How To Make A Composting Toilet
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- čas přidán 7. 03. 2021
- We show how to make a DIY composting toilet for our camper van conversion.
It's a great alternative to the expensive, off the shelf, composting toilets on the market and you can customize it the size and shape to fit your setup!
Materials We Used:
Toilet Seat: amzn.to/3cpEzUv
Piano Hinge: amzn.to/3sZ6Ac4
Soffit Vent: amzn.to/38juA1B
Adhesive Sealant: amzn.to/38hVYx5
Computer Fan: amzn.to/3boTpes
Starbond CA Glue: amzn.to/3v3rE2U
Starbond Accelerator: amzn.to/3kUsquf
Cereal Container: amzn.to/38fuEiH
Urine Diverter: ebay.to/3vbJ9OL
12V ON/OFF Switch: amzn.to/3bp7Oam
PVC Adapter with Plug: amzn.to/3bqM2Dg
5 min Epoxy: amzn.to/3eh0ZJQ
Compostable Trash Bag: amzn.to/3v0S59n
Liquid Container: amzn.to/3qrrxuz
Leather Pull Strap: amzn.to/3qq7DzV
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Having a toilet was must for our camper van and we're super happy with how our DIY version came out. What is a must have for your build? Comment below!
Do you have blueprint? I love this design. Most others leave the toilet seat open on top of the box and I love that this is covered and could be a quick seat in a pinch
@@g.n.y.sister-girljudah3605 Our goal was to have everything in the van have multiple uses, so having an extra seat when the toilet isn't in use was a big deal for us. To your question though, We didn't make plans unfortunately because we felt the dimensions were particular to our van layout as well as other constraints that might not align with other builds..
Where did you find the urine diverter?
@@IMEEMADE totally, I am a full time car life RN, but want to build one day. "If it ain't multifunctional it's mini fatal."
Could you have added a gasket to lid for an airtight seal? The fan would be able to pull air from the outside.
Great build!! I've been using a dry toilet for almost 3 years, and have found that separating urine makes it exponentially more smelly. I very much prefer using pine pellets over peat, for both eliminating virtually all odor (I use it in the litter box, too) as well as being significantly more absorbent and way less expensive, and it all goes in the same bucket, which is lined with a trash bag. No sloshing liquids at all. I get about 3 weeks from a 40lb bag of pine pellets, $6, and 4-5 days to fill the bucket. Easy peasy. I hope this is helpful to someone!
Very interesting. I will remember that when I build mine. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for the tip!
This is also more in line with composting. There needs to be liquid in there needs to be a carbon source. If it’s too stinky , you need to add more carbon- peat, wood, etc. Also letting the compost heat is a must.
@@HopeCreekConnemara Yes, exactly. I follow the method from The Humanure Handbook by Joe Jenkins. It's so simple, and works beautifully.
Thank you for this info!
young people with skills gives me hope for the future, very nice job. I would buy one for my camper!
A few friendly suggestions: mentioning the cost of materials used and the diverter chosen would be helpful to others. In short, what was the cost of materials for this build project? It appears you were using finished birch ply, so that should be mentioned too.
Friendly suggestion: when cutting any exterior holes, not only be careful with the steel shavings, but also use some paint to cover the cuts, so they won’t later rust.
I like how your video showed both people contributing to the build and narration. That is good. :)
Thanks for the suggestions!
I know this is the RIGHT how-to video and description... Because the makers are smart enough to buy and use Makita tools!
Makita is the best! ✌️
Yes! A “not round bucket” ! Brilliant! I can’t believe I never thought of it.... thank you! I’m rebuilding all my bucket bins in my off grid cabins! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👍🏼✌🏼
Glad to hear that our video was helpful! Thank you for watching!
I might have commented before, but Allison from Travel Snacks CZcams Channel also made a DIY composting toilet. A few changes were the specific urine diverter and container, and the way the toilet seat assembly was installed. She found the same issue with the round bucket, and I believe ended up with a rectangular trash can. Her video is interesting and the composting toilet seems to work well for her! Good luck with whatever changes you make!
awesome, we'll have to check that out! thanks for your comment!
Excellent build. One of the best I've seen. I really like that.
Thank you very much!
