User Tools

Site Tools


toilet:composting

Differences

This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.

Link to this comparison view

Both sides previous revision Previous revision
Next revision
Previous revision
toilet:composting [2017/03/02 07:05]
47.182.89.20 [DIY]
toilet:composting [2022/08/17 16:12] (current)
frater_secessus [C-Head] complaints
Line 1: Line 1:
 ====== Composting toilet ====== ====== Composting toilet ======
  
-//Composting toilets// are waterless (dry) toilets designed for use in applications with no [[toilet:|plumbed sewage system]].  They operate on two principles:+//Composting toilets// are waterless (dry) toilets designed for use in applications without a [[toilet:|plumbed sewage system]].  They operate on two principles:
  
   - **dessication of solid waste** in an absorbant media to eliminate odor and mess.    - **dessication of solid waste** in an absorbant media to eliminate odor and mess. 
Line 17: Line 17:
 ==== liquids ==== ==== liquids ====
 Commercial composting toilets are a sit-to-pee design for both sexes. The urine diverson systems are designed to work when sitting and keeping urine out of the solids compost is critical to the operation of the toilet. Commercial composting toilets are a sit-to-pee design for both sexes. The urine diverson systems are designed to work when sitting and keeping urine out of the solids compost is critical to the operation of the toilet.
 +
 +Calcium deposits (if any) on the diverter can be removed with [[http://amzn.to/2CucLfc|Lime-a-way]].((http://www.cheaprvliving.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=28307&pid=360862#pid360862))
  
 ==== solids ==== ==== solids ====
 Commercial composting toilets generally keep the solids container closed by a door when not in active use.  There are two approaches: Commercial composting toilets generally keep the solids container closed by a door when not in active use.  There are two approaches:
   - "straight drop" - the cover is removed before use and deposits are made directly into the solids compartment   - "straight drop" - the cover is removed before use and deposits are made directly into the solids compartment
-  - platform - there is a trapdoor mechanism that opens when the deposit is completed (as when flushing a plumbed toilet).  A coffee filter can be placed over the trapdoor to reduce mess.+  - platform - there is a trapdoor mechanism that opens when the deposit is completed (as when flushing a plumbed toilet).  A coffee filter can be placed over the trapdoor as a liner to reduce mess
 + 
 +Some RVers keep a spray bottle of water handy to rinse down traces of liquids or solids that remain in the bowl.
  
  
Line 37: Line 41:
  
 ==== Nature's Head ==== ==== Nature's Head ====
 +
 +The [[https://amzn.to/3lvA92A|Nature's Head composting toilet]] appears to dominate the market. 
 +
 [[http://amzn.to/2lX6vWy|{{ https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41k7Tv5c0KL._AC_US160_.jpg}}]] [[http://amzn.to/2lX6vWy|{{ https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41k7Tv5c0KL._AC_US160_.jpg}}]]
 Features: Features:
Line 48: Line 55:
  
 ==== C-Head ==== ==== C-Head ====
 +
 +Note:  C-Head is receiving [[https://www.bbb.org/us/fl/astor/profile/composting-toilet/c-head-llc-0733-90764606/complaints|serious customer complaints]] in 2021-2022.
 +
 [[http://c-head.com|{{ http://c-head.com/sitebuilder/images/Ad_photo_Southwinds2-185x296.png?100}}]] [[http://c-head.com|{{ http://c-head.com/sitebuilder/images/Ad_photo_Southwinds2-185x296.png?100}}]]
 Features: Features:
Line 60: Line 70:
  
 ==== Airhead ==== ==== Airhead ====
-[[http://airheadtoilet.com|{{ http://airheadtoilet.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/sidebar_toilet.png?100}}]]+[[http://airheadtoilet.com|{{ http://airheadtoilet.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/sidebar_toilet.png?100|butterfly not included}}]]
 Features: Features:
   * designed to mimic domestic toilets   * designed to mimic domestic toilets
Line 67: Line 77:
  
