverting-toilets/31)
**Author:** [@Natalie\_ForumAdmin](https://waterlesswaste.discourse.group/u/Natalie_ForumAdmin)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [June 16, 2026, 9:31pm UTC](https://waterlesswaste.discourse.group/t/at-backcountry-sites-what-is-the-average-number-of-users-per-day-for-these-urine-diverting-toilets/31 "2026-06-16T21:31:20Z")
We received this question during a recent webinar and thought it would be helpful to discuss here. --- ## [Where is the urine diverted to and how far away does it have to be diverted?](https://waterlesswaste.discourse.group/t/where-is-the-urine-diverted-to-and-how-far-away-does-it-have-to-be-diverted/40)
**Author:** [@Natalie\_ForumAdmin](https://waterlesswaste.discourse.group/u/Natalie_ForumAdmin)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [June 3, 2026, 11:28pm UTC](https://waterlesswaste.discourse.group/t/where-is-the-urine-diverted-to-and-how-far-away-does-it-have-to-be-diverted/40 "2026-06-03T23:28:06Z")
We received this question during a recent webinar and thought it would be helpful to discuss here. --- ## [Are there possible impacts from urine fields in high altitude areas that are close to bodies of water?](https://waterlesswaste.discourse.group/t/are-there-possible-impacts-from-urine-fields-in-high-altitude-areas-that-are-close-to-bodies-of-water/50)
**Author:** [@Natalie\_ForumAdmin](https://waterlesswaste.discourse.group/u/Natalie_ForumAdmin)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [June 3, 2026, 11:17pm UTC](https://waterlesswaste.discourse.group/t/are-there-possible-impacts-from-urine-fields-in-high-altitude-areas-that-are-close-to-bodies-of-water/50 "2026-06-03T23:17:44Z")
We received this question during a recent webinar and thought it would be helpful to discuss here. --- ## [In terms of design and permitting, what is the approach to installing a drainfield in rocky sites with very fast percolation rates?](https://waterlesswaste.discourse.group/t/in-terms-of-design-and-permitting-what-is-the-approach-to-installing-a-drainfield-in-rocky-sites-with-very-fast-percolation-rates/58)
**Author:** [@Natalie\_ForumAdmin](https://waterlesswaste.discourse.group/u/Natalie_ForumAdmin)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [May 29, 2026, 11:09pm UTC](https://waterlesswaste.discourse.group/t/in-terms-of-design-and-permitting-what-is-the-approach-to-installing-a-drainfield-in-rocky-sites-with-very-fast-percolation-rates/58 "2026-05-29T23:09:58Z")
Could you touch on key compliance considerations and ways you would adapt drainfield sizing or design to meet compliance requirements. --- ## [How do low-organic, rocky soils respond to the added nitrogen and phosphorus from urine drainfields? Have you observed any adverse impacts over time?](https://waterlesswaste.discourse.group/t/how-do-low-organic-rocky-soils-respond-to-the-added-nitrogen-and-phosphorus-from-urine-drainfields-have-you-observed-any-adverse-impacts-over-time/57)
**Author:** [@Natalie\_ForumAdmin](https://waterlesswaste.discourse.group/u/Natalie_ForumAdmin)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [May 29, 2026, 11:04pm UTC](https://waterlesswaste.discourse.group/t/how-do-low-organic-rocky-soils-respond-to-the-added-nitrogen-and-phosphorus-from-urine-drainfields-have-you-observed-any-adverse-impacts-over-time/57 "2026-05-29T23:04:13Z")
If available, could you share general observations or a graph showing how far nutrient plumes extend over time. --- ## [For toilets used during the winter season, is snow accumulation ever a deterrent for use? How can the design of the toilet building accommodate winter use?](https://waterlesswaste.discourse.group/t/for-toilets-used-during-the-winter-season-is-snow-accumulation-ever-a-deterrent-for-use-how-can-the-design-of-the-toilet-building-accommodate-winter-use/54)
