How to Prep and Dump a Composting Toilet

If you’re interested in buying our same composting toilet, the best place to purchase is directly from Nature's Head. There is a discount code on our site here: www.gonewiththewynns.com/all-c...
All the details you need to know about how to prep and dump a composting toilet, including some of our opinions and the tips we've learned the hard way about the best techniques for dumping. Whether you're in an RV or a boat it's all the same.
Read more in-depth details on our website here: www.gonewiththewynns.com/prepa...
music by: "I'm Letting Go" by Josh Woodward (www.joshwoodward.com/)

[@toptobottom247]

Thank you for making this process very friendly and non offensive. I have to get one of these to put in my new RV.

[@RVgeeks]

The best video you've done on this topic so far! Really makes clear exactly what managing a composting toilet is like. Thanks for providing such clear detail.

[@gonewiththewynns]

just wait till the next one :)

[@StephenWeppler]

***** it can compost the rest of the way in the landfill I guess, beats treating it...?

[@misterg4059]

Unfortunately they are not composting just placing poop in a bag and throwing in garbage LOL

[@teresaeckert4912]

Really great part of the video. If you use a bio degradable bag then it can be compostable instead of thrown out in garbage. Any solid bin you get from the Nature's Head Toilet (bit.ly/2VXAuO8) is never fully composted dirt, but still need time to break down.

[@danovido8946]

What an informative video! You two make a great couple who knows how to live life and intelligently too! Kudos to you!!

[@SeaBrzJo2]

Wynns - thanks so much for this video and all the great info! After a 20 yr hiatus from RV ownership, I'm ready to finally retire and hit the beloved road again. So amazed at all the options now. I suspect many of the negative comments below are from posters that have not actually spent weeks in any RV. I would gladly dump my own composted poop daily rather than ever touch another black water park drain with the previous dumper's negligent poop spill swirling around on top. Thanks again and hope I see you both on the road one day.

[@YouMotorcycle]

Just watched your other composting toilet video. Love how quick and to the point, but still packed with info that your videos are. Also love that you guys have the same haircut. Thanks guys.

[@jgyrwa]

First off, I think you guys are a super couple that have found a true authentic space in life. I appreciate the composting video but I see so much more from you guys in making this video. You seem capable with a strong sense of unity and support. Oh and dedication since you spent 5 days installing the toilet lol. I just find you both refreshing with slight envy since I haven't acquire such a partner yet. I'm considering this toilet if I build me a tiny house. Good luck and thnx for the video.

[@Str8upbrah]

:)

[@lindaknox5047]

We just purchased our Nature's Head, and will be going on our first adventure with it installed and ready for use. Your videos about this toilet and on how to prep are very helpful. Not having to deal with a black tank in our small RV, was a big motivator for a composting toilet. We are actually excited to use it and see how it works. Thanks again!

[@sherrygasparovich7989]

This series sold me on getting a composting toilet!! Excellent presentation!!

[@bugoutmedia3189]

Great video. I’m using one of these and I had no idea the top part came off. So much easier for dumping lol

[@learningaswegocitygonecoun6805]

Your video was so helpful. I used your method today for the first time. Super easy. Thanks

[@dorisjeffers1044]

I just want to thank y'all! It is so great what you do! Your videos are easy to understand and (believe it or not) enjoyable! That in itself says a lot! Lol

[@Catalinaobregon]

Bought a Nature's Head because of your video. Thank you for taking on the task of describing the features and benefits as well as maintenance of a composting toilet. You both deserve an Oscar.

[@gonewiththewynns]

Thanks K! We love hearing that we helped. That's what keeps us doing this!

[@BenSharmak]

I was waiting for this video. Wasn't sure how the process went. Thanks for the info

[@anitaparish2785]

I thought it was very interesting. I did not have any idea how the process worked. Thanks so much.

[@LexBuildAdventures]

"because we are composting" and "now this is ready to go into the dumpster" don't really go well together. wish more places had composting bins/programs.

[@gonewiththewynns]

Yes! It was hard to find any place that would take it but we kept trying.

[@koningbolo4700]

Any forest has them... you just have to put in the effort to dig a foot and a half hole to put the "effort" in it... But hey, a dumpster is wayyyyyyy easier...right?

