Previously, I wrote a blog post about our toilet in the van. In this blog post, I explain how we empty our compost toilet.
Step 1: Pee bottle
When we are at a campsite we dump the contents of the urine at the dump point for the black water. Sometimes in a toilet bowl. We do make sure to clean the toilet afterwards. It can splash and it stinks quite a bit of old urine.
When we are in nature we pour the urine near trees or large bushes. Urine is a good nutrient for plants. A tree or large shrub can use it well.
Step 2: Preparing coconut fibers
Through the internet, we order these blocks of coconut fiber. This material is also used for plants. I haven’t come across it in garden centers yet in The Netherlands though…
We’ve been using just one block per month so far. When the poop container starts to get full we take our fold out bucket and put a coconut block in it. I pour in about a gallon of water over the block. The block starts to grow pretty quickly as it soaks up the moisture. We leave the bucket like this overnight. Sometimes we speed up this process by crumbling the block before pouring in water.
When the coconut fiber is ready, the toilet can be emptied.
Step 3: Take the toilet outside
Loosen the bolts and disconnect the power supply for the fan and the flexible hose.
The toilet can be quite heavy. To reduce the weight, it may help to remove and empty the pee bottle first. Lift the toilet out of the van. You don’t want to spill any poop by accident in your camper…
Step 4: Disassembly
The top half of the toilet can be taken off completely. Loosen the clamps and open the entire top of the toilet. The hinge is situated on the back of the toilet. The top can be slid off to the left. Set the top aside.
Step 5: Emptying the poop container
Stretch the opening of a large sturdy garbage bag around the square opening of the poop bin. Tilt the contents into the bag. Find a sturdy twig and scrape any poop from the bin and tip it into the trash bag. Tie the bag shut and place it in a second trash bag. You don’t want the garbage bag to tear if you still need to transport the bag to a garbage can….
Step 6: Cleaning the Seat
You can wipe the top half of the toilet with vinegar and toilet paper. Do not use any soap. This wil influence the composting bacteria in a bad way.
If you have the opportunity, you can spray the entire poop container and top half of the toilet with water to thoroughly clean them. We do this about every 3 to 6 months, so not every time.
Step 7: Refilling the poop container
Fill the poop container with the new coconut fiber and slide the two halves back together. Replace the pee bottle and close the toilet with the clamps.
Step 8: Reinstall
Place the toilet back inside and tighten the bolts. Reconnect the flexible hose and plug the power cord back in.
Step 9: Dispose of Poop Bag
Take the poop bag and dump it in the first large dumpster you come across. Done!
