Composting Toilets??

big rockpile · #1 04/15/06, 07:13 AM

Do any of you use these Toilets and what do you think of them? Ever have any problems?

http://www.envirolet.com/selsys.html

big rockpile

Steph in MT · #2 04/15/06, 07:32 AM

Got one... hate it hate it hate it! Did I mention that I hate it? It basically just doesn't compost effectively(okay, not at all...). We got one for 4-6 people full time use with electric fan and heater and it's just my husband and I using it. (and I know we're not THAT full of ****.) We have done everything by the book- using their compost accelerator and agitating the bar frequently. My husband now just empties it every few months through the seat opening. Not a nice job... Also when only a month old one of the interior screws that attaches the agitator tray to the toilet disappeared and it leaked through the screw hole until I figured out what the problem was. My husband's hands couldn't fit in the cramped little spot where the screw belonged so I got to replace the screw and washer myself. I called Envirolet and asked them to replace the toilet as it was only a month old and I feared we had a lemon. She assured me it was a rare occurance and offered to send some new screws, nots and washers right out. Over a month later I received an envelope containing just a washer- the screw and nut disappeared somewhere along the way through a hole in the envelope.
It also smells like urine outside when the wind isn't blowing. The only good thing I can say about it is that there is absolutely no smell inside the house.
Maybe their are other pre-made composting toilets on the market that are better but I sure wish we would've spent the $1300 on something else for all the hassle it has been and will continue to be. Could've bought a lot of sawdust and buckets with it...
Take care~
Steph

QBVII · #3 04/15/06, 08:26 AM

You probably would have made a more efficient model yourself, with the buckets.
Most people who have them swear by them.

That is on my "to-do" list when we get homesteadin' back in KY/TN.

Obser · #4 04/15/06, 09:45 AM

An alternative might be the "sawdust toilet" that costs only a few dollars. Many people seem very pleased with them. An Internet search for that term will yield lots of information (though I have no personal information).

FreightTrain · #5 04/15/06, 10:09 AM

if you have one, try to P in the woods... an throw a handfull of mulch or leaves in between uses

big rockpile · #6 04/15/06, 01:44 PM

Where we're thinking of this too many Regs.Thinking of just putting in a Holding Tank and having it pumped once a month now.Thats what most are doing up there now.

big rockpile

Obser · #7 04/15/06, 02:14 PM

Big rockpile, one who must use a holding tank (and if regulations allow in that location) might consider installing an RV toilet. They use very little water. If sink and shower water can also be conserved (or used for watering plants -- often prohibited), a thousand gallon tank should last longer than a month (immaterial if pumping is mandated by law).

Our RV "black tank" (toilet only) is about fifty gallons and easily lasts two to three weeks before requiring emptying. The "gray water" tank (everything else) fills in half that time, but it is often possible to "water the trees and flowers".

0500 is a good time for watering in some situations.

donsgal · #8 04/15/06, 05:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by big rockpile

Do any of you use these Toilets and what do you think of them? Ever have any problems?

http://www.envirolet.com/selsys.html

big rockpile

We'll be getting a Sun Mar soon. Personally, I wanted a sawdust toilet, but dh says... "I'm the one that is going to be hauling the poo", and well, basically, he is right LOL (especially in the winter). So I have deferred to his wishes to get a composting toilet. Also, he thinks his "lah de dah" mother would freak out using a sawdust toilet when she comes to visit a couple of times a year.

But since at first we will only have one toilet (until we build a small addition in the fall), I am pushing to have a sawdust toilet outside so that when both of us have to go at the same time (which frequently happens), we will have an option.

Anyway, I have heard mixed reviews on composters. Glad we didn't go with envirolet though, sounds like they aren't made too well.

Another one you might want to look at is incinolet which burns the poo to ashes rather than composting.

donsgal

Mountaineer · #9 04/15/06, 05:44 PM

Regarding zoning issues- just don't tell anybody. Nobody would ever guess. Another sawdust issue however would be guests. Nobody has ever heard of it, don't know how to use it etc etc. I just make guests over for beers go to the bushes... But thinking of getting a second one that is always clean and fancy enough for royalty.

QBVII · #10 04/15/06, 06:08 PM

Quote:

Regarding zoning issues- just don't tell anybody. Nobody would ever guess.

Agreed - why stir up a hornet's nest? Most people say you cannot detect them, anyway......why ask for headaches....

FreightTrain · #11 04/16/06, 11:30 AM

http://www.compostingtoilet.org/

jnap31 · #12 04/16/06, 11:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Obser

0500 is a good time for watering in some situations.

Not in army boot camp had a drill sgt run up to me from no where boy was that embarrasing.

ihedrick · #13 04/16/06, 11:46 AM

When folks are saying sawdust; is that to mean stuff like pine shavings? Or is it the actual powdery stuff?

gypsymama · #14 04/16/06, 11:57 AM

We don't have a manufactured one, but I did respond to the other thread about composting toilets if you want an idea of what we use.

FreightTrain · #15 04/16/06, 12:08 PM

i'm looking at building a privy using buckets in the throne.. then composting it out in a set of homemade bins,.. seems the most practical.. here is a link for instructions on composting humanore

http://www.jenkinspublishing.com/bucket.html

sisterpine · #16 04/16/06, 01:11 PM

We have a biolet delux compost toilet with electric mixer and fan and heater that is being hated as well. This one was 1600.00 too! It is meant for 3 full time people and DH and I are the only ones using it and we both work away from the stead 4-6 days per week. Still we have problems with excess liquid. We have also tried absolutely everything in the book as well as everything the biolet techs have suggested- nothing worked. I actually accused them of false advertisment and the guy told me that they have many many in service that are working fine and that I must just be doing something wrong. I sure am doing something wrong, I am using the thing! Any way it is what we have and we make every effort to get along with it. I empty the excess liquid weekly (oh joy) and then I usually end up doing the dirty empty deed every 3-4 weeks. Getting used to that too. Also NO odor in the house at all. Stick with the buckets or get a large ourside unit from someplace if you can set it below the level of the inside potty. I heard those work well.

Tabitha · #17 04/16/06, 08:31 PM

my money is on the sawdust toilet. Heck, what is there to not know how to use it? you use it like any other toilet, sit down and do your thing. the only difference is that you do not waste good water and that you put in a scoop of sawdust instead. My husband was not keen on it, but now he likes it fine, and our daughter totally changed her mind after she used it. Remember, you can make it as attractive as you like. I painted mine fancy, with mousees and butterflies and flowers, and a big tree of life right under the throne, for my grandson from the big city. yup, he loved it. Especially the sawdust. get a dolly to trundle the bucket out to the compost bin. no sweat, I figure I carry the groceries into the house, I can carry what is left of them out, too.