A composting toilet system is an aerobic (oxygen containing) way to process human waste. The use of oxygen speeds up the decomposition process and reduces odors/gasses.
I know what some of you are saying. "Composting human waste, really?" Yes really. Why do we have such a problem thinking about composting human waste when we have no issues at all with composting other mammals waste? Like horse and cow. Seems kinda hypocritical if you think about it.
Now to back to the article......
A toilet composter reduces water usage and turns human waste into usable compost for ornamental plants.
Most systems are self contained. They are in most cases, larger than a traditional flushing commode.
Most units require hands on maintanence. This is what deters most people. Dependinng on the unit installed, different tasks may be required. Like removal of solid waste (poop) or turning the waste inside the unit. The tasks are not for the faint of heart.
You have the option of adding earthworms to your unit and let them do the dirty work, literally. They will process the waste and keep it turned. All you will need to do is add plenty of bedding materials, like wood shavings or ground up leaves.