Last Updated on March 20, 2025
Are you tired of dealing with the hassle and mess of traditional RV toilets? If you live in an RV, van, boat, or tiny house, a composting toilet could be a game-changer for you. These eco-friendly alternatives not only save water but also eliminate the need for unpleasant dump station trips. In this article, we'll break down how composting toilets work, drawing from a fantastic YouTube video.
1. No More Dump Stations
One of the biggest advantages of composting toilets is that you never have to visit a dump station again. Traditional RV toilets require frequent trips to these stations, which can be a real headache. With a composting toilet, you simply install it where your old toilet used to be, and you're good to go. Imagine the freedom of not having to deal with the "stinky slinky" ever again! It's like breaking up with your least favorite chore.
2. The Magic of Separation
Composting toilets work by separating liquids from solids. This isn't your old-school pit toilet where you have to stare down into the abyss. The Ogo composting toilet, for instance, has two compartments: one for liquids in the front and one for solids in the back. You don't have to aim like a sharpshooter; just sit down and let gravity do its thing. It's almost like magic, but without the wand and the top hat.
3. The Coconut Core Secret
The composting process involves using coconut core, which looks like soil when rehydrated. This material helps break down solids efficiently. You simply add water to the coconut core, let it expand, and then place it into the toilet's composting bucket. It's like turning a brick into soil, but without the need for a green thumb. Who knew gardening skills could come in handy in the bathroom?
4. Handling Different "Situations"
Whether you're having a "brownie" kind of day or a "Milky Way" kind of day, the composting toilet can handle it all. The Ogo toilet has a button that mixes the solids into the coconut core, making them disappear like a magician's trick. Even if you're having a "Hershey's syrup" kind of day, the toilet's mixing mechanism ensures everything gets composted efficiently. It's almost like having a tiny wizard in your bathroom.
5. What About the Liquids?
If your urine looks like a science experiment gone wrong, you might want to see a doctor. But for normal situations, the Ogo toilet has a slot that directs any misplaced liquids into a jug. When the jug is full, you simply empty it, and a little bit of urine is actually good for plants. It's like giving Mother Nature a high-five every time you empty the jug.
6. Disposal and Maintenance
You might be wondering how often you need to empty the compost. For a single person, it usually needs to be changed every three weeks. When it's time, you just pull out the composting bucket, dump the contents into a bag, and dispose of it in a dumpster. It's legal and no different from throwing away a bag of diapers. Plus, it's way less gross than dealing with traditional RV waste. Who knew responsible waste management could feel so liberating?
By now, you should have a good understanding of how composting toilets work and why they're a fantastic alternative to traditional RV toilets. For a more detailed explanation and visual aids, be sure to watch the entire video: