We took Danny's advice and started using a little white vinegar in our wash bottle which we use to rinse the bowl with after peeing. It is much better and cheaper than Napisan, kills the odours like a beauty and keeps the bowl nice and clean.
The last fill of our composting loo lasted 28days. It could have gone on a bit longer but we were in a convenient spot to empty it and to dispose of the compost properly. This last fill was one and a bit coir bricks, 1.4 litres of water and 200ml of Bunnings liquid drain enzyme. We are using the toilet pretty much full time with occasional trips to caravan park amenities and public loos along the way.
We have found that if it looks to be getting a bit full and the handle gets harder to turn, it seems to return to normal if you give it a few days break. At this more recent empty, the compost came away cleanly and there was no smell at all. With the little heater element running full time, the compost was quite warm - about 40 degrees or so I'd reckon. I'll take a measurement at the next empty. The last month has been mostly cool nights (12-15 degrees) and days in the mid 20s.
So we refilled it as before, but have cut the water back to 1.2 litres with 200ml of enzyme. We'll see how this goes. The American instructions say to cut back the water for full time use.
We have been travelling with a couple who have a 9 year old son and have been spending a lot of time together off grid. He has a conventional dunny with a removable cassette. He has to go off to town every couple of days to find a dump point. Give me a composting loo any day. But it would be a pain without plumbing in a drain to the wee bucket.
If I was to go again with composting loo, I am pretty sure I'd go with the new Separett Tiny, although I haven't looked at it in detail yet. It would be nice to have a loo that you don't have to modify.
Keith