[@hikari1811]

@@koningbolo4700 yeah but what if you're not near a forest? Can't be digging up local parks eh.

[@jessie0076]

Finally! A mystery solved! I’ve been wondering this for so long. Thanks for posting.

[@OneOutlander]

Very instructional Thank You for posting this vid

[@Twelvestonestacking]

still watching both RV and Sailing vids....you guys are awesome! just purchased my Natures Head for my "barnominium"! Goodonyas

[@sweetholyjustice7923]

Nice video and I love how you both are involved with your videos. Y'all are a beautiful couple.

[@g2storm]

Thanks, guys, this video was really informative.

[@mistyp.9754]

Thank you for sharing your information on the composting toilet. We are about to purchase our first unit (I've been selling and working with them since I was 5! (33yrs!) and my husband has been for 13yrs). We will be parked on a permanent site (on private land) and will NOT have access to a dumping station or honey wagon service. We have decided to embrace the composting toilet. We have watched many videos about it and know this is the best solution for us. It isn't for everyone, some of the comments are negative regarding them or how you dispose of the waste. While finding a composting site is best (we will be starting one), you are not always afforded the ability of one. When you consider the amount of water a person wastes everyday from flushing alone (not including washing hands), I'd much rather toss my composting bag with humanure in it, into a dumpster (assuming no compost pile is available), then waste fresh water as it drains into the sewer systems and waste treatment plants. It helps to see things through the "glasses" of others, as we all have different perceptions and ideas. We appreciate all the videos, keep them coming! Peace, love and happiness!

[@OUMagMan]

Very informative - thank you! If your cat could talk: "Hey look! Mom & Dad use a litter box too (snicker)". We are soon to RV and appreciate all your efforts! Jim&Cindy@Mid-Ohio

[@fayjason]

This video was very helpful. Thanks you.

[@TinyHomeTours]

Hey guys! A subscriber on my channel sent me over here being we are looking into this option. Thanks for the great info!

[@0HARE]

I've been following the Winns for a while, now. They've got it going on, for real, and their composting toilet videos are great. We're seriously considering one.

[@gonewiththewynns]

Chris Travels happy to help, we also have a discount code on our site if you haven't found that yet: www.gonewiththewynns.com/all-composting-toilet

[@toptobottom247]

Chris Travels Someone beat me to it...i was gonna send you here as

[@SyberPrepper]

Great info and video. We're not doing the RV thing yet, but this looks like a great idea. Thanks!

[@ModernBrick]

Thank you for making this video! I am excited to get a composting toilet and avoid dumping the black tank in my future RV:):)

[@timtanner4126]

Loved it I always wanted to know how they work...

[@BrendaCCarr]

Great video. Think I'll get one for my camper.

[@zt7564]

I’m not an RV person but this was helpful cos I might be doing a project with a van so this is very helpful

[@vna4t]

Ty so much for this video

[@scottrussell9527]

You guys are awesome thx so much

[@codyjbartz]

Thank you for the fun video : )

[@nickagliata9438]

Great video Always awaiting the next

[@joesrvhome]

you guys can talk about toilets and i'm riveted ... that says a lot about you guys

[@rebekahseagraves4055]

Thank you so much! Our family of 5 is going tiny and with 3 kids, we were concerned about the ease of use. I would much prefer this over a black water tank (messing with that and the eco friendly use of composting). 😊

[@consciousness5061]

thanks for great video. We just bought through your link! :)

[@joseywales3846]

Love your videos. I have learned a lot from Ya'll. keep em coming. :)

[@kylevelazquez2217]

I love how he was haveing fun dumping it lol

[@TekTravis]

You guys are great, Love your videos ! ~ T

[@quacktony]

Answered my questions.

[@petraarriaga6550]

Your video has been very helpful thank you. But I have a few questions. How often you should repeat the process? Where should you drop the compost? How expensive is the coconut (something)?

