We are looking for a non-electric way to make sawdust for our composting toilets. One of us seems to remember a hand cranked chipper that was advertised in Organic Gardening magazine, but we have been unable to find info on this. Does anyone know of such a device, either the one in OG or any other type? By the way, the smaller such a machine would be able to gring twigs, the better, as it would have a quicker action in decomposing the waste.

-- John Fritz (JohnFritz24@hotmail.com), September 04, 2001

Answers

Hi,

I don't know off hand any other means, however, where are you located? We purchased a ranch in northern AR, Yellville, which had a working sawmill. We have TONS of sawdust. In fact w ehave a neighbor who gets a lot of it for their composting toilet.

Bernice

-- Bernice (geminigoats@yahoo.com), September 04, 2001.

You could mount a pencil sharpener next to the toilet paper and sharpen sticks while you... ) Take up whittling or ask around, some wood butcher is making saw dust for you.

-- ed (edfrhe@aol.com), September 05, 2001.

Hi John.

If you are willing to pick it up, free sawdust is probably available near you.

There is an organization here called 'Minnesota Materials Exchange' that prints a quarterly catalog (free) of supplies available from local businesses. The service helps business find an outlet for their wastes and surplus materials. Sawdust is always available, but you may be surprised at the huge list of other items, too - and most are free! I got a free 275 gallon water tank with spigot, free vinyl siding, huge sheets of clear plastic, some plywood, and probably other stuff that I have forgotten.

Other states have organizations like this, too. To find one in your state, go to: www.wastexchange.org To the left you will see various links. Click on the box that says 'Materials Exchanges' and look for your state.

Good Luck. Sandy

-- Sandy in MN (onestonefarm@hotmail.com), September 05, 2001.

awesome resource Sandy, thanks for posting it.

-- Dave (something@somewhere.com), September 05, 2001.

Thanks for the ideas. I like the one of having a pencil sharpener replace the roll of toilet paper.

-- John Fritz (JohnFritz24@hotmail.com), September 05, 2001.

Heard of reading while resting on the royal throne, but never writing. guess it would be inspiring!

-- Bernice (geminigoats@yahoo.com), September 05, 2001.