“Dude, you didn’t wash your hands.” ㅋㅋㅋ 🤣
🤣🤣
That's quite pretty and will built. I believe you put the computer fan in backwards. You need the sharp edges of the fan inside soaking pull the air out. After looking at my supplies of computer fans I forgot there was a arrow pointing which way it pulls are in which way it rotates for the arrow points to the side of the van to expel the gas. Sorry about getting it wrong first time
wow ! this is such a precise and detailed video and your result is super easy to use !
Thank you!
by far a Best build i have seen ... Well Done! and thank you for sharing!!
thank you for watching!
Best build I've seen thanks a bunch, will be using this for inspiration!
Glad to be of help. Thank you!
I have found a 1 gallon bottle (or larger) with a small hose going from the urine separator to the jug works best. Use the cap for the jug to use when removing the jug to empty. Since it's taller rather than wider there will be less slopping around when in transit.
Thanks for the tip!
Impressive! Good planning and detailed execution. Thanks for the list of parts and sources.
Thank you for watching!
I like the double lid design the fan switch nice clean work.
Thank you very much!
Great video. Not my final solution for my marine application, but definitely gave me some ideas. Thanks!
Glad the video was helpful! Thanks for watching
Amazing, I was looking that cost of one of these Compost Toilet on Amazon just amazed me how much they were asking for. Really think I can build one of these now with your helpful guild here.
Yes! Good luck with your build!
I really really appreciate this video!!!! And the dog is just too adorable👍🏻
Thank you so much! ☺️
The computer fan was genius!
Thank you!! It really came in handy lol
Wow this video was so helpful!!! Informative, educational, and entertaining to watch. Thanks guys!!!! Will def be using this for my van build :)
thanks for watching!
You two are good with tools ! 💕
Very nice build..thank you for posting!
This is brilliant! Great job and thank you!!!!
Thank you so much!
So awesome! So many little details and design features (even a little leather haha)!
Thanks Ethan! We got inspired by our favorite leather maker ECD! 😁
I haven't watched all the way through yet. I just had to say, your canine supervisor is cracking me up!
Haha she’s the best 🐶
Very well done, nicely designed and finished.
Dogs are good people!
Thank you! And you're right, dogs are the best people 🐶
You guys make this so easy and simple ❤
Thank you!
Much better than a $1,000 Nature’s Head toilet… Nice build. 👍
That is a beauty. Well done
Thank you!
Very good one of the best I have seen
Thank you very much!
That’s a Great Job very informative Thank!
Great job
I'm super intrigued by this because I can safely say its something I've never thought about making before.
Us either! It was so fun we might make another one! 😅
@@IMEEMADE getting crazy over there
I replaced the plastic, pedal flush toilet (that always stunk up the RV), and sealed off the Black Tank. then I built a composting toilet, not unlike the one they built. It cost me less than $50, and it was by far the best modification to my RV. It is just as comfortable as any regular toilet, and honestly, you could build one of these anywhere.
I like your seamless and minimalist design and very functioning and comfort.you should add minimalist van design in you title.
Thank you so much!
This is really good! Thankyou 💜
thank you so much!
Nice build. I've created similar composting toilet but I installed a 10 gallon (an overkill, 5 gal is more than sufficient) under the van as a urine container. Then I installed a solenoid valve so that I can release the urine by a push of a button. This will add about $150 to the build but I do think it takes care of the urine issues---the effort it takes to dump urine in public restrooms or worrying about urine overflow wasn't for me. Thanks for sharing your build!
That's brilliant. Thanks for the tip!
Do you have a video or schematics of this?
Very good work and idea!!!
Thank you!!
Thank you so much! Brilliant idea!! God bless
Thank you for watching!!
Great video. Funny intro, there's no privacy in a camper van. That drone shot was cinenamtic! Bet you got great B Roll on your trip. Cool build, super useful when building a composting toilet. Mahalo for sharing! : )
Haha there's definitely no privacy at all! Thanks so much we got a new few cool shots, but regretting we didn't get more. Thanks!
Nice JOB!!
Very nice. Good job.
Thank you very much!
Nice work 👏
Thanks dude!
Never thought I’d see such an aesthetic compost toilet building video… great job 👏 maybe try charcoal or biochar to reduce smells completely? Also helps keeps the nutrients in the soil for plants.
Thank you so much! We'll try the charcoal or buochar!
Try a vacuum blast gate used in workshops as a cap for the urine container. You can plumb it in between the diverter and container.
Such a good idea! Thank you!
Good job.
Thanksn
Great video.
Thank you!
