So, considering one of these, when i see it i think state park toilets and the horrible smell associated with them. Do these stink when you lift the lid like those do at lakes, state parks, etc?
No. Assuming you are using it correctly, it has no smell whatsoever. The only thing that can smell is the effluent, if it gets backed up, but with proper draining and periodic cleaning, this should not happen.
So while you are waiting for the solids to dry out during the cleaning process, are you still able to use the toilet while you wait? This would be the only toilet.
Yes. in fact, with so few solids, I can just leave it there for the next three or four months until I do another clean out. That particular procedure is not recommended by Sunmar, it’s just something I do to make sure the effluent tube does not get clogged.
Great video Thanks. I have the same toilet since 2012. I've only used SunMar compost. Is there a more economical material I can use? Wood shavings? Peat moss? Thanks again for the great video. Following
I only used the Sunmar compost when I first bought the toilet. The cost of shipping more bags was outrageous, in excess of $50 per bag. I started using wood shavings from my planer after the first two bags ran out, and the wood shavings are great (and free for me). No peat Moss, but I do know that can be used in combination with wood shavings if you choose.
I make my own apple vinegar to cook with, but also to clean my house (or rooms). The vinegar is is great for cleaning and it adds a good fragrance. Why don't you use something like that for the toilets. I don't think it would interfere with the composting because it is a fermented product that is "kind of" composted itself. It is like kombucha which I also use to clean when it has gone too far and turned to vinegar.
Raw apple cider vinegar is actually our primary cleaning agent around the house. And certainly it could be used similar to the bleach wipes to wipe down the exterior and around the toilets. However, vinegar makes a good cleaning agent because of its antibacterial properties. It would destroy the composting process. So it cannot be used or sprayed inside the toilet.
Excel NE: I don't understand why the tray is so small. Like you said, if the drum is half full, you'll have to do 5 or 6 tray loads out. That doesn't allow the drying process to occur and you are unloading wet poop. They should have made the tray larger. Defeats the purpose of composting. Also, the tray loads too high on the left side and when you remove it, the poop rolls out on the floor. Finally, the poop smears all over the outside of the drum. There are so many design problems that would be an easy fix. $2 Grand for this product! I wish I would have stayed with the bucket method. Typical engineering. Those engineers only look at the blueprints and specs, but never get into the practicality of actually using the product. I totally regret the purchase. Now what do I do with this monstrosity?
Thanks for the input, I want people to see the good and the bad. The clean out tray is undersized, but I think it’s because they were trying to make a small unit for small cabins. I myself have tried to think how that problem could be solved. If they added another 6 inches, they could potentially allow that drawer to go under the evaporation chamber. That could increase the holding capacity approximately 5 times and allow for drying. That would be one trip outside with a significantly lighter load.
This product is awesome! Have to convince my wife...we were using compost bucket but now back to flushing 😢
So, considering one of these, when i see it i think state park toilets and the horrible smell associated with them. Do these stink when you lift the lid like those do at lakes, state parks, etc?
No. Assuming you are using it correctly, it has no smell whatsoever. The only thing that can smell is the effluent, if it gets backed up, but with proper draining and periodic cleaning, this should not happen.
So while you are waiting for the solids to dry out during the cleaning process, are you still able to use the toilet while you wait? This would be the only toilet.
Yes. in fact, with so few solids, I can just leave it there for the next three or four months until I do another clean out. That particular procedure is not recommended by Sunmar, it’s just something I do to make sure the effluent tube does not get clogged.
Great video
Thanks. I have the same toilet since 2012. I've only used SunMar compost. Is there a more economical material I can use? Wood shavings? Peat moss? Thanks again for the great video.
Following
I only used the Sunmar compost when I first bought the toilet. The cost of shipping more bags was outrageous, in excess of $50 per bag. I started using wood shavings from my planer after the first two bags ran out, and the wood shavings are great (and free for me). No peat Moss, but I do know that can be used in combination with wood shavings if you choose.
I make my own apple vinegar to cook with, but also to clean my house (or rooms). The vinegar is is great for cleaning and it adds a good fragrance. Why don't you use something like that for the toilets. I don't think it would interfere with the composting because it is a fermented product that is "kind of" composted itself. It is like kombucha which I also use to clean when it has gone too far and turned to vinegar.
Raw apple cider vinegar is actually our primary cleaning agent around the house. And certainly it could be used similar to the bleach wipes to wipe down the exterior and around the toilets. However, vinegar makes a good cleaning agent because of its antibacterial properties. It would destroy the composting process. So it cannot be used or sprayed inside the toilet.
Excel NE: I don't understand why the tray is so small. Like you said, if the drum is half full, you'll have to do 5 or 6 tray loads out. That doesn't allow the drying process to occur and you are unloading wet poop. They should have made the tray larger. Defeats the purpose of composting. Also, the tray loads too high on the left side and when you remove it, the poop rolls out on the floor. Finally, the poop smears all over the outside of the drum. There are so many design problems that would be an easy fix. $2 Grand for this product! I wish I would have stayed with the bucket method. Typical engineering. Those engineers only look at the blueprints and specs, but never get into the practicality of actually using the product. I totally regret the purchase. Now what do I do with this monstrosity?
Thanks for the input, I want people to see the good and the bad. The clean out tray is undersized, but I think it’s because they were trying to make a small unit for small cabins. I myself have tried to think how that problem could be solved. If they added another 6 inches, they could potentially allow that drawer to go under the evaporation chamber. That could increase the holding capacity approximately 5 times and allow for drying. That would be one trip outside with a significantly lighter load.