Guidelines for Nutrient Recycling

  1. Nutrients Recycled - The end-products, compost and liquid fertilizer, from a properly installed and maintained Clivus Multrum composting toilet system are odor-free and safe-to-handle, have a weak fertilizer value, and should be used in the landscape in accordance with these guidelines. When used in the landscape, nutrients in these end-products are recycled to the land based food chain instead of being wasted or causing pollution as with septic systems and sewers.
  2. Owner's Requirements Before Removing Clivus End-Products
    1. Owner must have written certification of proper installation of the Clivus system from NutriCycle Systems.
    2. Operation and maintenance of the system must have been performed in accordance with the Clivus Multrum Maintenance Manual.
  3. Clivus Compost - usually 1 or 2 bushels per composter per year after the first five years of operation; remove with a shovel
    1.  Haul by bucket, wheelbarrow, wagon or truck to the use site;
    2. Spread with the shovel around ornamental vegetation, or rake into the lawn, or till into the garden.
    3. Do NOT apply thick as you would a mulch because salt burning may result; for top dressing do not exceed a one-half inch thick layer; for incorporating into the top 6 inches of soil do not exceed a one inch thick layer.
    4. As with any fertilizer or organic matter, do NOT ingest Clivus compost and wash contacted area when done.
  4. Clivus Liquid Fertilizer - usually 300 gallons per composter per year with at least 3 months storage capacity; remove by pump:
    1.  Spreading methods include:
      1. By garden hose with coarse, non misting nozzle
      2. By non-clogging, non-misting sprinkler, moved occasionally as needed
      3. By drip line or coarse spray from a tank wagon or truck
      4. By injection into an irrigation system
    2. Must be applied over the root zone of any vegetation.
    3. The application rate that assures complete nitrogen uptake for native grasses (or lawn) is 1 gallon per 4 square feet per year (30 feet by 40 feet for 300 gallons).
    4. Heavier loading rates are possible on vegetation known to absorb more nitrogen (see the local Nutrient Management Consultant, Agricultural Extension Service; the N-P-K fertilizer value is less than 1-1-1.)
    5. Several light applications to the same area per year are usually necessary to avoid run-of.
    6. Do NOT fertilize: over bare soil (no root zone); when soil is saturated or frozen (to avoid run-off); within 5 feet of bodies of water, wells or property lines; any edible vegetation within two weeks of harvest.
    7. As with any fertilizer, do NOT ingest Clivus Liquid Fertilizer and wash contacted areas when done.
    8. Do NOT allow other humans or pets to contact Clivus Liquid Fertilizer or the application area until after the vegetation is dry.
    9. The Maryland Department of the Environment, Groundwater Discharge Permit for use of Clivus Liquid Fertilizer, currently required for all sites in Maryland, may impose additional conditions.
  5. Liquid Fertilizer Information, Available Upon Request:
    1.  Clivus Multrum Liquid End Product Study, Maryland & Virginia
    2. Characteristics of the Liquid End-Product from Clivus Composting Toilets in Maryland (May, 1991)
    3. Fecal Coliform Test Results, White Plains Post Office, 4/97 - 3/98.
    4. Nitrogen Loading to Soil and Groundwater Compared
    5. Fertilizer Value and Dollar Value of Clivus Liquid Fertilizer
    6. Maryland Permit for Liquid Fertilizer Recycling at the Gothic Dairy Barn Office Building, pp. 1-2, and Summary Report and Fact Sheet, page 6
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