FAQs

Is there any odor?  

No. The separation of the urine from the solids is the key to no odor. When working properly it will have a slight earthy smell.

 

When should it be emptied?

It is best to allow the solids to decompose before emptying your toilet. The longer you wait before emptying your toilet, the nicer the job will be. Many boaters will leave the solid wastes in the toilet over the winter and empty it in the spring. That may not be possible for some applications, but you will find that even in as little as one week much of the solid wastes have begun to decompose, and just the paper products are visible. It is best if you do not leave the liquid wastes in the tank for extended periods. While everyone is different, some urine will smell bad if allowed to sit for extended periods.

 

Where do I empty it?

Urine is great for mature trees, or can be diluted for plants. Ideally, the compost section would be emptied in a compost pile or bin. If traveling, it can be disposed of in a bag or buried.

 

How does is separate the urine from the solid waste?

When the trap door is closed, the urine from anywhere in the bowl will flow to the bottle. When the trap door is open, a person is sitting, and the urine will still divert to the front.

 

What kind of toilet paper do I use?

Any kind of toilet paper will work, however single ply paper breaks down quicker. Many single ply papers are approved for septic tanks.  Any kind of toilet paper can be deposited into the compost material, however, the more toilet paper that is added the quicker the material will need to be changed.  Some users put all toilet paper into the base, while other put the toilet paper form uirnation only into a trash receptacle, and others put all toilet paper into a trash receptacle.  There is not wrong disposal method, rather a personal choice if each user.

 

Does composting work in cold conditions?

Composting works from 55 degrees and warmer. The warmer it is, the faster it compost. When the temperature drops to freezing, the compost will be dormant until heat is introduced into the area.  If the temperature reaches below freezing, it will freeze the compost material, making the handle unable to turn.  

 

How much power does the fan use?

The fan draws 1.7 amp hours in 24 hours. 

 

Can I use it standing up?

You can stand to urinate, but is recommended to sit. There is not a lift up toilet seat, so males should be conscious about not leaving liquid on the seat.

 

How do I clean the toilet?

After each use, spray a 1:1 vinegar and water solution does the holes in the front of the bowl to clean the urine trap to prevent build up.  If build up occurs it can cause a partial or full blockage causing urine to drain into the compost material.   You can also use this solution to spray around the bowl, wipe with toilet paper and throw the toilet paper into compost bin or in the trash.

 

What products can and cannot be used on the Nature's Head?

Products that should not be used are: bleach, any product containing bleach, anything abrasive (comet, scratch pads, toilet brushes), magic erasers, toielt bowl cleaner or any other harsh chemicals.  Bleach and other chemicals are harmful to the compost process.  Abrasive items and products can remove the protective coating and cause staining.

 

Products that should used are: 1:1 vinegar and water solution, simple green, Dawn dish soap, Lemishine.

 

When does the fan get used?

The fan should be used 24 hours a day.  If the toilet will not be used for ONE WEEK or longer you will want to unplug it.  If the toilet is not used for a long period of time and the fan is continually ran, it will dry out the compost material and potentially make the handle hard to turn.

 

Do Nature’s Head toilets require any sort of substrate to process the waste?

Yes. Either organic sphagnum peat moss or organic coco coir will work well. Composting requires aerobic bacteria to work. An aerobic organism survives and grows in an oxygenated environment. Oxygen is the key ingredient that allows aerobic bacteria to break down waste quickly and without odor. Mixing in either the sphagnum peat or coir breaks apart the feces to allow the aerobic bacteria to get it’s oxygen. Without oxygen, anaroebic bacteria will thrive, and this will break down to compost, but at a significantly slower rate, and will produce a smell.

 

Will freezing temperatures damage the toilet?

Empty the urine bottle because the urine can expand and potentially crack the bottle. The compost and toilet will be unharmed in freezing weather.  

 

Is it ok to dispose of TAMPONS in the bin?

We do not recommend this. Many brands of tampons are made from a mix of rayon and non-organic cotton, and are commonly chlorine-bleached. These will not decompose. Organic, 100% cotton tampons will compost, but will take a significant amount of time.

 

What is the difference between the SPIDER HANDLE and the FOOT SPIDER HANDLE?

 The SPIDER HANDLE has three straight arms with black knobs and is designed to be used with your hand.  The FOOT SPIDER HANDLE has three curved arms, providing a larger surface area, is designed to be used with your foot. The spider handle and the foot spider handle work equally well and the choice between the two are strictly a personal preference.  If a user has weakended upper body strength they may choose the foot spider handle.  Alteranetely, if the user has weakened lower body strength they may choose the spider handle.