Composting Toilet - Nature's Head

[valhalla360]

Originally Posted by smj

The only problem with diverting the urine to a holding tank is now your back to the complexity, weight and odor of the holding tank. The main reason we went with the composter was to get rid of the complexity.
I understand your thoughts on the size of the urine container, but to be honest we had to use a second container only a couple of times. The main advantage of the water/milk jug used as a container is the ability to trash the container when it starts to get an odor. And anyone who has used one of theses set ups knows what I mean by the odor

We wouldn't bother plumbing a holding tank just something we've heard of. Even so, pumping the liquids is far less likely to be an issue than a traditional holding tank where solids and TP are added and likely to cause blockages.

There isn't an odor with the liquids tank except when dumping. We do rinse it every week or two.

[jkindredpdx]

My custom built is roughly based on the C-head. In nearly a year I haven't dumped poop yet, but I have a black 3 gal secondary composting bucket with a screw lid and vent. I added worms, but it's winter so I don't know what impact they will make or if they are still alive.

My two urine containers are translucent 1.5 gal laundry detergent containers with thick walls, solid screw lid, good handle, and a nice large opening to fit the larger diameter of the Separett urine spout. One bottle fills up in about a week.

[Bashleys]

I have made the decision to purchase a c-head over the AH and NH for 3 reasons:

1. Space - the CH has a top crank handle and a smaller foot print (On my boat my head space is limited). They also make it in several configurations to better fit different vessels.

2. Cost - nearly half the price.

3. Ease and simplicity of use and replacement of parts. The gallon milk jug is cheap and easy to come by and dumping/emptying of the waste containers seems easier.

Having made this decision, all seem to have their merits. It was the space issue that settled me on the CH.


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[Matt Johnson]

We're looking to make a custom unit. Question: Would a sealing toilet seat cover, forcing the intake air through a screened cutout in the base, prevent insect infestation? Does the trap door on the Natures Head and Airhead seal for this reason?

Matt

[KenH]

Originally Posted by funjohnson

We're looking to make a custom unit. Question: Would a sealing toilet seat cover, forcing the intake air through a screened cutout in the base, prevent insect infestation? Does the trap door on the Natures Head and Airhead seal for this reason?

Matt

Nice blog!! Looks like Jessica did a lot of work on there...
Tell her thanks for the pics and adding things and places to see..

[KenH]

Thanks everyone.. My choices have been narrowed down.
I think a NH is in first right now second is the CH for simplicity..
To bad I missed NH giveaway of an extra urine bottle with in the month of January but, what the hell...
I do think it will be a NH by the end of the week though..

[Mike OReilly]

Originally Posted by funjohnson

We're looking to make a custom unit. Question: Would a sealing toilet seat cover, forcing the intake air through a screened cutout in the base, prevent insect infestation? Does the trap door on the Natures Head and Airhead seal for this reason?

I've had one bug infestation, but only when the vent fan died and we were away from the boat for an extended period. The NH trap door closes, but I doubt if it produces a very good seal. I think the key to avoiding bugs is more to do with keeping the mixture well ventilated, and dry.

I've also read speculation from others than bugs are usually introduced via the compost material. Peat seems to be most susceptible to this. I use coir.

[Matt Johnson]

Originally Posted by KenH

Nice blog!! Looks like Jessica did a lot of work on there...
Tell her thanks for the pics and adding things and places to see..

Thanks I think she would go crazy without having this outlet.

[Matt Johnson]

Originally Posted by Mike OReilly

I've had one bug infestation, but only when the vent fan died and we were away from the boat for an extended period. The NH trap door closes, but I doubt if it produces a very good seal. I think the key to avoiding bugs is more to do with keeping the mixture well ventilated, and dry.

I've also read speculation from others than bugs are usually introduced via the compost material. Peat seems to be most susceptible to this. I use coir.

Great info Mike. I guess molding a toilet seat is one less thing on my "to do" list.

Matt

[alctel]

I have a natures head and it's great. Zero smell at all.

The only problem I had was when a drunk guest managed to jam toilet paper into the small holes at the front - I didn't notice for a few days and it was diverting all the urine into the main chamber.... yuk.

Emptying the urine container every few days is a pain but I've got used to it.

The hardest part is remembering to look sympathetic when your dockmates tell you about their toilets backflushing, or holding tanks leaking/smelling...

Also please PLEASE use coconut coir and not peat moss. Peat moss is comes from extremely threatened habitats and takes 100 years to generate a couple of feet, so is really not sustainable.

[alctel]

Also - put sugar in the urine container. I put two packets in every time after I empty. It cuts down the odor when emptying by at least 90% - its extremely effective!

[bletso]

Originally Posted by alctel

Also please PLEASE use coconut coir and not peat moss. Peat moss is comes from extremely threatened habitats and takes 100 years to generate a couple of feet, so is really not sustainable.

You learn something new everyday. I never realized the origin of peat moss. I will be using coir from now on.

[smj]

Originally Posted by alctel

Also - put sugar in the urine container. I put two packets in every time after I empty. It cuts down the odor when emptying by at least 90% - its extremely effective!

Tried that and never worked for us. Could be the margaritas I drink:-)

[123jashe]

Don't use cedar shavings in a composter. They don't degrade.

[Mike OReilly]

I've heard from someone either here on on SN say they use dried leaves. Haven't tried this, but might.