Abstract: A waste disposal system is disclosed which includes apparatus for treating water which has been used for cleaning, washing and for flushing toilets and for disposing of waste products by incineration. The total output of the system to the environment is then reclaimed wash water of tertiary treatment quality plus CO.sub.2 and the ash resulting from the incineration of solid wastes. In alternative embodiments, systems designed for ships, multiple unit dwellings or small communities can operate on a substantially continuous duty cycle with full utilization being made, if desired, of the heat energy required for the incineration process, and for substantially reducing fresh water quantity requirements in all such installations through the use of recirculating toilets.

Abstract: A waterless flush toilet system comprising a toilet and a gravity fed waste holding tank. The system utilizes a recirculating nonaqueous flushing fluid which is stored within the holding tank. The fluid, which is lighter than the waste material and insoluble therein, forms a stratified layer on the surface of the material. A float having a flushing fluid inlet floats within the layer of fluid, separated from solid waste matter by a tubular screen member, the float being suspended from the top of the tank by a flexible coiled hose which is coupled to the fluid inlet. The coiled hose contracts as the waste level in the tank rises, thereby permitting the float to remain within the flushing fluid layer regardless of the waste material level. When the toilet is flushed, an air-powered pump draws a fraction of the fluid into the fluid inlet of the float, through the flexible hose and finally to the toilet. The fluid serves as a medium for transporting the waste material from the toilet to the holding tank.

Abstract: A quick-change toilet system capable of being readily converted between a non-flushing toilet and a recirculating flushing toilet is disclosed. The system includes a waste holding tank with an open frame member mounted on the top thereof. The system utilizes a non-flushing toilet cover and a flushing type toilet cover, both of which have a similar locking pin arrangement which permits either type of cover to be removably secured to a locking bar permanently affixed to the frame member. The non-flushing toilet cover includes an opening having a conventional toilet seat and toilet seat cover disposed thereover. The flushing toilet cover, which is of the recirculating variety, is similar to the non-flushing cover but additionally includes a toilet bowl having a flushing fluid outlet. A manually operated pump draws flushing fluid from the waste holding tank through a filter and delivers a quantity of filtered flushing fluid to the toilet bowl for flushing purposes through the flushing fluid outlet.

Abstract: A waterless flush toilet system comprising at least one toilet and a gravity fed waste holding tank. The system utilizes a recirculating nonaqueous flushing fluid which is stored within the holding tank. The fluid, which is lighter than the waste material and insoluble therein, forms a stratified layer on the surface of the material. A float having a flushing fluid inlet floats within the layer of fluid, the float being suspended from the top of the tank by a flexible coiled hose which is coupled to the fluid inlet. The coiled hose contracts as the waste level in the tank rises, thereby permitting the float to remain within the flushing fluid layer regardless of the waste material level. When the toilet is flushed, an electric or air-powered pump draws a fraction of the fluid into the fluid inlet of the float, through the flexible hose and finally to the toilet. The fluid serves as a medium for transporting the waste material from the toilet to the holding tank.

Abstract: An electrolysis unit is used in conjunction with the holding tank of a self-contained recirculating toilet system. The liquid and solid waster material is macerated and recirculated by an external macerator pump as a fine slurry. The slurry material from the lowermost portion of the waste tank is treated by electrolysis producing oxygen and chlorine and an odor free water vapor exhaust. The residue from the electrolysis decomposition unit is periodically removed.