For most RVers the factory equipped black and gray water tanks are sufficient for any trips you will go on. For people who enjoy longer trips or boondocking a composting toilet can allow you to stay out longer without having to empty tanks or refill water. Plus, with a composting toilet you don’t have to worry about finding a dump station and draining the black tank. How to empty RV Waste Tanks In this article we will explain composting toilets and how they may benefit you.
What is an RV Composting Toilet?
An RV composting toilet is a sustainable alternative to traditional RV toilets. It operates on the principles of decomposition and conversion of human waste into organic matter through the composting process. This process eliminates the need for water, making it an eco-friendly and water-saving option for RV enthusiasts.
How Does It Work?
A typical RV composting toilet consists of two compartments: one for urine and one for poop. Here’s a brief overview of how it operates:
- Separation: When you use an RV composting toilet, urine is diverted into a separate container, while poop is deposited into the composting chamber.
- Composting: In the composting chamber, organic materials such as coconut husks or peat moss are added to aid in decomposition. Beneficial microorganisms break down the solid waste into compost.
- Ventilation: To help with odors, the toilet is equipped with a fan to reduce bad smells in your RV.
Advantages of RV Composting Toilets
Water Conservation
One of the big advantages of RV composting toilets is their minimal water usage. Traditional RV toilets require lots of water for flushing, which can limit how long you are able to stay at camp. Composting toilets need no water, making them perfect for boondocking and camps without a water supply.
No More Sewer Hoses
No black tank means no more sewage to drain. You will still have to drain the gray tank, but there is no more poop to deal with and you can go longer between trips to a dump station.
Larger Gray Water Capacity
You can still use the black tank as an overflow for gray water increasing the time at camp.
Disadvantages of RV Composting Toilets
Cost
An RV composting toilet can be expensive. Some of the higher end models are $1000 and up, plus any shipping and installation costs. Make sure that a composting toilet is for you before ordering one.
Need to carry mixing materials.
To use your composting toilet, you will need bags of compost mix. Some of these mixes are expensive and will take up storage space in you RV or camper.
Disposal
Even though you will not need to visit the dump station to empty your black tank, you still need to dispose of the waste. This involves adding mix to the toilet after each use and bagging things up when the time comes.
Choosing the Right RV Composting Toilet
When selecting the perfect composting toilet for your RV, several factors come into play:
- Size and Space: Consider the available space in your RV and choose a toilet that fits comfortably.
- Capacity: You will need to consider how many people will be using the toilet and how long you plan to be at camp to choose a model with an appropriate waste storage capacity.
- Ventilation: Look for a toilet with an efficient ventilation system to ensure odor-free operation.
- Ease of Maintenance: Look for a toilet with removable waste containers for effortless maintenance.