[@luiszo11]

so far so good on the idea on the compost toilet. but i have a question regarding RV storage with this type of toilet. plan on using my RV once a month or so with only an annual long trip. since no electricity while stored during the month i wonder if i could leave my compost "cooking" w/o fan/venting. any thoughts? thanks

[@Ilsabug1]

Thanks for posting the Video. This is not my first viewing, and I must say I was sold the first time. I am currently installing one on "Sugar Magnolia" and it should see its first use next week. As for the smell comments it is way too early for me to tell, but no one wanted to be down wind of the Lectra San I just removed.

[@RuPaulCharley]

Thank you!!!!

[@cjkelly1]

Great info, done well. Some questions... What have you done with your Black Tank? How did you clean it out now that there is no liquid in it? if there is no liquid in it, have you disconnected it or do you use it as an alternative gray tank? Thank you in advance.

[@danthedrivingman6415]

Awesome! "Light and fluffy"! 😂 potty training= fun 😂!

[@joetorres9372]

Thanks good video

[@norasteel5353]

Sorry, I asked a question in your other video that you already answered on THIS video! Where does one dump the pee? Now I know. Wow. Seems like a compost toilet might even be good to use in a regular home/apartment..good way of saving water. Thanks so much for your informative and cute videos!

[@TravisHamon]

Thanks for the walk-through. I definitely like the exhaust feature but getting all personal with the poop plate doesn't sound exciting.

[@michaelsummers3106]

Hey that is great, I'm convinced! A composting toilet is the way to go. Go; ha ha. Thanks for all your great videos on the you tube. I always look forward to see what you guys are up too. When you make it back out to California check out the Integratron in Landers and take a sound bath, its a great experience and you can boondock at giant rock where the ancient indians would have their powel wows. They would get together and sing and dance. Take Care, Mike Summers

[@gonewiththewynns]

Sounds fantastic, thanks for sharing.

[@OliverPassemard]

So just to clarify: when it gets to be time to dump the tank, what about the last few turds you made? I mean those can't be already composted can they? And the agitator, does it get crap stuck on it? And really, 80 turds? That seems like a LOT.

[@chadmerkley9465]

Solid (hahaha) question!!

[@DynohasADD]

I came here for the same question and in my experience, proper composting can't take place in the amount of time it takes to fill. Yes, dookie and toilet paper chunks become intertwined on the agitator and you quite literally have to pressure wash it clean or just leave it

[@deenajohnson1489]

@@chadmerkley9465 *cringe*

[@alicehallam8247]

Use the proper toilet paper for your poo. Toss the pee pee toilet paper in your trash bin (it does not smell when dry). Not so hard.

[@igotthekirkland]

Are there any "homemade" substitutes to coconut fiber or peat moss? Like maybe crushed leaves or grass clipping?

[@myworldplus5829]

Real cool....

[@raphaelgomez2454]

I have questions about your solar system and how you chose it? Especially, how you plug your rv in using the cord thst came wth the rv?

[@Neuralatrophy]

Gone with the Wynns Do you have much experience touring Canada ? I'm contemplating a custom van conversion for 4 season travel and a composter would be ideal to avoid the mess of frozen tanks. I'm just wondering, where would I find info about disposal of composted human waste ? What are your experiences with it if you have traveled Canada and, do composters have much of a smell under normal use ? (in the tight confines of a van that would be important)

[@whenagirlhasnoname2061]

Do you think you can use a designated Hand Mixer or something like that to use to prep you Coco Coir?

[@jaredsawyer8458]

Would you be able to get by without re-hydrating the medium? I guess I just don't understand the reasoning for the re-hydration. I thought the more dry the medium is the better. Thanks in advance

[@culinarycamper5689]

Great video, I've had this same toilet for a while and still learned something new. I'm curious though, how do you keep it clean? We were told to use a tablespoon of sugar in the liquid bin to keep it clean but it still needs a good clean out.

[@gonewiththewynns]

our next video is more FAQ and technical tips, it should launch in a month or so. The short answer is 3" of vinegar and some rocks then swirl around. Cleans the liquid tank no problem.

[@02bigd84]

Not quite 7 years later boating in Tonga! What a ride

[@Stitchedwithhope]

I was kind of curious how the composting toilets worked for the dumping.... not nearly as gross as I thought it would be. I might have to look into this a little bit more. Thanks for the great & informative vid!

