Ratings and Reviews of Humanure Handbook 4th Ed.

I bought both the Humanure Handbook and the Compost Toilet Handbook. The Humanure Handbook contains all the information contained in the Compost Toilet Handbook, and more. The Compost Toilet Handbook just has color versions of the pictures from the Humanure Handbook. As a Christian and conservative, some of the authors comments are mildly grating, but the information on composting is great. While I don't compost human manure at this point, I do compost chicken and rabbit manure, as well as paper, food scraps, water soaked weeds, and the occasional fish carcass. I have set up 6 IBC tote bins to keep up with my composting needs. The process works like a charm, reaching temperature and becoming worm infested compost within 6 months. I have loaned the books several times to help others have more success with composting. While I don't suggest buying both books, I fully recommend the Humanure Handbook to anyone who has any interest in composting.

I bought this three years ago and promptly started applying the knowledge to suit my septic less living situation. It was eureka, an epiphany. I read the free version online in 10 hours and then proceeded to buy 3 copies and ultimately 10.

You’ve turned me from a closeted fecaphobe into a proud disciple of sorts. I think what struck me the most is it closed a loop in my mind…that the natural world does have balance and simplicity…it’s us that complicate it. The same seems to be true for composting toilets.

I’ve started four bins in total, and emptied one to this point, like Joe it had whole dead animals that disappeared. I’ve hit 162 degrees before but probably average 135 in the PNW summer while keeping 50% above ambient for the active pile in the chilly wet season. My trash is nil and my water consumption

Very informative, through and referenced. Was using a separating toilet but did not like it had to have an exhaust fan and the urine was not used for the nitrogen. A complete plan to kill pathogens, and recycle all materials in a simple, safe, and efficient system. The plans for the loo were straightforward. Built the first one in under two hours with battery powered tools. Solid and well designed. I am converting our portable bathrooms to this design as it will improve safety and reduce the smells. Thanks.

Thank you for your Humanure Handbook. I built my first "loo" in 2003 after buying the 2nd edition of your book. At that time, I was single and had a house to myself, so I made my maiden deposit in a five-gallon bucket sitting in my carpeted living room while watching CNN.

After getting married a couple of years later, I relocated my toilet to the shed outdoors, as my wife had "phobic" tendencies. That got discontinued when I converted the shed to a chicken coop for a few years and never resumed it afterward. Now, however, almost 20 years later, I've purchased the 4th edition of your book and that inspired me to give it another go, so to speak. I dusted off my compost collecting toilet (Collecto-Let?) and set it up in my home-built camper that sits in the driveway. Every morning I make a discreet visit to my camper for a few minutes to "pray and meditate." For convenience, I keep a plastic jug indoors for urine, which I pour into the toilet when the jug gets full. I've found the liquid helps keep the bucket contents level.

I drove 30 miles to get three 20-gallon tubs of sawdust from a sawmill, and they were very stingy about it. Apparently, they already have a market for it. So, I'll need to use something else when that's gone. Since leaves are plentiful here, I'll probably use leaf mould. I have my compost bin up and running, and I'm happy to say that my pile was at 124 this morning, after adding a bucket of material, food scraps, and a half gallon of spoiled apple cider over the weekend.

Anyway, again, I appreciate your taking the time to write that book, and I think very highly of your efforts at helping the less fortunate around the world with their sanitation problems. As a Christian who believe in invisible beings, I think that's a very noble thing for you to do!

This book has forever changed my perspective on life and human poop. Thank you!

Jim Phillips recommended it. He teaches people how to prepare for a time when our grid goes down and the city sanitation system is gone. https://www.jimsway.com/ https://www.youtube.com/user/SafeHarborAlliance/videos

I found this book in the library but the info is so valuable I bought the digital copy, and may get the hardcopy when funds allow. GREAT book!

This book shares solid information: although does not include any "how-to" steps to take and actually create Humanure. Great telling of history. I am looking forward to the publishing of "How to Convert Human Waste..."

Thanks for writing such a great book! I’m a family doctor up in northern Wisconsin, and have started humanure composting. It is really amazing, and I would not have felt confident in doing it without your really comprehensive and informative book. It really is a transformational book, I tell everyone I know that they should read it!

When our septic system became flooded more than 10 years ago, our family of 8 went 48 hours without being able to flush. It was an experience that inspired me to find other alternatives to that little lever. I found Joseph Jenkins and The Humanure Handbook online. The next rainy season when the septic went out, I was almost ready. By the following year, what was potentially an emotionally scarring experience, was an absolute breeze. I believe that composting our humanure, could reverse so many problems and help Mother Nature start to heal the significant damage we've done and are still doing to this earth. As I'm currently preparing a university essay on humanure composting, I've noticed and realized that most of the scientific papers out there reference Joseph Jenkins' work. I'm super grateful for the depth, courage, and authenticity of his publications and his efforts to help humanity change. It has forever changed me.