Composting Toilets - Sustainable Off-Grid Sanitation

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Does it smell?

No. When installed properly, it will draw a small amount of air in through the toilet seat continuously. So even immediately after use, Kakapo composting toilets produce no odour. However, just after turning the drum, odours may issue forth if one was to open the seat right away. We recommend you leave it for 5 minutes before to allow time for the natural up-draught to clear the air.

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What do we do with the stuff that comes out of it?

We recommend that the solid material be emptied into a compost bin and covered with a good layer of straw or some similar bulky material (leaves or other garden refuse). The liquid can be run directly to an existing grey water system or other soakage system. Alternatively, if you like to see growing things flourish, any plant will be more than happy to recieve it.

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How often will I have to empty it?

In a continuous domestic situation (Mum, Dad and two kids) - once every couple of months would probably be about right. If you are only using it on the weekends - for a couple of people - it could be as little as once a year.

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Can I really put the compost on my garden?

Hot composting is by far the most effective way to render any excrement, pathogen-free. The second best way is to let it mature for an adquate length of time. By constructing a proper compost pile and leaving it to stand for a year, the resulting compost would be perfect for the garden.

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What does the stuff that comes out of the toilet look and smell like?

It looks a bit like something you'd expect a horse to do (as a result of the rotary action of the drum) and is quite odourless.

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Will I be able to see the 'doings'?

If you care to look - yes. If you don't like what you see - cover it with sawdust. (Sawdust is great for composting by the way!)

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Can I install it myself?

Anyone handy with a hammer - and confident enough to cut a hole in their roof - will find it a piece-of-cake to install.

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Does it need power to run it?

No power required (unless you require an extra vent).

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So how do I go about getting a Kakapo composting toilet?

Just get in touch with us, and we'll ship one to your door! If you are building and you think that your wall cladding will be going on before you'll recieve your toilet, let us know so we can provide you with the external wall flashing piece. Once this has been positioned (loosley) under the cladding, work on your building can proceed and the toilet can be installed at your leisure.

KAKAPO FAQs