Footprint of compost toilets?

[WalkaboutTed]

Okay, even though the two of us can go three weeks or longer between dumping our blackwater tank (45 gallons), I have these visions of having a full 90 gallons of greywater tank capacity (our greywater tank is also 45 gallons).  We had a Nature's Head for my son when he lived in a casita in the backyard and it worked just fine. But, it was really big, especially when you have to take the large, heavy "tank" outside to empty it.! That wasn't so bad in sticks and bricks with a regular sized door, but in/out of the tiny trailer bathroom door and then wrestle it outside and down the trailer steps (I'm alone much of the time and have a bum shoulder)? I'm not up to building my own toilet, so those of you who have premade compost toilets, what is the footprint in real life? 

Thanks,
Ted

 

[maki2]

If you want to know the dimensions for pre-made composting toilets just go to their websites. They all post the dimensions of the products.

There are also some sellers on Ebay who build up the type with a 5 gallon bucket in a wooden box. The better versions have fans as part of the system.
Of course you could also buy the components and have a local handyman put it together for you.

 

[bullfrog]

The C-Head separating toilet only requires a gallon water jug for urine and a 5 gallon bucket for solids to be removed as the top is hinged. It isn't much wider than a regular toilet seat and only about 8" longer to have a hinge and a removable crank. You do have to have somewhere to store wood shavings as well.

 

[WalkaboutTed]

Hey Bullfrog, thanks! I hadn't seen the C-Head as I only searched for "compost toilet" and "urine diverting toilets" in my search and the C-Head didn't show up as a result in either. It is pricey, but less than the Nature's Head. Right now I'm in the visualization phase as I need to save up the money and it will take at least six or more months. Just the seat assembly alone is super expensive. But it would fit perfectly.

But I do like the option of draining the urine directly into the current blackwater tank. Now, if I can only rationalize the cost. It would take years to make up the difference in fuel costs, even at 8mpg when in mointains, so I can't use that justification. But last summer I had to drive mountain roads almost an hour to dump the tanks (here in NM, everything is far away). Otherwise, I could have stayed put a lot longer. I've never once filled up my greywater tank, it's always been the blackwater tank that has been the limiting factor. The C-Head could definitely fill the bill! Thank you again,
Ted

 

[Almost There]

I highly recommend the C-Head for several reasons.

It is very well designed and costs substantially less than Natures' Head toilets.

The 1 gallon jug that is used for urine collection is a standard 1 gallon water jug. It can be replaced any time you find it getting too gungy for your liking. You always want to have a spare jug on hand because it's one of Murphys' laws that the jug will be full at an inconvenient time to empty it (pouring rain, 11 PM, parking lot - take your pick... ) The Nature's Head for example, uses a proprietary jug. Spare containers are $40.00 each last time I looked. At that price you are definitely going to be cleaning those suckers out. After using my C-Head for well over 3 years full time I can vouch for how nasty the jugs get...

As a single user I get about 3 to 4 days out of a jug and a month of use out of the solids' container. Obviously 2 people will half that time span.

The cost of the toilet, in my case, has been totally offset by not having to pay dump fees....ever! If you're still using gray water tanks in an RV then obviously that saving won't be there but the convenience of doubling your gray water tanks will more than make up for it.

 

[Dingfelder]

Just an FYI here, re urine-smelly containers -- I find a squirt of Dawn foaming dishwashing detergent in a urine container (before use) helps cut the smell way back. Of course, it depends where you're doing the dumping whether that might be appropriate. The odor can be so ferocious otherwise, though, that it might be worth it to get some Dr. Bronner's or other cleansing product and try the same when you need a more organic solution.

 

[Spaceman Spiff]

Just an FYI here, re urine-smelly containers -- I find a squirt of Dawn foaming dishwashing detergent in a urine container (before use) helps cut the smell way back . . .

If you have a toilet to dump your pee bottle in fabric softener has the strongest cover scent.  If dumping out in nature a few drops of scented biodegradable dish soap is all you need; add a few ounces of water, cover and shake.

I dump my used dishwater (when I have it) into my pee bottle at least once a day to dilute the urine , put cover on tightly (!!!) and shake, then empty away from camp and water sources.  I get about a years use out of a bottle before replacing.

 

[Willy]

Nature's Head sells the bottom 1/2 of their toilet for a LOT less tan the complete unit. I have the bottom section (with agitator bar/handle, and built a top section out of some scrap wood I had lying around, an Ebay urine diverter, and an elongated toilet seat. I figure it came to *maybe* about 1/3 of the price of the regular unit. Also, I found that a 1 gallon plastic cranberry juice container was a perfect fit. ..Willy.