Composting toilet: rules, regulations, and "real life" use etc.?

[Mike OReilly]

Originally Posted by RainDog

It is a lot easier to justify when your wife gives you an ultimatum

...

Ah... Wiser words were never spoken ;-)

Sounds like an interesting, and very doable project. Do keep us posted.

[Copacabana]

Originally Posted by RainDog

It is a lot easier to justify when your wife gives you an ultimatum

My wish list so far:

- the liquid storage container can be easily lifted out of the boat and carried by one person (prob 5-gallon jerry can)
.

You've just described the urine container that comes with the Nature's Head composting toilet!

Raindog, I would suggest you try out the composter for a while before you make any modifications. I think you'll find that these so-called "problems" are not problems at all.

[hellosailor]

Dunno, Mike. I was just trying to help a friend avoid a quagmire [pun intended] when I found some Colorado rules.

Sometimes I start to wonder if an Incinolet mightn't be worth all the effort it would take to feed its power needs. What a bear can do in the woods, shouldn't be such a problem for people.

[john61ct]

Can't see that holding up when diapers and dog poo bags are regularly being tossed.

[davil]

Originally Posted by RainDog

It is a lot easier to justify when your wife gives you an ultimatum

My wish list so far:

I am also considering just running the liquids to the holding tank, but that involves a long run of tubing and, most likely, a pump. I still might go this route for simplicity.

=======================================
just a thought,
part of the smelling hoses on the holding tanks systems can be attributed to the urine component,when the hoses going to the holding tank start to loose the integrity urine crystals seem to be part of the offensive odors.
That is why ruled out using the tank.
on the bladder option need to do some more research as to how "smell tight" they are.

[RainDog]

Originally Posted by Copacabana

You've just described the urine container that comes with the Nature's Head composting toilet!

Raindog, I would suggest you try out the composter for a while before you make any modifications. I think you'll find that these so-called "problems" are not problems at all.

Two differences: 1) Natures head bottle is only 2 gallons and 2) Natures head is $1000 my homemade composter is about 1/4 of that.

[Mike OReilly]

Originally Posted by hellosailor

Dunno, Mike. I was just trying to help a friend avoid a quagmire [pun intended] when I found some Colorado rules.



Sometimes I start to wonder if an Incinolet mightn't be worth all the effort it would take to feed its power needs. What a bear can do in the woods, shouldn't be such a problem for people.

I get it ... laws are written to address the lowest common denominator. I wouldn't be surprised if similar laws or regs exist in many jurisdictions. In Ontario, where I spent the last six years with my composter, the strict letter of the law says they are illegal.

There's the law, and then there's rationality. The two don't necessarily overlap.

[RainDog]

Originally Posted by davil

=======================================
just a thought,
part of the smelling hoses on the holding tanks systems can be attributed to the urine component,when the hoses going to the holding tank start to loose the integrity urine crystals seem to be part of the offensive odors.
That is why ruled out using the tank.
on the bladder option need to do some more research as to how "smell tight" they are.

The main difference to me is that if you are only pushing liquids through the hose, you can use 1/4 inch urinary tubing from the medical supply store and replace it every six months for a couple of dollars.

[newhaul]

Originally Posted by davil

=======================================
just a thought,
part of the smelling hoses on the holding tanks systems can be attributed to the urine component,when the hoses going to the holding tank start to loose the integrity urine crystals seem to be part of the offensive odors.
That is why ruled out using the tank.
on the bladder option need to do some more research as to how "smell tight" they are.

teaspoon or two of sugar takes care of the urine smell.just put it in after you empty the jug .
I do it every time and no smell.

[CGirvan]

Originally Posted by davil

on the issue of urine,toying with the idea of diverting to a small container,bladder? and then pump out using either of the now extra valves now I have from old head.
I believe there are 5 gallons tanks? bladder?or could be any suitable little tank connected to the regular provided?

I think it was mentioned earlier in this thread but probably worth repeating. Doing this mod changes the status of the composting head from a portable to a fixed head which I think negates one of the advantages of having a composting head.

[davil]

Originally Posted by CGirvan

I think it was mentioned earlier in this thread but probably worth repeating. Doing this mod changes the status of the composting head from a portable to a fixed head which I think negates one of the advantages of having a composting head.

Actually respectfully disagree,nothing really changes except when the urine container is full a simple hand pump attached and using the old intake not longer and placed right there ,8 inches away from the "throne"used takes care of the urine instead of having to carry the jug,but each one its own and whatever works for you great,I am very unsteady and prefer to pump it right there than taking it overboard.
Again,each one its own.
take care

[newhaul]

Originally Posted by CGirvan

I think it was mentioned earlier in this thread but probably worth repeating. Doing this mod changes the status of the composting head from a portable to a fixed head which I think negates one of the advantages of having a composting head.

Not necessarily it would take a long time to fill a 15 to 20 gallon holding tank with urine. Also if you use a small transfer pump like an oil change pump you could empty it into 5 gallon containers quite easily for shore side disposal .
But yes it would negate the recovering of the storage area taken by the tank.
If done to a 5 or so gallon bladder taking then you would have something going.

[newhaul]

Originally Posted by davil

Actually respectfully disagree,nothing really changes except when the urine container is full a simple hand pump attached and using the old intake not longer and placed right there ,8 inches away from the "throne"used takes care of the urine instead of having to carry the jug,but each one its own and whatever works for you great,I am very unsteady and prefer to pump it right there than taking it overboard.
Again,each one its own.
take care

issue is you can't always just pump it over the side.

[davil]

Originally Posted by newhaul

Not necessarily it would take a long time to fill a 15 to 20 gallon holding tank with urine. Also if you use a small transfer pump like an oil change pump you could empty it into 5 gallon containers quite easily for shore side disposal .
But yes it would negate the recovering of the storage area taken by the tank.
If done to a 5 or so gallon bladder taking then you would have something going.

======================================

to clarify,am not talking about a holding tank as we have traditionally known,if and that is a big if,can find a small may be 5-10 gallons little bladder just seating right by the old valve I think will work (for me)
the bladder will empty using the old thru hull under the water line,and if cannot be empty over the side same apply to pumping out,I am not about breaking the rules of a particular local area.
If am in a non discharge area,not matter what system been used,is a big NO.

[CGirvan]

Originally Posted by davil

Actually respectfully disagree,nothing really changes except when the urine container is full a simple hand pump attached and using the old intake not longer and placed right there ,8 inches away from the "throne"used takes care of the urine instead of having to carry the jug,but each one its own and whatever works for you great,I am very unsteady and prefer to pump it right there than taking it overboard.
Again,each one its own.
take care

I would like to think you are correct. I don't have the regulations in front of me but I thought that the reason the composting head fell under the status that it does is because it doesn't have any permanent outputs to thruhulls.