How to Prep and Dump a Composting Toilet 

Thank you for making this process very friendly and non offensive. I have to get one of these to put in my new RV.

The best video you've done on this topic so far! Really makes clear exactly what managing a composting toilet is like. Thanks for providing such clear detail.

Wynns - thanks so much for this video and all the great info! After a 20 yr hiatus from RV ownership, I'm ready to finally retire and hit the beloved road again. So amazed at all the options now. I suspect many of the negative comments below are from posters that have not actually spent weeks in any RV. I would gladly dump my own composted poop daily rather than ever touch another black water park drain with the previous dumper's negligent poop spill swirling around on top. Thanks again and hope I see you both on the road one day.

Just watched your other composting toilet video. Love how quick and to the point, but still packed with info that your videos are. Also love that you guys have the same haircut. Thanks guys.

"because we are composting" and "now this is ready to go into the dumpster" don't really go well together. wish more places had composting bins/programs.

What an informative video! You two make a great couple who knows how to live life and intelligently too! Kudos to you!!

We just purchased our Nature's Head, and will be going on our first adventure with it installed and ready for use. Your videos about this toilet and on how to prep are very helpful. Not having to deal with a black tank in our small RV, was a big motivator for a composting toilet. We are actually excited to use it and see how it works. Thanks again!

Thank you for sharing your information on the composting toilet. We are about to purchase our first unit (I've been selling and working with them since I was 5! (33yrs!) and my husband has been for 13yrs). We will be parked on a permanent site (on private land) and will NOT have access to a dumping station or honey wagon service. We have decided to embrace the composting toilet. We have watched many videos about it and know this is the best solution for us. It isn't for everyone, some of the comments are negative regarding them or how you dispose of the waste. While finding a composting site is best (we will be starting one), you are not always afforded the ability of one. When you consider the amount of water a person wastes everyday from flushing alone (not including washing hands), I'd much rather toss my composting bag with humanure in it, into a dumpster (assuming no compost pile is available), then waste fresh water as it drains into the sewer systems and waste treatment plants. It helps to see things through the "glasses" of others, as we all have different perceptions and ideas. We appreciate all the videos, keep them coming! Peace, love and happiness!

First off, I think you guys are a super couple that have found a true authentic space in life. I appreciate the composting video but I see so much more from you guys in making this video. You seem capable with a strong sense of unity and support. Oh and dedication since you spent 5 days installing the toilet lol. I just find you both refreshing with slight envy since I haven't acquire such a partner yet. I'm considering this toilet if I build me a tiny house. Good luck and thnx for the video.

I just want to thank y'all! It is so great what you do! Your videos are easy to understand and (believe it or not) enjoyable! That in itself says a lot! Lol

Your video was so helpful. I used your method today for the first time. Super easy. Thanks

Nice video and I love how you both are involved with your videos. Y'all are a beautiful couple.

I was waiting for this video. Wasn't sure how the process went. Thanks for the info

still watching both RV and Sailing vids....you guys are awesome! just purchased my Natures Head for my "barnominium"! Goodonyas

This series sold me on getting a composting toilet!! Excellent presentation!!

Bought a Nature's Head because of your video. Thank you for taking on the task of describing the features and benefits as well as maintenance of a composting toilet. You both deserve an Oscar.

Thank you for making this video! I am excited to get a composting toilet and avoid dumping the black tank in my future RV:):)

Great info and video. We're not doing the RV thing yet, but this looks like a great idea. Thanks!

Very instructional Thank You for posting this vid

I thought it was very interesting. I did not have any idea how the process worked. Thanks so much.

Thank you so much! Our family of 5 is going tiny and with 3 kids, we were concerned about the ease of use. I would much prefer this over a black water tank (messing with that and the eco friendly use of composting). 😊

Great video. I’m using one of these and I had no idea the top part came off. So much easier for dumping lol

Loved it I always wanted to know how they work...

Very informative - thank you! If your cat could talk: "Hey look! Mom & Dad use a litter box too (snicker)". We are soon to RV and appreciate all your efforts! Jim&Cindy@Mid-Ohio

Finally! A mystery solved! I’ve been wondering this for so long. Thanks for posting.

Thanks, guys, this video was really informative.

Thanks for posting the Video. This is not my first viewing, and I must say I was sold the first time. I am currently installing one on "Sugar Magnolia" and it should see its first use next week. As for the smell comments it is way too early for me to tell, but no one wanted to be down wind of the Lectra San I just removed.

Hey guys! A subscriber on my channel sent me over here being we are looking into this option. Thanks for the great info!

This video was very helpful. Thanks you.

Love your videos. I have learned a lot from Ya'll. keep em coming. :)

Hey that is great, I'm convinced! A composting toilet is the way to go. Go; ha ha. Thanks for all your great videos on the you tube. I always look forward to see what you guys are up too. When you make it back out to California check out the Integratron in Landers and take a sound bath, its a great experience and you can boondock at giant rock where the ancient indians would have their powel wows. They would get together and sing and dance. Take Care, Mike Summers

Great video. Think I'll get one for my camper.