Im thinking about Airbnb off the grid this will be handy THANKS 👍🌴
Nice! Happy off griding!
Great job. Clean build. Fyi, you don't need to wear nitrile gloves when doing woodwork, unless you're allergic to wood.
For the “liquid waste container” maybe make a tray with handles on the far sides to lift it out. Think if the wire baskets used for chest style freezers but maybe made of canvas with a wire frame?
That's a great idea!
thanks you
Thank you for watching!
Thanks for the video! This is roughly the same as the design I'm working on right now. I hadn't considered the gas spring or the peg holding the 2nd (or 3rd?) lid open. Definitely stealing those ideas. I was going to put it in with the shower on my trailer, so one giant cover/lid takes care of all my sealing needs. I found a square 5 gallon bucket for poop and a big rectangular funnel for urine, so there are large targets and no seams. I plan on an elongated open front toilet seat so you can scoot forward for number one, but I don't know how much of an issue that will be. I'm also considering a standing option for guys, like a pull-out funnel with a tube, or a second pee-jug that hides under the lid.
I haven't figured out a urine container yet. Yours has a very large capacity and I may steal that idea, but I will try something more stealth at first like a gallon bottle that won't be weird if I have to carry it into a bathroom somewhere. Of course I may end up with a large number of gallon bottles depending, and constantly checking capacity would be annoying, so I don't know where I'll end up.
Excited to hear what you come up with!
Great design. Best I've seen and lot's of good ideas. Do you know what the current draw of the fan is? I assume you're running the fan full speed since you don't have any kind of PWM speed control. And, can you hear the fan easily throughout the van, or do you need to put your head right down by the toilet to hear it? Thanks!
Thank you! I believe it draws a out 1-2 watts when in use. You can definitely hear a light whirring when the fan is on but it's not very noticeable, especially when there's any form of outside noise. We've noticed we only really need it on for about 15minutes post bathroom use.
NICE VIDEO
Thank you!
There may be some containers similar, but that have baffles in them so that the liquid doesn't slosh as you drive.
Neat! Thanks for the tip!
AWESOME
Thanks!
Subscribed because of the very good video showing the construction steps and the good narration. I have not seen any other videos by you, but if you produce more using that same video technique, it should be helpful to many others.
Neat! Thanks and welcome aboard!
Tell me this channel pays for comments without telling me they pay for comments
Great video guys. Lots of good ideas I'll be using for mine thanks. BTW where did you buy the diverter?
In all fairness it's not a composting toilet though is it?
Unless you are conserving the waste material & completing the composting to use elsewhere.
Also keeping the exterior vent below the level of the fan prevents rainwater intrusion.
We got it from eBay, there's a link to the diverter in the description! Thanks for the tips!
Awesome work. I’m going to make one myself. Do you have the dimensions or plans for this? Thankyou
No plans, sorry!
Where did you get the urine diverter? I can seem to find a decent priced one online. Thank you for the video, btw! I loved the step by step process!!
Thank you! We got the diverter from eBay and it seems like the one we purchased is no longer available. We actually modified our setup by removing the diverter and made an update to the design on our website!
imeemade.com/blog/howtomakeacomposttoilet
Hi Lorne. In regards to the urine splashing in your container. Put a spigot (tube) from top to 1/2" or so off bottom. Drill tiny hole just below top surface of tank into tube. Liquid will still slosh but shouldn't come out exterior fitting. Good video, simple & efficient. I like simple.
Thank you for the tip!!
Will you please elaborate on this method to keep liquid from sloshing? Not sure I see what you are doing, but this is a critical issue to solve.
@@rwind656 at the bottom of the urine collection funnel put a piece of hose cut to reach down to almost touch the bottom of the collection tank and attach it to the bottom of the urine collector . You can then drill small holes up and down the hose it acts as a baffle preventing liquid from splashing back up the hose and out the urine collector.
@@voiceofwethepeople5866 Thanks very - very - much for the reply. The idea of a baffle is brilliant, I can see it would stop liquid sloshing out of the tank. Had to rewatch this video to remember their design in that area...
Okay, if I got this, you're putting this baffle INSIDE the urine collection tank, not attached to the urine diverter? So the tank has a built-in baffle on the input hole? And the baffle would be a drilled pipe the size of the hole into the collection tank, running almost to the bottom of the tank?
