The 'Haybox' & other composting toilets

  • 09 Mar 2012 23:41
    Reply # 853050 on 679928
    I would try to avoid using peat.  I am told that it takes millions of years to create a peat bog, so it's really not a renewable resource or sustainable.
  • 09 Mar 2012 00:58
    Reply # 852239 on 679928
    Deleted user
    Not huge fan of porta potties. In preparation for our build, I have accumulated:

    a 20L bucket, 
    an oval shaped funnel, 
    a paint mixing implement, 
    5L plastic petrol can 
    and a basic toilet seat/lid. 

    The funnel fits perfectly the curve of the inside of the bucket, so theres the separation of liquids/solids taken care of.
    Left to buy is some pvc piping and computer fans for the ventilation.
    Not sure about the source of peat moss here in Aus. The stuff from Bunnings has potting mix bacteria in it, which the wife says is not the right stuff.
  • 08 Mar 2012 16:59
    Reply # 851716 on 679928
    I use a porta poty as used in caravans or camping, it can be sealed after use al though it tends to wander around the toilet in rough weather , not many oduors plus  , I use a kitchen smell air spray when unloading in harbor .     I have a in built  piped up grey and  black water system that pumps out above the water level  , and use a brush   to clean up . .       After 10 years the seals were starting to leak, so i got a new one at   liddle  super market , they having some od things some times .     The new one has less litre capisity and is  easier to dispose of the material  .  you can us also chemical harmless in the toilet ..      I have heard so many troubles  with  sea toilet pumps .        I sit on it and use the the wash basin to have a sponge bath  .         
  • 10 Sep 2011 15:53
    Reply # 696050 on 679928
    Deleted user
    I use a £21 luggable loo

    It is basically a bucket, but it is nice to have the seat. For liquids I just tip it over the side. For solids I use a biobag and dispose of onshore.

    Works for me.
  • 10 Sep 2011 00:39
    Reply # 695709 on 695697
    Deleted user
    Annie Hill wrote:What a shame.  But maybe the people who look after the landscaping around the marina might be interested in your compost?

    I work at the marina...so trust me on this, the owner would not be interested in me starting a composting project!  I could leave it on top of the dumpster and people could help themselves....

    That might not go over well either.
  • 10 Sep 2011 00:13
    Reply # 695697 on 679928
    What a shame.  But maybe the people who look after the landscaping around the marina might be interested in your compost?
  • 08 Sep 2011 10:59
    Reply # 694319 on 694283
    Deleted user
    Robert Groves wrote:
    Neil Tanner wrote:Update on the five gallon plastic 'ThunderBox'....after five days of use on Sea Elf with outside temps around 85 deg. F., not separating liquids from solids and using the white pine shavings, I am happy to report no odor noticed down below.  The lid is sitting loosely on top and the only time I notice a 'smell' is when I take the lid off to use it, but it isn't bad.  We have slip renters here that have holding tanks that have gone 'septic'.  All I have to do is walk past their boat and it knocks your socks off.  The bucket and shavings may look third world but it sure makes sense to me!

    Jf you put the gold you are creating into a compost box with some grass clippings or seaweed you'll be producing some of the best compost for garden or trees that you can find.


    Hey Bob,
    The gold I'm creating is going to be deposited into the Port-a-potty dumping station.  Unfortunately I don't have a garden here at the marina....thanks for the tip anyway!
  • 08 Sep 2011 09:23
    Reply # 694283 on 694000
    Deleted user
    Neil Tanner wrote:Update on the five gallon plastic 'ThunderBox'....after five days of use on Sea Elf with outside temps around 85 deg. F., not separating liquids from solids and using the white pine shavings, I am happy to report no odor noticed down below.  The lid is sitting loosely on top and the only time I notice a 'smell' is when I take the lid off to use it, but it isn't bad.  We have slip renters here that have holding tanks that have gone 'septic'.  All I have to do is walk past their boat and it knocks your socks off.  The bucket and shavings may look third world but it sure makes sense to me!

    If you put the gold you are creating into a compost box with some grass clippings or seaweed you'll be producing some of the best compost for garden or trees that you can find.

    An update to this post. Composting removes the waste component of our body's products and completes the nutrient cycle placing the minerals and other excesses from our bodies back into the growth cycle of plants. Good for us, good for water and good for the earth.

    Last modified: 11 Sep 2011 11:33 | Deleted user
  • 07 Sep 2011 23:44
    Reply # 694000 on 679928
    Deleted user
    Update on the five gallon plastic 'ThunderBox'....after five days of use on Sea Elf with outside temps around 85 deg. F., not separating liquids from solids and using the white pine shavings, I am happy to report no odor noticed down below.  The lid is sitting loosely on top and the only time I notice a 'smell' is when I take the lid off to use it, but it isn't bad.  We have slip renters here that have holding tanks that have gone 'septic'.  All I have to do is walk past their boat and it knocks your socks off.  The bucket and shavings may look third world but it sure makes sense to me!
  • 30 Aug 2011 11:04
    Reply # 688022 on 679928
    Deleted user
    Having used the pail in a box "Lovable Loo" advocated in the Humanure Book for some ten months now here are a few observations. The system works! We use peat moss as our absorption material as we have not  found a supply of the type of sawdust we need. With two people we need to empty the pail,3.8 gallons, about every two days. Built a compost box four x four x four feet and filled the bottom foot with eel grass. We use grass cuttings or eel grass to cover up the contribution which is dug into the centre of the compost bin. It really heats up. We put all our compostables in from the galley along with any fish parts that we get after taking off the fillets. No smells,minimal maintenance and we just feel better about making topsoil instead of waste. Our water consumption on land is about the same as when we are at sea.

    I don't think I would use this system at sea as the storage of peat moss and subsequently the compost (until we reach land) is not practical. When we start off in October for a long cruise we'll continue to use our pumpable Thetford marine toilet on Easy Go.
       " ...there is nothing - absolutely nothing - half so much worth doing as simply messing about in junk-rigged boats" 
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