Great video Always awaiting the next

I use a composting toilet. For me it really is superior. The solids dehydrate and do not have to be emptied very often...for me only once or twice per camping season! It consumes no water and frees up black tank for more gray water holding...great for boondocking. No chemical smell. I never have to go find a dump station if I'm not at a campground...It gives me independence in dealing with my waste. I'll never switch back to carrying around a slurry of putrescent nastyness to have to deal with.

Sorry, I asked a question in your other video that you already answered on THIS video! Where does one dump the pee? Now I know. Wow. Seems like a compost toilet might even be good to use in a regular home/apartment..good way of saving water. Thanks so much for your informative and cute videos!

Ty so much for this video

Thanks for the walk-through. I definitely like the exhaust feature but getting all personal with the poop plate doesn't sound exciting.

Thank you for the fun video : )

So just to clarify: when it gets to be time to dump the tank, what about the last few turds you made? I mean those can't be already composted can they? And the agitator, does it get crap stuck on it? And really, 80 turds? That seems like a LOT.

Your video has been very helpful thank you. But I have a few questions. How often you should repeat the process? Where should you drop the compost? How expensive is the coconut (something)?

You guys are great, Love your videos ! ~ T

You guys are awesome thx so much

I’m not an RV person but this was helpful cos I might be doing a project with a van so this is very helpful

Great video, I've had this same toilet for a while and still learned something new. I'm curious though, how do you keep it clean? We were told to use a tablespoon of sugar in the liquid bin to keep it clean but it still needs a good clean out.

Great info, done well. Some questions... What have you done with your Black Tank? How did you clean it out now that there is no liquid in it? if there is no liquid in it, have you disconnected it or do you use it as an alternative gray tank? Thank you in advance.

thanks for great video. We just bought through your link! :)

I was kind of curious how the composting toilets worked for the dumping.... not nearly as gross as I thought it would be. I might have to look into this a little bit more. Thanks for the great & informative vid!

you guys can talk about toilets and i'm riveted ... that says a lot about you guys

I love how he was haveing fun dumping it lol

Answered my questions.

I love seeing how other people use their RV, and I'm very interested in composting toilets when camped in one spot for a long time, but I don't really get this for traveling. You're just throwing it out, so you say that it saves water and doesn't use chemicals and you don't have to worry about "stinking RV black tank," but it seems like a lot of work for nothing to me. I full-time and have a 10 gallon black tank. I don't use water or chemicals in the tank and dumping it every 2-3 weeks seems easier to me than this does. Thanks for sharing though. Great videos. I recognized Josh Woodward's music - I've used it in mine, too. :)

The compost toilet sounds like a great idea. I really like that the compost last about 60-80 uses. I'm looking into getting a class B+ RV. When I asked some of the companies that make them they said the compost toilets do not mean RVIA building standards. How get you get your RV company to help out? Thank you

so far so good on the idea on the compost toilet. but i have a question regarding RV storage with this type of toilet. plan on using my RV once a month or so with only an annual long trip. since no electricity while stored during the month i wonder if i could leave my compost "cooking" w/o fan/venting. any thoughts? thanks

I have cordless tools so instead of chopping wood for my cast iron stove I cut it with a circular saw and catch all the saw dust as use that.

Thank you!!!!

R.V. black tanks are a pain when they need dumping and you have to find the proper place to dump. The composting toilet seems to work very well, and makes great fertilizer mixed with kitchen scraps. I grow vegetables at a rate twice as fast as store bought fertilizers, fruiting faster and more fruit. Its a win, win.

Thanks good video

Gone with the Wynns Do you have much experience touring Canada ? I'm contemplating a custom van conversion for 4 season travel and a composter would be ideal to avoid the mess of frozen tanks. I'm just wondering, where would I find info about disposal of composted human waste ? What are your experiences with it if you have traveled Canada and, do composters have much of a smell under normal use ? (in the tight confines of a van that would be important)

Awesome! "Light and fluffy"! 😂 potty training= fun 😂!

Thanks so much for your video. It's inspired me to get a compost toilet set up in my home! :-D Just wondering why you hydrate the coir? Won't it be more useful dry, then it can absorb more of the waste liquids....? Peace, C

It seems we've been dealing with waste wrong this whole time. Plants can use nitrogen from no.1 as opposed to an oil based nitrogen and I've seen videos where no.2 actually turns back into soil if treated with the right micro organisms from peat moss, sawdust, etc. The fact we waste into perfectly good drinking water then treat it really doesn't make a lot of sense. Great video. I'm sure you'll get picked up by Destination America or Travel channel. Bringing RVing/microhoming to a younger generation.

Are there any "homemade" substitutes to coconut fiber or peat moss? Like maybe crushed leaves or grass clipping?

this looks poorly designed to me. to empty it you'd have to take out the whole toilet. they should design the compost section like the fluids sections. fluids just pull right out. should be able to do the same with compost. just lift out the square box and take it outside

I am having a hard time seeing how this much work in prep, execution, and cleanup, is in any way worth it. How do you benefit by having a container that is 1/30th the size of a black tank?

