I just ordered the Air Head Composting Toilet to put in The Caretaker’s Cabin. I am hoping it will come in time for the video that we are going to be filming very soon. The manufacturer originally made them for boats which calls for a very small size, so they are perfect for our cabins.
“Air Head” works simply. By separating liquids from solids the volume of solid human matter is significantly reduced and turned into non-offensive com- post. “Air Head’s” unexpected capacity means that up to a season’s worth of week- end use may be held before emptying. (Based on two persons’ use twice every weekend for five months: 80 uses). A couple can expect 60 uses (one month of full time use).
Much like a household toilet, the “Air Head” has a bowl and a lever which provides a “flush”. The main difference is the Air Head Toilet’s waterless operation. A paper bowl liner acts as a carrier for solid matter on its way to the solids tank.
The solid matter is separated and agitated thereby decomposing it into a non-offensive state inside the large tank. Additionally, the unit has an integral 12 volt fan that provides a constant negative pressure to pull moisture out of the living space. In many cases a noticeable improvement in air quality will be perceived.
Liquids are collected in the smaller forward tank with wide mouthed aperture keeping the contents emptying smoothly into any standard commode. The liquid tank will hold approximately four days use per person if used exclusively.
For boats and RV’s, the “Air Head” may be integrated with an existing holding tank system creating holding capacity for liquids far beyond what many mobile systems can offer. This is because the “Air Head” integrated holding tank takes on no flushing water and is free to hold just what it needs to.
The 2 gallon fluid bottle needs to be emptied depending on your use, but the manufacturer recommends the solids below to be emptied every three months to allow the microorganisms time to work. The bottom container that holds the solid waste acts like a biological decomposition chamber.
The Air Head does not use water and you put in a little peat moss or saw dust after each solid use to help break down the waste. The compete unit comes with paper liners that look like coffee filters which help slide the solid wastes below. I think they might really be coffee filters, what a great idea!
Forgive the kindergarten term , but I think it is a universal saying, when you are just going ”number one”, it has 3 holes that divert the fluid in the fluid chamber, so you do not flush. You only flush ( or actually crank) after a solid use. Toilet paper can go in as well and composts well.
It will be easy to clean with biodegradable cleaners, like white vinegar or Dr. Bonner’s soap.
The unit has a continuously-running 12 volt fan that draws .06 amp. A solar vent or small solar panel which would eliminate power draw – may be purchased separately. You may also buy a 110 v (household current) adaptor. I bought the adaptor, there is an outlet for it in the bathroom.
Air Heads are manufactured in the US which I really appreciate and love to support.
The book Humanure Handbook is a must have book to understand how to manage your waste safely and to avoid odor. It will also teach you how to build a compost bin, so you can empty the containers in and let them continue to compost.