The term "earth closet" refers to a type of dry toilet that uses soil or compost instead of water to dispose of human waste. Its phonetic spelling is /ɜrθ ˈklɒzɪt/, with the first syllable pronounced as the "ur" in "hurt" and the "th" pronounced as in "math". The second syllable is pronounced as "closet" with a short "o" sound. The spelling of the word reflects the origin of the system, which was introduced in the mid-19th century as a solution to sanitation issues in urban areas.
An earth closet refers to a type of toilet system that utilizes the natural decomposition of organic waste in soil. It relies on the principle of recycling human waste through the interaction of bacteria, microbes, and the soil environment. This system typically consists of a chamber or container placed over a pit in the ground, which is equipped with a ventilation pipe to remove odors and ensure proper aeration. When users deposit their waste into the chamber, a layer of fresh soil, sawdust, or ash is added to cover it, aiming to reduce smells and facilitate decomposition.
The earth closet is based on the notion of earth absorption, whereby the organic matter is broken down by aerobic bacteria and other microorganisms in the presence of oxygen. This natural decomposition process helps to convert human waste into humus, which is a beneficial organic material for plant growth. As a result, the earth closet system serves a dual purpose, handling human waste while also providing a potential source of nutrient-rich material for agriculture.
Earth closets are often used in areas without access to traditional flush toilets or sewage systems due to their simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability. They have historically been employed in rural or remote regions, as well as in temporary campsites or outdoor locations. Despite being an older technology, earth closets are still utilized today in certain regions and are considered an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional sanitation methods.
The etymology of the word "earth closet" can be traced back to its components: "earth" and "closet".
The term "earth" comes from the Old English word "eorthe", which itself has Germanic origins, ultimately derived from the Proto-Germanic word "*ertho". "Earth" referred to the ground or soil, representing the physical substance of the planet's surface.
The word "closet" comes from Old French "closett", meaning an enclosed space or compartment. It originally referred to a private room or small chamber used to store personal belongings. The term was adopted into Middle English, and its meaning expanded to include a small private toilet or room used for personal needs.
When these two words are combined, "earth closet" refers to a type of toilet or lavatory that uses earth or soil to cover and decompose organic waste.