Would you be able to get by without re-hydrating the medium? I guess I just don't understand the reasoning for the re-hydration. I thought the more dry the medium is the better. Thanks in advance

There are many brands in the market. What is the best composting toilet brand you would recommend? Thanks.

I have questions about your solar system and how you chose it? Especially, how you plug your rv in using the cord thst came wth the rv?

I'm curious about the clean up... I am working on a tiny house, a converted Johnson Quality shed ha!, and I really don't want to spend 3500 for a septic tank. After emptying this toilet do you just refill or wash it out? Is the top cleaned with a special type of wet wipes or just soap and water? Without water in the bowl I assume it's all sit-down huh..

1) how long does it take to empty, clean, and replace your toilet? (time video would be nice) 2) what do you do with your gray water?

I have a question here if you have emptied the toilet is it ok to wash it out with a little disinfectant after dumping and before prepping again? One more question as the solid hits the trap door of the toilet does this not smear the trap door before dropping in the composting area? if so how does one keep this section clean? can you use a spray to keep it clean What about skid marks on the bowl itself caused by the solids what should you use to clean it with as i presume you don't want disinfectants going into the compost area.

yay! I was wondering how the process goes for eliminating the eliminated, ha. Sooooooo I don't need a bio suit? The smell is acceptable i guess?

Real cool....

Seems easy enough. I assume TP goes into the tank?

Excellent video! I'm doing research for my tiny-house on a trailer design and this is deciding for me (in favor). I wonder if there is a noticeable benefit to the primary user(s) eating a Whole Food Plant Based diet (in terms of waste disposal and odor management): has anyone got data or anecdotal evidence either way?

Not quite 7 years later boating in Tonga! What a ride

Do you think you can use a designated Hand Mixer or something like that to use to prep you Coco Coir?

Is it possible to use rice husks? great video thanks!

Could you theoretically line your composting part of the toilet with a composting liner to make dumping easier?

What trash bags do you use for dumping?

Got one of these for our live aboard, pump outs are pricy, and having salt water flush, still stinks, and a whole list of maintenance to go with it. this is a few steps here and there, one thing everyone leave out, is plugging and unplugging the fan.... some real turd comments here thinking if you travel your rich, get off your asses and explore. awesome vid

Hi Guys I have just started to watch your channel and have enjoyed every episode. I know this is an old episode but was wondering how you empty your compositing toilet at sea do you just dump it into the ocean like you would black water waste and have you had any issues with the coconut husk with customs? Thx

do you still use this type of composting toilet or have you changed the make/ type i.e upgraded like to a separet

Can you do another vid on the best TP now that you are composting??

So do you have this in addition to the standard black tank toilet?

Learned something I never knew. Wondering if the green bag could be put inside of the white container that holds the compost. One would eliminate that last step of pouring the composted waste into the bag.

Do you have to unscrew the toilet from the floor every time you dump it ? Do you have to disconnect a fan too ?

Is there optional holding tank for liquid and solid waste for rv or motorhome.

What sized composting bag was that? I know I don't want the small sized ones (for kitchen composting bins) but I want to make sure I buy the size that fits nice and snug like in the video. Anyone know?

saw dust can be used as well

So after you dump the solids, you have to reload it with the fiber or peat moss? Or is there a way to remove some, but not all, so you have a continuous composting action? BTW still waiting to see the install in the boat! LOL

Well thanks for the great in depth info, now I know I unfortunately cannot use a composting toilet.. I have arthritis and that just seems like work I cannot do ):

Thanks for this video!, Dude kinda reminds me of Christopher Reeve, hey does the churning bracket inside get pretty nasty gucky ?

If the toilet is mounted to the floor, does that mean you need to unscrew the toilet from the floor each time you need to dump? For my family of 3 I would assume we would need to dump about once a week-ish.

Great tutorial. But--IMO, the manufacturers could make the process even easier, by making special (biodegradeable) bags that line the catch bin, with a rubber gasket for the vent line--much like the old vacuum cleaner bags--and then you would just lift out the bag, put a cap on the gasket hole, and seal it up by whatever means they could provide (something like a zipper-close baggie, perhaps.) Then, it would be just lift out and be all ready for the dumpster--much like the liquid container--no messing around having to take the whole toilet outside, and manhandle it around. As one RVer said, "...somewhat socially awkward." Thumbs up & subscribed.

Hi Gone with the wynns, Could it be a possibility to put the bag inside of the toilet with the coconut thingy at the bottom of bag and when it`s time to change it, instead of removing the toilet, you just take the bag out? that way the toilet remains cleaner also?

So is human compost usable in a garden? Would you use it as such if you could rather than throwing it away?

It seems that one would have to clean the pee part of the toilet...what do you guys recommend for the rinsing part?

You don't have to keep covering it with more fiber to keep the smelling? Do you have to use a hose filter? What happens if you use regular peatmoss and just wet it down a little bit so its not dusty? I'm interested in just using a 5 gallon bucket, because that's all I can afford. Thanks.

cutest couple

Hi Jason. Can I ask what type of bag you are using? I couldn't find it in the product listings on your site under the composting toilet tab. Thanks for your time. :)