Emptying a composting toilet? Easier than you might think!

Emptying a composting toilet? Easier than you might think!

Composting toilets offer many benefits, from their odorless operation to the freedom they provide. But how exactly do you empty a composting toilet, what do you do with the excrements and is it a clean process? Let's find out!

This article will guide you through the simple steps of emptying a composting toilet and present various disposal options for liquid and solid waste.

TROBOLO and its emptying

Step-by-step guide to emptying a composting toilet

To understand how to empty composting toilets, let's quickly review how they work. A composting toilet with urine diverters can be used just like regular toilets but automatically separates liquid and solid waste into two containers.

This makes emptying your composting toilet very easy. Just open it from above and remove the container you wish to empty. Whether you opt to remove both containers simultaneously or individually is entirely up to you.

And no worries, the process is absolutely clean and hygienic. The containers stay spotless, so you won't get dirty when handling them. You can confidently remove them from the toilet without the need for gloves.

All Solid waste goes straight into an inlay

Plus, the solids container has an inlay that prevents any direct contact with waste. All solid waste goes straight into the inlay, facilitating effortless disposal while maintaining cleanliness. To cater for all needs, we offer inlays made from recycled plastic and inlays made from compostable cornstarch, which are ideal if you wish to compost your toilet waste.

Both the liquids and solids containers can be securely closed, ensuring hassle-free transportation to the desired disposal site. You can even transport the containers in your car without any concerns about spillage.

The liquid container of a composting toilet


As for disposal, you have several options.

Solid waste can be disposed of with your household waste, much like used diapers. Alternatively, you can compost the solid waste, provided you use a compostable inlay and have a suitable composter at hand. For composting toilet waste a closed composter is recommended in order to prevent the developtment of black water due to penetrating rainwater.

For the liquid waste, you also have two options. The collected liquid waste can be poured into a regular toilet when it’s time to empty the liquid container. Alternatively, you can dilute the liquid waste with water and use it as natural fertilizer for ornamental plants.


How often should you empty your composting toilet?

The frequency at which you'll need to empty your liquids and solids containers varies based on several factors, including container size, ambient temperature, frequency of use, and whether you've opted for our unique TROBOLO SafeShell System®.

As a general guideline, we recommend emptying the solids container no later than every 10 days and the liquids container no later than every 4 days. However, during warmer weather, it's advisable to empty them more frequently.

If you use our TROBOLO SafeShell System®, you can empty the liquids container independently of any specific time frame.


Cleaning your composting toilet

Luckily, cleaning your composting toilet is easy. Is it as easy as cleaning a conventional toilet? Well, it is actually even easier.

Cleaning a composting toilet

Thanks to the urine diverter, solid waste never touches any surfaces, It lands directly in the inlay of the solids container, eliminating any concerns about stains on the urine diverter or any other part of the toilet. Additionally, since everyone is required to sit down, there's no worry about urine on the toilet seat.

TROBOLO hygiene and cleaning

To maintain cleanliness, simply use a damp cloth to wipe down the surfaces form time to time. Occasionally, you may want to rinse the containers with water, which is absolutely sufficient to keeping them clean. It's important to avoid harsh chemical cleaning agents, as they can damage the material. Instead, opt for a natural cleaning solution by diluting citric acid powder with water. With these simple steps, your composting toilet will stay fresh and hygienic with minimal effort.


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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Here you will find short and clear answers to questions we are frequently asked.

How do I use a toilet in an RV?

Using a toilet in an RV depends on the type of toilet system in use. When it comes to the actual use of the toilet, there are minimal differences between various systems such as floor toilets, macerator toilets, cassette toilets, incineration toilets, welding toilets, and composting toilets. However, differences do arise in terms of cost, installation, disposal, and cleaning.

What do I need for an RV toilet?

What is required also depends on the type of toilet system you choose. Some toilet systems operate with water flushing, while others may require electricity or chemical additives. 

For certain toilet systems like floor toilets and macerator toilets, you will need both a grey water and a black water tank. In contrast, cassette toilets and composting toilets with an external urine outlet only require one tank. Additionally, there are waterless solutions that do not require tanks, such as composting toilets without an external outlet and welding toilets. 

What are the advantages of composting toilets?

Composting toilets offer numerous advantages over other toilet systems. One of the main benefits is the easy emptying and disposal of waste without the need for a disposal station. Additionally, composting toilets require minimal space, can be used without a tank, and are odorless in operation.

How do you dispose of the contents of the composting toilet?

Solid waste ends up in an insert within the solid waste container. This insert can be hygienically removed for disposal without direct contact with the waste. The insert, along with the contained solids, can be disposed of with general rubbish. 

Liquid waste is collected in a liquid container. The liquid waste can be emptied into a regular toilet, for example, at a rest stop. 

In theory, it is also possible to compost the solid waste and use the liquid waste as a natural fertilizer. However, most RV users are unlikely to have the means to compost while on the move. 

Why doesn't the composting toilet in the RV stink?

A composting toilet naturally reduces odors through its separation mechanism. By ensuring that solid and liquid waste do not mix, it significantly contributes to odor control. The additional use of a bulking agent or an electric ventilation system ensures that no unpleasant smells are present during use.

Which toilet paper for composting toilets in RVs?

With composting toilets, you can generally use any type of toilet paper, which can be disposed of in the solid waste container. However, if you plan to compost your toilet waste, it's advisable to use as natural and unbleached toilet paper as possible, free from harmful chemicals.

Is it easy to install a composting toilet?

Yes, a composting toilet is particularly easy to install compared to other toilet systems for RVs. The installation involves simple screwing, which even those with limited DIY skills can manage on their own.