[@kdcarver]

I am having a hard time seeing how this much work in prep, execution, and cleanup, is in any way worth it. How do you benefit by having a container that is 1/30th the size of a black tank?

[@shanemahler6830]

I'm curious about the clean up... I am working on a tiny house, a converted Johnson Quality shed ha!, and I really don't want to spend 3500 for a septic tank. After emptying this toilet do you just refill or wash it out? Is the top cleaned with a special type of wet wipes or just soap and water? Without water in the bowl I assume it's all sit-down huh..

[@pamelaturnerpt]

Any chance you could use the wood pellets from a pellet stove instead? reyhdrated?

[@MrRWF2004]

There are many brands in the market. What is the best composting toilet brand you would recommend? Thanks.

[@2badger2]

The compost toilet sounds like a great idea. I really like that the compost last about 60-80 uses. I'm looking into getting a class B+ RV. When I asked some of the companies that make them they said the compost toilets do not mean RVIA building standards. How get you get your RV company to help out? Thank you

[@gonewiththewynns]

We installed the composting toilet ourselves. It wasn't standard with the RV.

[@LarryRichelli]

I just counted my uses. I live alone and don't put the tp in the composting toilet. The best I can do is 23 uses. Saying it can be used 60 to 80 times is a pipe dream.

[@erarung28]

Is there optional holding tank for liquid and solid waste for rv or motorhome.

[@Tuesdaywhitt1]

Do you have to unscrew the toilet from the floor every time you dump it ? Do you have to disconnect a fan too ?

[@davidpaigeholmes3498]

If the toilet is mounted to the floor, does that mean you need to unscrew the toilet from the floor each time you need to dump? For my family of 3 I would assume we would need to dump about once a week-ish.

[@Silvafolk]

I use a composting toilet. For me it really is superior. The solids dehydrate and do not have to be emptied very often...for me only once or twice per camping season! It consumes no water and frees up black tank for more gray water holding...great for boondocking. No chemical smell. I never have to go find a dump station if I'm not at a campground...It gives me independence in dealing with my waste. I'll never switch back to carrying around a slurry of putrescent nastyness to have to deal with.

[@orcuttnyc]

+Silvafolk Why wouldn't one use the unused black tank for fresh water?

[@Silvafolk]

+Bill Orcutt One certainly could use the black tank space for fresh water holding, although I would definitely replace the black tank with a new clean one intended for potable water. I often stay in campgrounds with water hookups but only a single common dump station, so gray water holding is often more important than extra fresh water capacity. On a side note, I've observed that many of the dissatisfied users of separating composting toilets are not following the basic instructions for their use (not using the vent fan, not keeping solids and liquids separate, etc.) and end up with unpleasant side effects. We originally purchased our c. toilet for our sailboat (The Natures Head toilet was originally designed by sailors for use on sailboats to save space and water). It had so many advantages, we moved it to our travel trailer when we parted with the boat and are still very satisfied.

[@whenagirlhasnoname2061]

Is there special recipe to the parts of weight of coco coir to parts water

[@mgersin]

What sized composting bag was that? I know I don't want the small sized ones (for kitchen composting bins) but I want to make sure I buy the size that fits nice and snug like in the video. Anyone know?

[@cathiepixie]

Thanks so much for your video. It's inspired me to get a compost toilet set up in my home! :-D Just wondering why you hydrate the coir? Won't it be more useful dry, then it can absorb more of the waste liquids....? Peace, C

[@gonewiththewynns]

The COIR is only for the solids, the liquids are held in the tank.

[@bruall847]

yay! I was wondering how the process goes for eliminating the eliminated, ha. Sooooooo I don't need a bio suit? The smell is acceptable i guess?

[@TheMarkanthony5]

I have a question here if you have emptied the toilet is it ok to wash it out with a little disinfectant after dumping and before prepping again? One more question as the solid hits the trap door of the toilet does this not smear the trap door before dropping in the composting area? if so how does one keep this section clean? can you use a spray to keep it clean What about skid marks on the bowl itself caused by the solids what should you use to clean it with as i presume you don't want disinfectants going into the compost area.

