The Goonah Gunya

Dry Composting Toilet

An "alternative" toilet system conceived and designed by Brenda and David Parsons in about 1994.

The name comes from two well-known Aboriginal Australian words literally meaning "shit house". "Goonah" is from the Bundjalung language of northern coastal NSW and the Warwick areas of Qld. (and maybe others). "Gunya" is of unknown origin. This name derived from conversations with Aboriginal friends and is a small token of respect for the original owners of this land.

The Messages

Dry composting of human waste does work

Dry composting is a practical alternative to existing flush systems which require huge quantities of water and major infrastructure.

However a change in social attitudes may be necessary before they will be used widely. People may be forced to deal with their own waste as we move towards a recognition that we need to take much more care with the earth.

 The following information is provided in the hope that such water-saving toilets will become more common in the future.

There are now (1999) several toilets with similar designs commercially available but there are still problems relating to health which are limiting the number of local councils which will approve their installation in town areas. Permission for installation is more readily obtained in rural areas.

 

The experiments leading to the design were conducted at Maryvale in southern Queensland, Australia. The climatic conditions of the area are:

WARNING This product works well as described above when managed correctly. However it can produce dangers to health when not well managed. Because of this, normal approval for its installation is required from your local Shire or Town Council.

 

What the toilet looks like and how it works

Parts needed to build your own toilet

Installation of the toilet

Management of dry composting toilets

Some design factors

Some commercially-available dry composting toilets (in Australia)

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