Composting RV Toilets
Straight Poop on Composting Toilets
All right, I admit it – I was dubious at best. Before I researched composting toilets for this blog, I was sure it was a kooky idea. It was something Hofmann Architecture would sell to clients who asked for it, but we’d never recommend it, much less use it ourselves! Yuck!
But, I was wrong. My greatest misconceptions were that it stunk and it was a mess to empty – both fallacies were flushed away.
The first thing I learned is that a composting toilet is nothing like a porta-potty or outhouse.
The most attractive part of a composting toilet is you will never ever have to empty that stinky smelly black water tank again. Now THAT alone should be welcomed news to all RVers.
Best of all, it’s environment-friendly.
[Sidebar: On one hand, how on earth America can create a cell phone that locates our global positioning within 3 feet, but on the other hand still flushes a pint of pee with two gallons of fresh water is beyond me! Multiply that by hundreds of millions of toilets a day and, well, you get my point.]
The bottom line: A composting toilet is simply a better way to go – for humans and the earth.
Composting Toilet FAQ
Why do you need one?
- Non-toxic, uses no chemicals, making it safer for the environment.
- Easier to deal with than the black water storage and disposal process.
- Costs less to install since you won’t need a black water storage tank.
- Uses no water = no need to use limited fresh water storage.
- Extends your wild camping days, since you won’t need a sewage disposal station to empty your black water every week or so.
Does it stink?
I know you’re not going to believe me, but it really doesn’t stink. I promise. It smells like nothing. At most, it might have a slight earthy smell, like the gardening section at Home Depot, because the only product in it is simply “dirt.” There’s also a built-in fan so any smell is vented outside the RV.
Do I need to run the fan all of the time?
It’s not necessary, but it’s probably a good idea since the airflow will speed up the composting process. The fan only uses 2 amp hours a day, which is very little power.
Why doesn’t it stink?
The reason is because the liquid (#1) and solid waste (#2) never mix. It does not have the odors associated with sewage or holding tank systems that do mix everything. Counter-intuitively, it’s not the #2 solids that smell over time – if you ever smell anything it’ll be the #1 liquids. If you add a bit of brown sugar to the liquid any smell is further neutralized. (No, I don’t have any idea if Sugar in Raw or Splenda will work.)
How does it separate liquids and solids?
The toilet has a gate or door that when closed directs #1 waste into the front tank. When the door is open the #2 solids pass drop into the lower main tank. When seated on the toilet (male or female) the liquids are aimed towards the front collection area and the solids are directed straight down into the main tank where it’s mixed with an organic solid matter.
What’s the solid?
The organic matter can be either sphagnum peat moss or coconut fiber, aka coco coir. The coco coir is a bit more expensive. Peat costs about $13 for a 3 cu. ft. bag. Coco coir is about $30 for the same amount. Both quantities will last the typical couple about a year.
How much water does it use?
None. It uses no water – other than a few drops to dilute a spray bottle of vinegar that can be applied in the liquids bowl after going #1.
When should I empty it?
If two people are using it daily you may want to empty the liquid container every three days, or so. While everyone is different, some urine will smell bad if allowed to sit for extended periods. For #1 waste, it’s best not to leave it in the tank for extended periods. It’s best to leave the #2 solids to decompose over time – 2-4 weeks is about right – or if you want to count, that’s about 60-80 uses.
Where should I empty it?
The proper place to empty the solids tank is in a composting bin where it can be used to fertilize ornamental plants. Many campgrounds now have composting bins as composting is becoming more popular. The liquid tank can be emptied into a toilet.
Is the composting toilet safe, sanitary or legal?
Yes. It’s safer than a black water tank, which mixes solids and liquids. Urine is sterile.
Can you use toilet paper?
Yes. It’s best to use it sparingly, and use a paper that’s made to break down rapidly. But you’ll fill up the solid waste space quicker if you add lots of paper.
Do guys have to sit down to pee?
It’s better if males sit down. If they prefer to stand, they should be ready to wipe down the splatter after use.
Can it handle diarrhea and vomit?
Yes. If it comes out of your body it can handle it. When it comes to vomiting, however, do you really want to put your face in a place where others put their bums several times a day? For vomiting, a trash can with a bag may be preferred.
The most convincing information about composting toilets comes from a couple of young full-time RV “poop experts” who did a nice job with several videos for the manufacturer of one of the composting toilet our clients recommended to us – Nature’s Head. If you’re even open to the idea, check out one of their YouTube posts:
Composting Toilets: What it is and why you need one (3 min.)
The big and dirty questions about composting toilets (19 min.)
The bottom line? In my professional opinion, the composting toilet is the most economical, environmentally friendly, and easy ways to process RV toilet waste.
So have I tried it, yet? No. But maybe we should setup a demo Airstream with a composting toilet for clients to try-before-they-buy? Hmmmmm, stay tuned.