[@yippehanako]

I've seen people with a spray bottle with vinegar

[@norasteel5353]

It seems that one would have to clean the pee part of the toilet...what do you guys recommend for the rinsing part?

[@All5kats]

can you make batches in advance? does it smell?

[@Obeprime6000]

Hi Guys I have just started to watch your channel and have enjoyed every episode. I know this is an old episode but was wondering how you empty your compositing toilet at sea do you just dump it into the ocean like you would black water waste and have you had any issues with the coconut husk with customs? Thx

[@gonewiththewynns]

If they are in waters where it's legal to dump the holding tank then yes, they can also dump the compost. If they're in nearshore waters where it can't be dumped, they bag it up and take it to land with the garbage to be legally disposed of in the trash. And there's the scoop on the poop! Curious Minion

[@Obeprime6000]

Thank You

[@rang123yea5]

I have cordless tools so instead of chopping wood for my cast iron stove I cut it with a circular saw and catch all the saw dust as use that.

[@LucasLand]

this looks poorly designed to me. to empty it you'd have to take out the whole toilet. they should design the compost section like the fluids sections. fluids just pull right out. should be able to do the same with compost. just lift out the square box and take it outside

[@krazed0451]

There's a stirring rod in the composting container which would prohibit the use of a removable tank.

[@jquiznos2283]

I know what you mean. When he dumps it, you can see there's some waste on the outer edge which means you have to wipe that. NBD I guess, but in an effort to keep things neat, especially when it comes to your own waste, I imagine there has to be a slightly better way. I'm not trying to touch my, or other people's, poop.

[@lhasaapso3360]

Learned something I never knew. Wondering if the green bag could be put inside of the white container that holds the compost. One would eliminate that last step of pouring the composted waste into the bag.

[@gonewiththewynns]

Might get torn by the paddle, and if you're using a biodegradable bag it might not last long enough (depending on how much you're using the toilet).

[@cannonrange9977]

Excellent video! I'm doing research for my tiny-house on a trailer design and this is deciding for me (in favor). I wonder if there is a noticeable benefit to the primary user(s) eating a Whole Food Plant Based diet (in terms of waste disposal and odor management): has anyone got data or anecdotal evidence either way?

[@gonewiththewynns]

As for odor management, Nikki & Jason have said numerous times that there is no odor with the Nature's Head if you have it installed correctly & use it correctly. Curious Minion

[@sonofabutcher7003]

Your gut bacteria is different on a plant based diet. Your waste will break down quickly due to the high fiber associated with your diet...and there will be far less odor...again due to the bacteria.

[@DeeBroughton]

I love seeing how other people use their RV, and I'm very interested in composting toilets when camped in one spot for a long time, but I don't really get this for traveling. You're just throwing it out, so you say that it saves water and doesn't use chemicals and you don't have to worry about "stinking RV black tank," but it seems like a lot of work for nothing to me. I full-time and have a 10 gallon black tank. I don't use water or chemicals in the tank and dumping it every 2-3 weeks seems easier to me than this does. Thanks for sharing though. Great videos. I recognized Josh Woodward's music - I've used it in mine, too. :)

[@jimwillson365]

1) how long does it take to empty, clean, and replace your toilet? (time video would be nice) 2) what do you do with your gray water?

[@lauraroman7414]

Is it possible to use rice husks? great video thanks!

[@gonewiththewynns]

+Laura Roman not sure, it's specifally calls for Coco COIR or Peat.

[@laughlivelovechannel7637]

Hi Gone with the wynns, Could it be a possibility to put the bag inside of the toilet with the coconut thingy at the bottom of bag and when it`s time to change it, instead of removing the toilet, you just take the bag out? that way the toilet remains cleaner also?

[@gonewiththewynns]

+Laugh Live Love Channel I don't think you can. The handle to turn the paddles goes through one side, and you can't block the exhaust fan either. And you'd need to use a non-biodegradable bag, so then you're taking something that's meant to break down & create soil and you're locking it up in a container that will just sit in a landfill.

