Composting Toilet Update
So several asked for updates on the homemade composting toilet. I have to say I am really, really pleased with it!
It has not been without its learning curve but I’m a fan. The first issue we had was when somebody put the lid back on without making sure the funnel lined up with the milk jug. This caused a bit of a flood the next time it got used. Spill #1.
The second issue was with overflow. This has happened twice (spills #2 and #3) and will not happen again. I didn’t put in the sight gauge that the C-head has and I’ve paid the price. I fixed that this morning by cutting a slot in the front of the outer container so you can see the urine level. Turns out two adults and two kids per more than a gallon a day. I guess I should have known that, but nothing like learning science by doing
On the #2 side of things...this thing is AWESOME! I emptied it for the first time today a week into our trip. I think I started with too much sawdust in it. I think we could ha e kept going but there was a free sawdust source right next to our campsite so why not. Emptying it was odorless and easy. It was last used probably 10 hrs before.
Not to be vulgar but let’s talk about smell. I have a confession to make...I know I’m probably the only one...but my poo stinks. Having a composting toilet doesn’t change that. So when you make a deposit, it’s gonna stink just like it does at home. However once you crank the handle and get the poo sawdust coated the smell dissipates. I just have a normal plastic toilet seat without any sort of gasket. However, when it’s closed and the handle is in there is very little odor. I never got to installing the vent and computer fan that I had planned on installing so I leave the exhaust fan in the bathroom on low. This has proved to be quite sufficient.
Anyways...I’m very pleased!