As requested, I’m updating our new compact toilet (and bathroom) in the upstairs bedroom. I’ll be simple and direct; I’m not used to writing about toilets, urination, and bowel movements.
But my rating is A plus. Everything works just as it is supposed to, and everything is simple and easy to do.
I’m writing about the toilet because there is a lot of interest, especially as water becomes more and more difficult to replenish in many communities and getting expensive to use in much of the country.
Our compost toilet is guaranteed to be odor-proof and self-contained. The only electricity is a plug that keeps the fan running for ventilation. It is silent but always running. The claims are all honest and trustworthy.
Today marks the third week of use. So far, we have only used the toilet for urinating; we don’t need it now for bowel movements. One idea is helping the environment; the other is reducing the danger of falling down our step farmhouse stairs at night if we have to use the bathroom.
It could also be used in an emergency for vomiting or diarrhea. I have learned there is no need to rush down the stairs in the dark, which is not a good idea. We live in an old farmhouse built before modern plumbing. Building a conventional bathroom is way beyond our budget.
We figured out the instructions quickly; they are clear and straightforward. Today, for the first time, we removed the plastic urine receptacle to empty it and clean it. There are some things to learn, so we had to pay attention at first.
It was simple and easy, as just about everything is with the toilet. You lift the seat, then reach down and slide out the urine container. No odor, no dripping. Apart from an emergency, we will only use the toilet for urination and safety. That may change.
The only thing we’ve put in the bowel acceptable is toilet paper, which, like waste, is absorbed by the moss at the bottom of the toilet. Cheap toilet paper is recommended; the expensive stuff doesn’t get absorbed as efficiently. The 50-50 water vinegar mix works perfectly and is easy to use in a spray bottle.
We both are using the urinal now at night. It could not be easier, there is no odor (we spray with water and vinegar) of any kind, and the knobs and levers we use are simple to reach and use without getting up. Men have to sit down on the toilet, not stand up. It’s easier for me to use than a conventional toilet.
If you need a new toilet or can’t afford to build one, I recommend this option without reservation. I’m sure they are not for everyone, but I was very skeptical and not any longer.
Maria and I have no complaints and have had no problems.
This makes excellent sense, both for personal and safety reasons, but also for the environment. These toilets have been in use for a while, especially for campers and people with RV’s. There are numerous reasons why they are gaining popularity now, and the technology is intelligent and effective.
You’ve come up with a clever non-plumbing toilet but it’s very expensive and may be out of many people’s financial reach. Also a power outage would stop the fan.
As a longtime RVer we’ve used a 5 gallon bucket with a comfortable toilet seat, a plastic bag and absorbent horse pellets; simple, cheap, and doesn’t smell. Peeing at night is done in male and female pee bottles with lids. We used this system on our boat as well. We’ve always tried to figure out simple, inexpensive systems with no parts that can break.
I do like your little private ‘closet’ with the reused door.
Thanks Hazel a valuable message. I’m afraid your method would not be feasible for me healthwise. I should also say I did not find the compost toilet to be awfully expensive, given what porcelain toilets also cost and plumbers. I think the toilet is very sensible and manageable but thanks for posting your solution it could be valuable to people. I should also mention that the ventilation for our regular toilet also stops when the power goes out we can just remove the tanks from the new toilet and take them outside.
Glad to hear the new bathroom news! Being both *eco friendly* and safe all around is a wonderful thing and no more navigating the stairs at night! A wonderful improvement both in your lives and in your beautiful old farmhouse!
Susan M
We have a compost toilet as we are totally of grid It worked well for about 7mths Now we are having problems with little flies in the toilet I’m waiting on a response from the maker as what to do Goid luck with your toilet
We lived in an RV for almost 2 years and what worked with the small flies was after using the toilet, we would spray a mixture of eucalyptus essential oil and alcohol from a spray bottle inside of the toilet. Anything with a menthol smell kept the flies or little flies away!