  
-==== DIY ====+===== DIY bucket system =====
 [[http://amzn.to/2lCyGHT|{{ https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/417jm1vIlRL._AC_US160_.jpg}}]] [[http://amzn.to/2lCyGHT|{{ https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/417jm1vIlRL._AC_US160_.jpg}}]]
-A simple composting toilet can be made with a seat and a bucket.  It is very cheap but has significant shortcomings compared to the commercial models: +A simple composting toilet can be made with a bucket, seat, liner and absorbent media.  It is very cheap but has significant shortcomings compared to the commercial models: 
-  * no liquid diversion - one must arrange a separate system for urine; it //cannot// go into the bucket.  Female RVers may want to look into [[http://amzn.to/2lZutid|clever and collapsible "go girl" funnels]] which allow them to pee standing up (and into a bottle).   + 
-  * no agitation - each deposit is covered with fresh media (typically sawdust).  This +  * no liquid diversion - one must arrange a separate system for urine; it //cannot// go into the bucket.  Female RVers may want to look into [[http://amzn.to/2lZutid|clever and collapsible "go girl" funnels]] which allow them to pee standing up (and into a bottle).  Because it can be difficult to control urine flow while pooping it may be best to pee before pooping.   
 +  * no agitation - deposits are simply covered.   
 +  * will probably not qualify as [[toilet:self_contained|self-contained]] if a Ranger is checking that.  
 + 
 +==== operation ==== 
 + 
 +**Before inital use** a layer of [[toilet:composting#media|media]] goes in the bottom of the bucket;  this makes cleanup easier if the liner breaks.  Then a kitchen trash bag or other liner is placed in the bucket and a layer of media((an inch or so)) is added.   
 + 
 +**After pooping in the bucket** the deposit is covered with another layer of media
 + 
 +To **clean out the bucket**: remove any lid, tie off the bag or liner, and remove from the bucket.  Install a new liner and bottom layer of media. In areas where it is allowed you can dig a large [[toilet:cat_hole|cathole]] and empty the bag into it.((do not bury the bag)) Cover as normal In urban areas where baby diapers and dog poop is disposed of in dumpsters, you might do likewise with the tied-off bags. 
 + 
 + 
 + 
 +==== bucket ==== 
 +The bucket is an ordinary 5-gallon bucket, as one might find at a home improvement store, food prep area, or the side of the road in a ditch.  :-) 
 + 
 +For those with less space, there are reports that some 3.5 or 4 gallon buckets have the same top dimensions as the larger 5 gallon units.((https://web.archive.org/web/20171111200305/https://www.cheaprvliving.com/forums/Thread-Smaller-bucket-for-Luggable-Loo-seat))  This might be important if you are planning to use a commercial seat/lid. 
 + 
 + 
 +==== seat/lid ==== 
 + 
 +A lid is required for a DIY composter as the bucket will hold the solid deposits rather than being emptied after every use.  One can use a normal lid or [[https://amzn.to/3nM6cy4|gamma seal]] over the bucket when not in use, but this precludes the attachment of a commercial lid (below).  The rim is quite narrow and can be uncomfortable to sit on directly.  Because of this, some use a length of pool noodle split down the middle and pushed down on the rim. It has to be removed again to replace the lid. 
 + 
 +The most common commercial seat/lid the [[http://amzn.to/2lCyGHT|Luggable Loo]].  It snaps onto the top rim like a bucket lid would. 
 + 
 +The [[https://www.google.com/search?tbm=isch&q=privy%20500&tbs=imgo:1|Privy 500]] is a urine-diverting seat designed for tiny house installations. It might be adaptable to a bucket system, running the liquid into a nearby milk jug or similar.  The [[https://tinyhouseontario.com/2012/02/24/building-a-urine-separating-composting-toilet/|shipping box has a cut-out template]] printed right on it.  
  
-The [[https://www.google.com/search?tbm=isch&q=privy%20500&tbs=imgo:1|Privy 500]]) is a urine-diverting seat designed for tiny house installations. It might be adaptable to a bucket system, running the liquid into a nearby milk jug or similar+There are [[http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odkw=urine+diverter&rmvSB=true&_sop=12&_fspt=1&_mPrRngCbx=1&_osacat=0&_from=R40&_trksid=p2045573.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.H0.Xurine+%28separator%2Cdiverter%29.TRS1&_nkw=urine+%28separator%2Cdiverter%29&_sacat=0|separators/diverters sold on eBay]]. 
-===== feature chart =====+===== comparison =====
  
 ^Feature ^Nature's Head ^C-Head ^Airhead ^DIY ^ ^Feature ^Nature's Head ^C-Head ^Airhead ^DIY ^
toilet/composting.1488456310.txt.gz · Last modified: 2020/10/11 19:48 (external edit)