Disposing of Nature's Head Composting Toilet: Best Practices and Recommendations

Proper Disposal Methods for Solid and Liquid Waste

When using a Nature's Head Composting Toilet, it is essential to dispose of both solid and liquid waste properly. Here are some recommendations for disposing of waste from your composting toilet.

Disposing of Liquid Waste

The liquid waste vessel of a Nature's Head Composting Toilet holds approximately 8.3 litres of urine. To empty the container, follow these steps:

1. Release the latches located at both front sides of the unit that secure the bowl to the base.
2. Raise the bowl to an angle of approximately 45 degrees, install the cap, and remove the bottle.
3. Dispose of the contents in an appropriate manner. The urine bottle may be emptied into a conventional toilet or other appropriate facility.

Note that allowing urine to remain in the storage container for extended periods is unwise, as this will result in increased odor production. The liquid tank should be emptied frequently and rinsed with water with detergent or vinegar added.

Disposing of Solid Waste

The solid waste tank of a Nature's Head Composting Toilet holds approximately 22.7 litres of compostable material. When disposing of solid waste, it is essential to ensure that it has fully decomposed before using it as fertilizer. Here are some recommendations for disposing of solid waste:

1. If possible, place the contents of the solid waste tank in a proper composting bin to allow it to fully decompose. When fully composted, the solid wastes may be used to fertilize non-ingestible plantings.
2. If composting is not practical, the contents of the solid waste tank may be safely placed into a conventional dumpster if it has been allowed to compost fully.
3. If you are a full-time user, the most recent waste may not be decomposed fully. We recommend taking precautions such as the use of gloves if you may come into contact with waste material. It is also advisable to delay emptying the solid waste for 6-8 hours after the last use.
4. Another method for dealing with non-composted wastes (if space allows) is to purchase the Extra Base option and swap out the bases. The extra base comes complete with all the necessary hardware, agitator, and bottle holder. It also comes with a vented lid so the contents can be set aside and allowed to compost. A storage bin utilizing the trash bag method of emptying, placing the bag into a small plastic bucket, ventilating the lid, then allow it to finish composting may be constructed.
5. Solids that have not fully composted for at least a year are not suitable for use on ingestible plants.

Note that when disposing of human waste compost, it is not recommended to use it on edible plants or vegetables.