Having used composting toilets in the past and a dislike of chemicals we looked at options suitable for our new caravan. We decided on the Nature's Head product after watching reviews and reading other people's feedback. We had to approach JB Caravans during the build process through our NZ agent Ashley at D&E Outdoors in Ashburton to see if they would install it. JB agreed and have done a fantastic job with the installation especially considering this is not something they usually do
The toilet needs to be pre-charged with a high carbon based medium of which we use Coir Briquettes. These are readily available from Bunnings Stores. The coir briquettes are highly compressed and need to be re-hydrated by soaking with water. Composting is achieved by aerobic bacteria and when the pile is regularly turned over the oxygen in the air introduced to the composting bin by the fan allows the bacteria to work efficiently. Mixing the faeces with the high carbon medium breaks the faeces up and allows the bacteria to work. This is the reason that the Nature’s Head toilet doesn’t smell bad when working efficiently. If oxygen is excluded the anaerobic bacteria will thrive and produce an unpleasant smell.
The toilet is designed to separate the solids from the liquids. It has a gate or door that when closed directs the liquid waste into the front tank. When the door is open the solids pass through to the lower main tank. When seated on the toilet (male or female) the liquids naturally are aimed towards the front collection area and the solids are directed straight down into the main tank. When using it for peeing we spray a some Urine Digester which breaks down and digests organic waste and odour on hard surfaces. It contains strains of natural bacteria, enzymes and odour counteractant, no harsh solvents or chemicals and is effective at removing the odour source rather than masking it. We use the cucumber melon fragrance which is very pleasant.
To reduce how much toilet paper we add to the system as this in turn reduces how often we need to empty it. We only add the first one or two wipes of toilet paper into the toilet then any subsequent paper goes into our composting bag lined rubbish bin. We discovered this amazing product which also reduces how much toilet paper you need to use. Check out Cheeky Clean for smooth, satisfying and sustainable wiping. It’s a toilet paper spray made from all-natural ingredients and is gentle on your bits and easy on the earth. It’s simple to use, just take your regular toilet paper, spray it with Cheeky Clean – once, twice, thrice and glide the moistened paper over your delicate tush.
Ventilation of the composting chamber is via a small 12 volt fan that runs 24/7 which you cannot hear. Air is sucked in one side of the toilet and is exhausted via a tube which has been installed in a corner bedroom cupboard and is covered with a louvered grill on the exterior wall. of the caravan.
After having used our caravan for 19 days we have not emptied the main solids bin at all and expect it to last at least another three to four weeks. The urine container fills up to half way for a three day trip at which point we empty and wash it. We would expect to get 4 - 5 days of constant use out of it before it is full.
Once the main composting bin is full it is a matter of removing it from the caravan by unlocking two securing screws. It can then be emptied into a rubbish bag (double bag recommended) for disposal at a refuse station or it can be put into a home composting bin for further composting and then used on flower garden beds.
Watch this space for some videos in the future.
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