Alternative Toilets

Composting is just what it says with:  separates the liquid
from the solid wastes.  The liquid goies else where to evaporate at it's own
rate, I guess.  Maybe a source for nitre or ammonia  (both good for fertilizer
and maybe gunpowder).  The solid is "turned" to areate it (aration?  airation?
Aeration?  Aeroplane? - to get air into it) to allow the bacteria in it to
decompose it. I've read and been told that the naturally occuring bacteria will
eat itself to death very quickly and easily, without any small (the air keeps
the "other stuff" from taking over), reducing itself to scant table-spoonfuls,
which are sanitized at that point.  I believe that peat or other course organic
matter are also mixed in, to help the air get inside to feed the bacteria.  7-10
days, and you can shovel out clean, sanitary mulch.  The small size required,
the lack of smell, and the reduced "output" are what I was interested in.  I
don't really care about what FORM the output took, as long as it was not toxic,
didn't smell, and could be disposed of easily without chemicals or elaborate
pumping, handling, or holding.  I just can't deal with using a good 5 gallons of
H2O to deal with a mere 1/2 to 1 pound of waste.  The incinerating toilet is
even smaller, but needs a power source.  It basically reduces the waste to
azshes - teaspoonfuls if you believe the ads.  You can get info on BOTH types
from the backs of Mother Earth News, or similar magazines.  You can also find
plans for the composting toilet fairly easily from old M.E.N. magazines or from
the Center for Appropriate Technology (406)494-4572 with a pub: "Composting
Toilets:  A Guide for the Owner/ Builder".  I was going to buy a copy a few
years ago, but it was inthe middle of an update and was not available.
Harrowsmith Magazine is an excellent source for the composting toilet, check 
the back issues.