Maybe the baffle could be a separate or add-on drilled pipe with a thin lip at the top, removable for easier washing, which could be placed between the lid to the tank and the rim of the opening? (Not sure I'm explaining that right. I'm thinking of another comment which suggests using bottles for collection, that are less obviously a urine-filled tank. And wondering about add-ons. )
Great video, thanks! How long do you let your solid waste compost? And by "virtually smell-free," do you mean it still smells a little, or that it doesn't smell at all most of the time and occasionally it's noticeable?
A few days on average - depends where we're camping and what's available for disposal. We switched to pine pellets so it smells earthy, like wood and dirt, if it smells at all after a few days.
Excellent design. One of the best I've seen. Just wondering how many days you can go before you have to empty each compartment?
Thank you very much! With 2 of us, fill time, We can go maximum 5 days before the urine container gets full. The #2 has a lot more wiggle room since we can easily change the bag. But typically we try to empty both at the same time when we can.
Agree
I dont know if anyone mentioned it, and i only know this from tiny house nation, but if you had used cedar, it would work better to contain the smell. If it works for hockey goalie pads, its guaranteed to work on that.
Pine cat litter works well and more eco friendly.
Thanks for the suggestion we recently learned of pine pellets and had a chance to try it out and it's definitely the best solution!
awesome
Thanks!
Just wondering, what’s the fan for? Also great video, subbed
Edit. Oh wait, I hadn’t finished the video and heard it’s for odor
Glad you got the answer! Thank you for watching!
Here's an idea for the urine container. A funnel that can fit into the threaded portion of your pipe attachment, preferably with a one inch opening.
That's a great idea!
Loved the truthful wiring comment :D
Haha, the reality of making!
I like the square bucket idea. Just because you guys already know not all #2's are solid all the time. #whitecastle #iykyk 😖
As for the liquid container at 8:57, looks lile you have a screw on lid for the bucket, yous show next to thr urine container in the video. Are you able to cap the container before traveling? Very neat video! ✨️✌️💜✨️💙✨️
Hello, I am sorry if I missed this part....but, where did you attach the hose that was connected to the outside vent?
hello! at the 1:19 mark, we show the 2in flexible hose we attached to the vent cover.
You did a really nice job.
Thank you!
Very interesting! I have to say I would never buy one of the store models out of the principle since the price is crazy high compared to the end product imho. I think of the cons that of those that can be fixed in a DIY model. I think odor can be controlled better with a DIY solution probably, for example when emptying. I'd figure a way to seal off both of those before I open the list to remove them for emptying.
Spillage on the road hasn't been stated by the people who reviewed them, from what I've read so far. They have that part down pat and it would have to be handled carefully in a DIY situation. Overflow was stated as a possible issue on the urine bottle: it happened to someone. I personally might have additional lids for each container that I open and close each restroom use.
Hi, nice job..thanks for the video, although I am confused, what you did with that hose (that you left extra long) You installed a fan for ventilation, what was the hose for and where did it go ?
Good question! The hose was connected to the soffit vent we installed onto the side of the car after drilled the hole. We then cut it to length once the toilet box was ready to go into the car and attach to the wall. It basically acts as a channel for air to flow from the computer fan, out of the soffit vent, preventing any smells to be trapped in the wall cavity. Hope that makes sense!
@@IMEEMADE thank you Yes I get it now..
Next time you cut on especially sheet metal, apply tape to the area, nmthen mark your spots, and cut.
Not exactly how mine will be made, except overall. However some helpful ideas I will be using. No need for a urine diverter tho. I bought my seat, but if you are a woodworker you could make the seat also. Mine will be concealed in a chair. Nice to see a video on composting toilets that doesn't say you need to buy an expensive toilet.
Thank you! We actually ditched the urine diverter also and using just pine pellets in a bucket and it's been so great!
im planing to do the same, except i might get a pee pipe down to bottom mount grey tank, and use pee tank in winter only.
good luck with your build!
😁
for sealing the wood fiberglass would last longer protect the wood and strengthen the build
Thanks for the tip!
Hahahahaha the intro!!!
Sawdust is also useful if you are not able to get peatmoss
Great suggestion!
Can you post or send your parts list and where you got them please?
Everything is in the description ☺️
I'm confused. How did you get the make-up air for the ventilation system without cutting a hole to allow the air to enter to then be exhausted? You say it works though. But I'm still puzzled about how that can work.
