Frequently Asked Questions About Composting Toilets

Frequently Asked Questions

How Does the Toilet Work?

The self contained units (Excel, Compact, Space Saver, EcoLet) are truly self contained. With the electric models there is a small fan that runs to circulate the air through the toilet to help evaporate the liquids. The waste goes into the bio drum which allows the solids to compost in an aerobic (oxygenated) environment. Liquids that go into the bio drum go through a screen at the back of the drum into an evaporation pan located at the bottom of the toilet. A heater at the bottom of the pan helps to evaporate liquids as well.

In the bio drum is a peat moss/hemp fiber compost mix that you add at start up. When you defecate into the toilet you use a cup of the peat moss mix after using toilet paper. This is not required for urination.

When the bio drum starts to fill near the bttom of the trap door (1/2 to 1 inch) you turn the bio drum crank in the opposite direction (after releasing the lock) and empty some of the contents into the finishing drawer located at the bottom of the toilet. In several weeks you remove the finishing drawer content and bury it around your trees or flowers. It does not have an odor.

How Often Do You Mix the Compost?

We turn the handle that rotates the biodrum about once a week for about 6-7 turns. With continuous usage you may need to turn every other day or so. They key is to turn the drum so that you can mix the compost and maintain an aerobic (oxygenated) versus anaerobic environment. An anaerobic compost will produce odors.

What Can Go Into the Toilet?

Only what comes out of your body and toilet paper. Other paper, food, feminine supplies need to go in the trash can. Special toilet paper is not required.

Can You See What is in the Toilet?

The rim and bio drum are black so the contents you may not want to see are in a dark area. Only if you shine a flash light will you really see what's in the toilet. If you do not want to see the inside get a central processing system with a water flush toilet. For proper maintenance you will need to shine your flash light to check that the compost is moist if the toilet does not get used daily. Water may need to be added. Dry compost can bring small flies in some instances. If small flies are present in the drum or evaporating chamber we spray some earth friendly bug spray into the area.

Does The Bacteria Always Work?

In the winter months if you toilet is in a non heated area the beneficial bacteria will hibernate and the composting process will stop. This is not bad except that you will have to wait longer for the compost to mature. Rooms with temperatures below 60 degrees F should be heated if you want to use the toilet. This is normally not a problem in a cabin or home.

Are They Difficult To Install?

Each toilet comes with what you need. The vent piping, flashing, connections are included as well as a bag of the peat moss mix and bacteria. The self contained units sit on the floor and plug into a regular outlet. The vent kit goes through the wall or ceiling which requires some carpentry.

Is There Any Maintenance?

We use the Compact model at our bed and breakfast and have found that maintenance is minimal. Every six to eight months we clean out the evaporating chamber (picture above) located on the bottom of the unit. This pan is where the urine goes to evaporate. After 6-8 months we notice that the pan develops a crusty buildup and also shows some peat moss that has fallen through the screen on the back of the bio drum. The peat moss can be raked out with the small rake that comes with the toilet. We installed a flexible section in the vent pipe to easily disconnect the vent from the toilet. We move the toilet to the outside, add some soapy water to the chamber and let it sit for a few hours to loosen the crusty residue. Then we hose it out and drain the soapy water through the plugs on the back of the unit. It's easy to do and is part of our maintenance program. If your drain plugs are always connected you probably could do this procedure (adding the soapy water) without removing the toilet.

There is nothing else we do in terms of maintenance except keeping an eye on the moisture level of the compost that was noted earlier.

Are Composting Toilets Legal in My State?

Visit the county health department in your area to make totally sure. Many areas allow privies or outhouses and a composting toilet is a much more sanitary alternative. Also visit State Regulations for a listing of applicable codes/contact agencies.

