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Old 07-07-2009, 07:09   #1
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Dry Composting Head - Installed and in Use

Well we have gone and done it! After much research and concern, we have purchased a "Natures Head", Dry Composting head system.

The unit was quick and easy to fit ( so easy I was convinced that I had missed a bit out), just assemble it, bolt it down, put the peat in, connect up the air pipe and that was it.

It does not smell, it is almost silent in use, Nita (My Wife) approves of it.

It is possible that the urine tank could be bigger, only holds 2.2 gallons so needs to be emptied each morning, but this only takes a few seconds.
No discharge overboard, no fouling of the environment, no holding tank with gallons of effluent swilling around inside our home. No pipes to clog with calcium, and no sea cock to leak.

That is it, we are convinced!

Simon
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Old 07-07-2009, 08:35   #2
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I went to the web site and read the owners manual. It sounds like it still produces some waste that needs to be disposed of. How do you plan to dispose of the waste on long trips? Will you store it until your return or dispose of it at sea? I have used composting toilets in Belize and was surprised at the lack of odor.
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Old 07-07-2009, 09:49   #3
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How, and where, are you intending to empty the fluids tank???
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Old 08-07-2009, 04:43   #4
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Disposal of effluent (spelling?)

Good question, the compost left over will be disposed of into the local authority comp[ost system. Here in the UK local authorities provide composting services for garden waste and are happy to accept this.
The liquid waste will be tipped overboard as it is essentally a sterile liquid with little or no protines or fats. or you could empty it down the nearest shore based toilet system.

On long off shore passages the waste will be either held on board in bin liners as composted wast or disposed of overboard.

Any of the above is better than the disposal of "live" waste into the environment.

We know that tbhis is not perfect, but it is better than almost any other option.

Hope that this helps

Simes
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Old 08-07-2009, 05:40   #5
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I've got to compliment you for doing your bit to keep the Solent clean but it kind of pales into insignificance when a cruise liner leaves Southampton on a Saturday and all 4,000 passengers go to the loo before joining the Captain for dinner..........
So well done even if I'm not sure it will improve the water quality.
JOHN
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Old 08-07-2009, 07:49   #6
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i believe i read that cruise ships are now required to have on board processing systems for all effluent waste, they can no longer just dump overboard as in days past.
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Old 08-07-2009, 08:05   #7
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Congratulations on your installation. I and I am sure many others would be interested in regular updates as to how its performing.

Regards

Alan
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Old 08-07-2009, 09:37   #8
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Great to hear that someone actuallly is trying it as opposed to pontificating about the potential problems with it! Keep us updated on how it actually works out long term!
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Old 07-08-2009, 15:05   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mike d. View Post
i believe i read that cruise ships are now required to have on board processing systems for all effluent waste, they can no longer just dump overboard as in days past.
Thats right mike! All ships have a sewage treatment plant wich cleans the stuff before it goes to sea. The remains of the sewage (after cleaning) will go to a holdingtank when the ship is close to shore, and be pumped overboard when the ship is at sea.
This is a part of MARPOL and thereby international rules.
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Old 07-08-2009, 15:19   #10
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Yes please keep us posted as to the operations and possible problems. I would be interested in making the same change. One less hole in the bottom of the boat.
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