Very interesting, great job! Is there any smell from the poopoo bin or peat moss does its job? I'm asking because your toilet doesn't have anything to mix the deposit with the peat moss (e.g. like that rotary handle on nature head's composting toilets).
It does great with the peat moss alone as long as we make sure to cover all the #2 when we're done
@@IMEEMADE Thank's for the reply. After using it... would you do something differently now?
I read that using inexpensive hamster mix from Walmart works great.
@@voiceofwethepeople5866 I guess its job is to suck the moisture content outta it. My plan is to have some mix of peat moss with saw dust (hamster mix) and maybe with some compost starters. We'll see. :)
Curious... how and where do you empty your liquid reservoir?
Good question! We wait until we're able to go to a public restroom to empty the container
Velcro straps (completely around) could potentially be a solution to that yellow strap.. 2-3" wide ones
That's a great idea! Thanks!
Another CZcamsr uses bottles from Amazon that look like gallon OJ bottles - handle and all!
U can try an old cat litter jug to catch the liquid worked for mine 😁
May I ask what Makita model did you use?
I believe we got the Makita LXT combo set. Is there a particular tool you're interested in learning more about?
Urine divertor...Arizona tea empty gallon bottle is large and would be good, yes?!?
I think so!
Any reason you didn’t vent out the bottom? I’d think that be easier to patch up in the event you wanted to sell the van and more discrete in general. Genuinely curious.
Unfortunately for us, the design of our layout placed the toilet right above the fuel tank, so we were reluctant to drill the floor for the vent. If it were anywhere else venting from the bottom would have been the way to go.
@@IMEEMADE gotcha, thanks so much for the reply, look forward to watching some more of your videos!
You should've used an RGB fan, gets better air flow.
Ah shoulda woulda coulda!
Would this be able to be added into a shower?
If you can waterproof the enclosure then absolutely!
Most likely your urine catcher tank is polycarbonate nothing sticks (adhesive) to it you have to have a tank access panel and a Tank fitting for your urine line and or empty port fitting
Access panel also great for maintenance and cleaning
Thanks for the tip!
Scuffing up the polycarbonate with some sandpaper helps make some adhesives especially quick epoxy adhere.
Great job!! I'm trying to convince my teen that we don't need to buy a Natures Head. What was the total cost and time (your labor) to build. I'm building my own Skoolie. It's hard when I plan projects then doing them alone the time and/or quadruples.
Thanks! We're so glad we went this route to save money and it's easier to clean up than emptying a black tank. This took us a day and a half to build with all the parts ordered ahead of time and two people.
P.S. - Please visit our blog post to see how we updated the toilet and removed the urine diverter.
Does the toilet seat lay flat on the board and does the toilet seat lid lay flat on the seat?
Yes to both! We recessed the toilet seat hinges into the seat and removed the little spacers so it can sit flat on the wood.
Can I ask please where did you source your urine container, looks ideal buts I am struggling to find one similar. Thanks
Here's the link to the container we used! amzn.to/32X8brz
@@IMEEMADE fantastic thanks
what you do with the plastic bag containing poop and peet moss. do you just throw it into a waste basket at a local walmart or just swing it at night onto someone's lawn?
We recommend just throwing it away in a waste basket as you would a baby's diaper, but you're free to do whatever your heart desires
how many gallons is your pee container? Because I would switch it out for a gallon jug (if it fits) with a lid you can put on when traveling or going to pour out. Or a smaller container with a tight lid. I use a cat treat container. I have to empty it like every other/third day, but it's so small, I can put it in a larger purse or grocery bag to carry into a restroom, and empty it just about anywhere. Urine is the stinky part of the equation, once you have enough carbon over your nitrogen. I used a simple bulky system without a fan for years. Never smelled.
Nice craftsmanship.
1:15 shows size thanks much
nice build video the design and build is a nice simple one that looks nice and is practical , my only negative comment comes from many years of being a boat owner and generally doing all my own maintenance and Installations on Plumbing ,Electrical, HVAC ,and Mechanical is the vent line being fastened with Duct tape it will hold for a long time but IMO should have a Mechanical Fastener like a Stainless Steel Hose Clamps on vessels because of temperature changes , and the constant motion of a Boat in the Water the International guidelines reccomend double Clamps on hoses and in my 35 years of Boat Ownership that system has not failed me yet especially when talking about toilet systems and Black Water tanks you don’t want Failures mostly because it’s plainly a Disgusting and Unsanitary
Thank you for the insight!