Sun Mar Composting Toilets
home Reasons to Use a Composting Toilet? Why Sun Mar Composting Toilets? Composting Toilets to Fit Your Needs How to Order/Pricing Sun Mar Web Site Model Selection Tool State Regulations Greywater Systems For Disposal/Reuse of Laundry, Sink & Bath Water	Frequently Asked Questions How Does the Toilet Work? The self contained units (Excel, Compact, Space Saver, EcoLet) are truly self contained. With the electric models there is a small fan that runs to circulate the air through the toilet to help evaporate the liquids. The waste goes into the bio drum which allows the solids to compost in an aerobic (oxygenated) environment. Liquids that go into the bio drum go through a screen at the back of the drum into an evaporation pan located at the bottom of the toilet. A heater at the bottom of the pan helps to evaporate liquids as well. In the bio drum is a peat moss/hemp fiber compost mix that you add at start up. When you defecate into the toilet you use a cup of the peat moss mix after using toilet paper. This is not required for urination. When the bio drum starts to fill near the bttom of the trap door (1/2 to 1 inch) you turn the bio drum crank in the opposite direction (after releasing the lock) and empty some of the contents into the finishing drawer located at the bottom of the toilet. In several weeks you remove the finishing drawer content and bury it around your trees or flowers. It does not have an odor. How Often Do You Mix the Compost? We turn the handle that rotates the biodrum about once a week for about 6-7 turns. With continuous usage you may need to turn every other day or so. They key is to turn the drum so that you can mix the compost and maintain an aerobic (oxygenated) versus anaerobic environment. An anaerobic compost will produce odors. What Can Go Into the Toilet? Only what comes out of your body and toilet paper. Other paper, food, feminine supplies need to go in the trash can. Special toilet paper is not required. Can You See What is in the Toilet? The rim and bio drum are black so the contents you may not want to see are in a dark area. Only if you shine a flash light will you really see what's in the toilet. If you do not want to see the inside get a central processing system with a water flush toilet. For proper maintenance you will need to shine your flash light to check that the compost is moist if the toilet does not get used daily. Water may need to be added. Dry compost can bring small flies in some instances. If small flies are present in the drum or evaporating chamber we spray some earth friendly bug spray into the area. Does The Bacteria Always Work? In the winter months if you toilet is in a non heated area the beneficial bacteria will hibernate and the composting process will stop. This is not bad except that you will have to wait longer for the compost to mature. Rooms with temperatures below 60 degrees F should be heated if you want to use the toilet. This is normally not a problem in a cabin or home. Are They Difficult To Install? Each toilet comes with what you need. The vent piping, flashing, connections are included as well as a bag of the peat moss mix and bacteria. The self contained units sit on the floor and plug into a regular outlet. The vent kit goes through the wall or ceiling which requires some carpentry. Is There Any Maintenance? We use the Compact model at our bed and breakfast and have found that maintenance is minimal. Every six to eight months we clean out the evaporating chamber (picture above) located on the bottom of the unit. This pan is where the urine goes to evaporate. After 6-8 months we notice that the pan develops a crusty buildup and also shows some peat moss that has fallen through the screen on the back of the bio drum. The peat moss can be raked out with the small rake that comes with the toilet. We installed a flexible section in the vent pipe to easily disconnect the vent from the toilet. We move the toilet to the outside, add some soapy water to the chamber and let it sit for a few hours to loosen the crusty residue. Then we hose it out and drain the soapy water through the plugs on the back of the unit. It's easy to do and is part of our maintenance program. If your drain plugs are always connected you probably could do this procedure (adding the soapy water) without removing the toilet. There is nothing else we do in terms of maintenance except keeping an eye on the moisture level of the compost that was noted earlier. Are Composting Toilets Legal in My State? Visit the county health department in your area to make totally sure. Many areas allow privies or outhouses and a composting toilet is a much more sanitary alternative. Also visit State Regulations for a listing of applicable codes/contact agencies.
	Independent Sun-Mar Dealer: 6463 Highway 19 North, Dahlonega, GA 30533 (706) 867-9446