How does an RV composting toilet work? An RV composting toilet works by composting human waste. First up, it separates solid and liquid waste. Then, aerobic decomposition is used to break down the solid waste and reduce odor. This process involves the use of composting materials and a ventilation fan. The liquid waste is collected separately, and ready for disposal.
What Is an RV Composting Toilet?
An RV composting toilet is a special type of toilet used in an RV that does not require traditional plumbing. It allows you to hit the open road and travel wherever you wish without having to worry about campsite hook-ups. With a composting toilet, you can use the restroom wherever you park your vehicle.
A composting toilet is made up of a composting chamber, an aeration system, a liquid separator, and an agitator. Aerobic bacteria are used to break down solid waste into compost. The process eliminates harmful pathogens and removes the need to hook up to a sewer connection. Below we look at how does an RV composting toilet work?
How RV Composting Toilets Work
How does an RV composting toilet work? It’s simple. An RV composting toilet works by processing human waste in an environmentally friendly way without the need for a sewerage connection. They are ideal for life on the road and allow you to travel and park wherever you want. Let’s take a closer look.
1: Waste Separation
The first step in the process of an RV composting toilet is waste separation. This is where the solid waste and liquid waste are separated into separate chambers. A diverter in the toilet bowl channels the waste into two separate containers. Waste separation ensures efficient composting and reduces odor.
2: Solid Waste Composting
Solid waste is collected in a vessel known as a composting chamber. Here they are mixed with a material that speeds up the composting process. Peat moss and sawdust are the most popular options. The material absorbs moisture and facilitates aeration. This stimulates the microbial activity that breaks down the waste. A fan is often used to ensure the chamber is aerated and receives enough air to keep the process running smoothly.
3: Liquid Waste Disposal
Liquid waste is collected in a separate container. This container will have to be occasionally emptied manually. It does not go through a composting process. This means you’ll have to remove the container and dispose of the collected liquid according to local regulations. Most containers are big enough to ensure you only have to perform this action periodically.
4: Ventilation & Odor Control
A ventilation system is used to draw air through the composting toilet and expel it through an external vent pipe. This removes unpleasant odors from the toilet and prevents them from accumulating inside the RV. The ventilation system is key to keeping the living area fresh and free from unwelcome smells.
5: On Going Maintenance
You’ll need to perform some basic ongoing maintenance on your RV composting toilet to ensure everything continues to run smoothly. These tasks include adding bulking material, emptying the liquid container, agitating the compost pot, and emptying the compost pot.
• Bulking Material
Bulking material needs to be regularly added to the composting pot. Especially when the toilet is in use. Bulking material is an essential component of the composting process. It helps facilitate natural microbial breakdown and also reduces unpleasant odors. It should be added after each use and at regular intervals when you are on the road.
• Liquid Container
The liquid container is used to collect urine. Naturally, this chamber will begin to fill up each time the toilet is used. The container needs to be manually emptied before it becomes too full.
• Agitating the Compost Pot
Occasionally you will have to agitate the composting pot. This is a necessary process that helps ensure microbial breakdown is occurring as required. While not the most appealing job, it needs to be performed to make sure everything keeps working as it should.
• Emptying the Compost Pot
The composting pot must be emptied when you complete your trip, or when the chamber becomes full. Typically this will be performed every few weeks or months depending on usage. You’ll need to follow local regulations and guidelines when emptying your compost pot.
The Role of Micro Organisms in an RV Composting Toilet
How do microorganisms break down human waste in an RV composting toilet? It all comes down to bacteria. Specifically, aerobic bacteria. These microorganisms naturally decompose human waste. They reduce waste volume, and odor, and convert it into nutrient-rich compost that can be used in your garden. Everyone’s a winner baby.
Aerobic Bacteria – Your Composting Friends
These bacteria need oxygen to get to work. They are the heavy lifters when it comes to human waste composting. Once they have a sufficient supply of air you can count on these little fellas to quickly break down your human waste.
In simple terms, these microbes eat the organic materials found in human waste to produce simpler substances. The byproducts of this process are carbon dioxide, water, heat, and composting material.
The end product is a nutrient-rich, soil-like material called compost. It contains much fewer harmful elements compared to raw human waste. And, that’s it! Now you know – how does an RV composting toilet work?
Are They Worth It?
Yes! If you’re an RV enthusiast and want to enjoy the open road, then a composting toilet is worth its weight in gold. They allow you to park up overnight – in any location you wish. You eliminate the need for campsite hooks ups and sewerage facilities. You become the master of your own adventure.
They require an initial small investment and some basic installation. And there is a little ongoing maintenance to make sure they continue to work as designed. But, if you ask any experienced RV’er they’ll tell you the same story. If you want some freedom when out on the road, get yourself an RV composting toilet. For more, check out The Pros & Cons of RV Composting Toilet.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Rosa Montero
- B.S. Environmental Science
- Avid Explorer & Globe Trotter
Rosa is a graduate of the University of Arizona, where she delved into the world of green energy and environmental science. Originally from sunny Fresno, California, she moved to Arizona to study. Rosa is the proud owner of a vintage VW camper van. Her trusty companion on countless adventures.
She has a deep passion for clean energy and a love for protecting our planet. Rosa immerses herself in nature through long hikes in Arizona’s famous parks. Grand Canyon National Park and Sedona Red Rock Country are two of her favorites.
When not exploring on foot, she enjoys cycling. Rosa’s enthusiasm for fighting climate change and safeguarding Mother Earth shines through in her work for RV Solar Power Hub.
