Let’s face it: RV’s are not generally thought of as the most environmentally sensitive road vehicles, but this still does not mean that if you are driving one you should not consider ways in which to lessen your environmental impact on the earth. Switching to a composting toilet is an important option to consider for your recreational vehicle, for both environmental and practical purposes. It is worth seriously considering the following benefits and challenges of using a composting toilet in your recreation vehicle.
Some of the benefits of using a composting toilet in an RV include not having to worry any more about where you will next be able to “pump out” our toilet waste. You will no longer need chemicals or to carry water to flush or treat the toilet waste you are carrying in your vehicle. And the end product of the composting process is a rich, soil like substance (humus) that is a valuable soil additive that actually benefits the environment.
Some of the challenges you might face when installing a composting toilet in your RV include space considerations. Not only will you need enough space in your RV to be able to install the composting toilet, but you will also need to ensure you have adequate space to empty the finishing drawer easily as well. Price may also be a consideration, with most composting toilet models starting over $1000 U.S. Power may also be an issue, as you will need a continual power supply to run the fans for the electric models.
If you are considering purchasing a composting toilet for your RV, you should purchase a model designed specifically for applications that involve movement – marine or vehicle composting toilets. These models have features not found in regular composting toilets that ensure the composting materials stay within the composting drum during rough roads and sharp turns. They will generally have special gasket systems that prevent leakage, and possibly rotating drums to ensure the material is always in an upright position.
Many manufacturers that specializing in making mobile composting toilets, such as the Sun-Mar corporation and Nature’s Head, have developed many space saving features on these models that make them attractive to RV owners (such as folding foot rests). As long as your unit is sized properly for the number of individuals using it, a composting toilet can be an excellent alternative to traditional portable RV toilet systems. However, do not overburden your composting toilet by selecting a toilet too small for the number of users. If you do so, you will end up having to empty a toilet with only partially composted waste – not a pleasant undertaking.
After you have installed your composting toilet, you can then move onto installing your RV solar roof panels, wind turbine, and converting your RV to run off of biodiesel and used vegetable oil. Or maybe not – just some suggestions.
For more information about mobile and portable composting toilets, answers to commonly asked questions about toilet composting systems, composting toilet manufacturer reviews and more, please return to the Toilet Composting home page.
Are you interested in using solar energy, but are discouraged by the high prices of solar panels? If so, click here to learn how to build you own solar panels for less than $200!