[@danbresler7406]

You don't have to keep covering it with more fiber to keep the smelling? Do you have to use a hose filter? What happens if you use regular peatmoss and just wet it down a little bit so its not dusty? I'm interested in just using a 5 gallon bucket, because that's all I can afford. Thanks.

[@jarodhoward3536]

I've seen most that use a 5 gal bucket just use once and dump, MAYBE a few times. Plus side is, you would use much less fill.

[@99cachorro]

R.V. black tanks are a pain when they need dumping and you have to find the proper place to dump. The composting toilet seems to work very well, and makes great fertilizer mixed with kitchen scraps. I grow vegetables at a rate twice as fast as store bought fertilizers, fruiting faster and more fruit. Its a win, win.

[@russellfrederick3553]

Do you have a separate receptacle for the the wiping paper ? Or does that mix with the coconut fiber too ?

[@gonewiththewynns]

+Russell Frederick paper drops right in no problem, however having a separate container for the TP would save space and allow you to go longer between COIR changes. Loads more info on our site: www.gonewiththewynns.com/all-composting-toilet

[@afrobetaofficial]

What trash bags do you use for dumping?

[@beatnbustem]

Could you theoretically line your composting part of the toilet with a composting liner to make dumping easier?

[@brandonfireking7655]

beatnbustem as long as it does not interfere with the little turning part inside there, then yes you can. at least, thats what the guy at a "green" store told me when he was pitching one of these to me

[@majasmagic]

do you still use this type of composting toilet or have you changed the make/ type i.e upgraded like to a separet

[@gonewiththewynns]

+majasmagic 3 years later and we still have the same toilet and still love it! We will not be going back to a regular toilet.

[@majasmagic]

+Gone with the Wynns thank you for answering. I have been trying to decide which composting toilet is for me. The benefit of this Natures head is the molded toilet seat, my husband seems to break all the flip toilet seats . The installation looks easier than on the Swedish separet and aesthetically nicer than the Air Head.

[@Ibbygirl19]

Hi Jason. Can I ask what type of bag you are using? I couldn't find it in the product listings on your site under the composting toilet tab. Thanks for your time. :)

[@gonewiththewynns]

+Jennifer Heredia We purchased our composting bags on Amazon: amzn.to/1N8QnH4

[@Ibbygirl19]

Gone with the Wynns Thank you so much! :) I appreciate your taking the time. :) Happy travels!

[@flykristy]

Can you do another vid on the best TP now that you are composting??

[@gonewiththewynns]

any rv friendly tp will decompose more quickly than a standard thick 3-ply.

[@RealFarknMcCoy]

I just have to ask you - do you scoop stuff out of the litterbox and put it into your composting toilet? Or do you use some other method of disposing of litterbox waste? I want to take my kitty on the road with me, but that part of it worries me somewhat...

[@tavrosnitram1529]

+RealFarknMcCoy I know this is late, but I think that's actually a great idea You can always ask the people who are selling it to you on their website And another thing is some people are able to train their cats to use toilets, so see what you can do with this one XP

[@2012escapee1]

So do you have this in addition to the standard black tank toilet?

[@gonewiththewynns]

this is our only toilet, we replaced the standard RV toilet. Check this page on our webstie: www.gonewiththewynns.com/all-composting-toilet

[@BeccaM2515]

With no water, how do you get rid of poop that sticks to the inside of the bowl? Also, where do you put your used toilet paper?

[@StephenWeppler]

So is human compost usable in a garden? Would you use it as such if you could rather than throwing it away?

[@gonewiththewynns]

There is a book called humanure and liquid gold all about gardening with waste. We would use it if we had a proper compost pile. There's loads more info on our website if you're interested: www.gonewiththewynns.com/all-composting-toilet

[@funawesomefamily]

Seems easy enough. I assume TP goes into the tank?

[@gonewiththewynns]

TP goes right in

[@s.porter8646]

Got one of these for our live aboard, pump outs are pricy, and having salt water flush, still stinks, and a whole list of maintenance to go with it. this is a few steps here and there, one thing everyone leave out, is plugging and unplugging the fan.... some real turd comments here thinking if you travel your rich, get off your asses and explore. awesome vid

[@MarcassCarcass]

What size garbage bags are you using?