Like the moisture level, the temperature of the compost is also important to the fast breakdown of organic matter. Naturally occurring microorganisms that live in the compost generate heat while eating and multiplying.
There are two types of microorganisms that live in compost: Mesophilic organisms, who like to live in temperatures up to 40°C, and thermophilic organisms, who thrive in temperatures from 41 to 80°C. Thermophilic organisms are the most efficient of the two types of microbes. This is why composting toilets are designed to trap heat within the system.
Keeping compost temperature high is also very important for health reasons. Many pathogens, or disease-causing bacteria, die at temperatures greater than 55°C, so it’s smart to keep the compost nice and warm at all times.
When the composting toilet is full, the chamber is sealed and often placed in the sun. Again, this keeps the thermophilic microbes working hard by keeping the temperature high. In colder climates and in winter, the compost can be insulated and kept inside a shed or other outdoor storage area to maintain a high temperature until it is ready to be used.