**Author:** [@Natalie\_ForumAdmin](https://waterlesswaste.discourse.group/u/Natalie_ForumAdmin)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2026, 12:12am UTC](https://waterlesswaste.discourse.group/t/for-toilets-used-during-the-winter-season-is-snow-accumulation-ever-a-deterrent-for-use-how-can-the-design-of-the-toilet-building-accommodate-winter-use/54 "2026-05-28T00:12:54Z")
We received this question during a recent webinar and thought it would be helpful to discuss here. --- ## [What is the maximum number of daily + seasonal users a urine-diverting system can accommodate?](https://waterlesswaste.discourse.group/t/what-is-the-maximum-number-of-daily-seasonal-users-a-urine-diverting-system-can-accommodate/52)
**Author:** [@Natalie\_ForumAdmin](https://waterlesswaste.discourse.group/u/Natalie_ForumAdmin)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2026, 12:03am UTC](https://waterlesswaste.discourse.group/t/what-is-the-maximum-number-of-daily-seasonal-users-a-urine-diverting-system-can-accommodate/52 "2026-05-28T00:03:04Z")
We received this question during a recent webinar and thought it would be helpful to discuss here. --- ## [Have you ever observed nutrient accumulation in soils surrounding the drainfield leading to crystallization and reduced infiltration capacity?](https://waterlesswaste.discourse.group/t/have-you-ever-observed-nutrient-accumulation-in-soils-surrounding-the-drainfield-leading-to-crystallization-and-reduced-infiltration-capacity/49)
**Author:** [@Natalie\_ForumAdmin](https://waterlesswaste.discourse.group/u/Natalie_ForumAdmin)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [May 27, 2026, 11:54pm UTC](https://waterlesswaste.discourse.group/t/have-you-ever-observed-nutrient-accumulation-in-soils-surrounding-the-drainfield-leading-to-crystallization-and-reduced-infiltration-capacity/49 "2026-05-27T23:54:48Z")
We received this question during a recent webinar and thought it would be helpful to discuss here. --- ## [How does the user experience of urine diverting toilets compare to the user experience of a properly maintained composting toilet system?](https://waterlesswaste.discourse.group/t/how-does-the-user-experience-of-urine-diverting-toilets-compare-to-the-user-experience-of-a-properly-maintained-composting-toilet-system/43)
**Author:** [@Natalie\_ForumAdmin](https://waterlesswaste.discourse.group/u/Natalie_ForumAdmin)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [May 22, 2026, 2:33am UTC](https://waterlesswaste.discourse.group/t/how-does-the-user-experience-of-urine-diverting-toilets-compare-to-the-user-experience-of-a-properly-maintained-composting-toilet-system/43 "2026-05-22T02:33:03Z")
We received this question during a recent webinar and thought it would be helpful to discuss here. --- ## [Does urine mix with the solids before separation, potentially picking up pathogens, before being discharged?](https://waterlesswaste.discourse.group/t/does-urine-mix-with-the-solids-before-separation-potentially-picking-up-pathogens-before-being-discharged/41)
**Author:** [@Natalie\_ForumAdmin](https://waterlesswaste.discourse.group/u/Natalie_ForumAdmin)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [May 22, 2026, 2:32am UTC](https://waterlesswaste.discourse.group/t/does-urine-mix-with-the-solids-before-separation-potentially-picking-up-pathogens-before-being-discharged/41 "2026-05-22T02:32:18Z")
We received this question during a recent webinar and thought it would be helpful to discuss here. --- ## [How is the urine safely diverted away from the toilet?](https://waterlesswaste.discourse.group/t/how-is-the-urine-safely-diverted-away-from-the-toilet/39)
**Author:** [@Natalie\_ForumAdmin](https://waterlesswaste.discourse.group/u/Natalie_ForumAdmin)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [May 22, 2026, 2:31am UTC](https://waterlesswaste.discourse.group/t/how-is-the-urine-safely-diverted-away-from-the-toilet/39 "2026-05-22T02:31:50Z")
We received this question during a recent webinar and thought it would be helpful to discuss here. [Next page](https://waterlesswaste.discourse.group/latest.md?page=1)