Composting toilets in the North

[Folie]

Hi all---

We cruise at 61 N Lat . (Seward, Alaska).

Will composting toilets perform in cold country? In summers we get temps of 45 to 80 F, usually less than 65 F

In winter it is cold-- but wont be using the head then anyways, at least we haven't yet.

Thanks for your help--- Rick

[TeddyDiver]

Originally Posted by Folie

Hi all---

We cruise at 61 N Lat . (Seward, Alaska).

Will composting toilets perform in cold country? In summers we get temps of 45 to 80 F, usually less than 65 F

In winter it is cold-- but wont be using the head then anyways, at least we haven't yet.

Thanks for your help--- Rick

Compost creates heat, some insulation over and it keeps ticking in colder than that. Thou remember it needs fuel so use it regularly.

[jaybird1111]

They're called 'composting' toilets, but in all honesty, they are DESICCATING toilets.

I'd think that they would work even better, as the humidity tends to be low up in your neck, right?

[laika]

No worries I'd think.

It's more "pre-composting" than composting, at least when used and cleaned out regularly. The important thing is to keep the solids and liquids seperated and to keep the solids dry.

I saw some mold start to grow in mine when I added too much water to the coconut coir starter mix. Just had to add more coir to balance it out. Bought 2 compressed bricks of coir which should last the boat a long long time..Amazon.com : Planters Pride RZP3041 11-Pound Beats Peat : Beets Peat : Patio, Lawn & Garden

If you're going to use it regularly, most recommend some kind of ventilation system.

You have to sit and piss unless you rig a urinal type device into it somehow. But not hard to get used to and keeps the head area much cleaner in the end.

All in all it's a great system. Absolutely zero smell and dead simple. Would never go back.

[Folie]

Great folks-- thanks a lot.

And is far as 'liquids' go-- I think a sawed off milk jug (Or up here- a pink antifreeze jug) works best!!

Later--- Rick

[jheldatksuedu]

Some are composting and some are desiccating, a composting toilet will have 2 containers and the full one just removed, sealed and stored on board full will continue to compost while the other is getting full, it takes at least 6 months to compost, they do make their own heat and will work up north if insulated. With most composting toilets you add a little fibrous matter and such with each use and the urine is diverted to a separate container. The urine is sterile and can be disposed of. Pace picante sauce jugs work excellent and can be sealed between use. Something about the plastic or the previous sauce seems to keep them smelling better than other plastic jugs.

[Roniszoro]

Composting Heads at all.? Depends if you are single. A buddy of mine has one. He goes out on dates, and everything goes great until he brings the lass to the boat. Once she sees the head...it is the last date they have! End of story.

[jheldatksuedu]

Originally Posted by Roniszoro

Composting Heads at all.? Depends if you are single. A buddy of mine has one. He goes out on dates, and everything goes great until he brings the lass to the boat. Once she sees the head...it is the last date they have! End of story.

He is obviously either not bringing the right women back to the boat or his toilet is very makeshift. I'll admit a true composting toilet is not for everybody, but neither is sailing or backpacking, or even a standard marine hand pump head.

[alctel]

Originally Posted by Roniszoro

Composting Heads at all.? Depends if you are single. A buddy of mine has one. He goes out on dates, and everything goes great until he brings the lass to the boat. Once she sees the head...it is the last date they have! End of story.

I've cycled a number of ladies through my boat, and not one of them had any problem with it. He needs to date different people!

Or clean his bathroom better

[zengirl]

Not to interrupt thread, but on same note... is it possible to use disposable wipes with the compost heads? I know it sounds silly, but I like them better than TP.

[Roniszoro]

Originally Posted by alctel

I've cycled a number of ladies through my boat, and not one of them had any problem with it. He needs to date different people!

Or clean his bathroom better

Maybe he has a weakness for different kinds of women than you do. ;-)

[Scout 30]

You can contact Sandy directly with any questions. He's very helpful.


C-Head portable composting toilets


I think in the future people will look back & be astounded that anyone chose to suffer the complexities of holding tanks, electric toilets, chemicals, plumbing & pump outs. Laws making pumping directly overboard illegal have sounded the death knell for flushing toilets on boats.

[jkindredpdx]

I use a urine separating composter in Oregon year round... I say compost because I have two poop containers. 3 gal buckets, secondary bucket has a Gamma Seal screw on lid with PVC pipe screened vent to keep bugs out. Separett Privy lets me stand to pee. BTW, my GF is ok with using the composting head.

[zengirl]

Justin case anyone else is interested, I inquired about disposable wipes and here is the reply:

Thanks for your interest in the C-Head. I don't see any problem with using the wipes. Putting wipes or tp inside the head will cause it to fill up faster though. If you plan on dumping off shore, it might be more unsightly but that is a personal call. Only a minimal amount of composting takes place in any of the portable composting toilets. You will need to compost the waste further in a composting bin if you don't want to just discard it. Hope this is helpful.