Ralph,
Good to hear it is working out for you! I think composting toilets are just great.
Sarafina and Gmac,
A couple things to add from our experience.
Cleanliness:
First, we keep a spray bottle of vinegar and water (about 2:1 water to vinegar) and lightly mist the bowl after each use as it prevents any crystalization of urine. A light misting doesn't add anything to the urine tank, either, but keeps the unit smell-free. Also, and more on this in a bit, if you choose not to use filters to "catch" solids, you should have a bristle brush or wipes nearby just in case some of the solid is off target.
Urine/Solid Separation:
As for solid/fluid separation, there is a trap-door that covers the solids tank. This little door acts as a diverter for fluid, so while everyone knows a real sailor sits, it does render most of the toilet's bowl a reasonable target for the standing man. Geoff includes a little
photo of the bowl with a few X's over the places that are optimal targets for low-splash, too.
If one is using a coffee filter, solid and liquid can be distributed at any time. If, however, one chooses to fly solo and not use a filter, liquid must be distributed before the trap door is opened. Once, #1 is complete, open the door and commence step #2. I prefer to skip the filter as there were several occasions where I opened the trap door and the filter didn't want to drop, requiring a "push stick". We keep a stick nearby (the same bristle brush mentioned above) for aiding toilet paper (which is sometimes an odd shape). 90% of the time all works out unassisted though.
Second Composting Bucket:
The secondary composting bucket does not need to be vented. In fact, the only reason the Airhead is vented is to keep any smells from settling in the
boat. The negative pressure ensures any smell flows out. A fully sealed
environment is really best for composting as it ensures enough moisture is retained for proper composting material, and that enough heat can build up. A sealed bucket will compost considerably faster than the vented unit, too. I think something along the lines of fully composted in a month and a half.
Toilet Paper:
We haven't had any trouble with disposing TP used for #2 right in the bowl; it composts just the same, but we use
single ply and keep it minimal. I wouldn't want to test using quad ply, lotion impregnated Charmin, even though the bear is pretty cute.
Also, ladies only dispensing #1 are asked to put the TP in a separate trash can as, three or four #1 uses of TP per day by a lady can add a lot of paper to the tank.
Lastly, while this all may sound like a lot of "buts", consider that after the first bit of instruction, it's not tough at all. However, keep in mind that you'll have to explain the Airhead's use to new passengers, and it will be necessary to explain the solid/liquid separation and stuff. Everyone who has been on my
boat finds it to be pretty easy and cool.
Just like educating someone on the use of a wet-head.
Cheers!
Aaron
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