Thursday, 5 January 2012

waterless composting toilets

The First Generation Waterless Composting Toilet

The founder of SUN-MAR, Hardy Sundberg, developed the first self contained composting toilet in 1971. This waterless toilet had a fan and heater at the top, blowing hot air onto the waste pile which was agitated by mechanical mixers. As the compost in the bottom was agitated it fell though a screen into a collection chamber.
While at the time this toilet represented a big step forward in the development of composting toilets, in hindsight it can be seen to suffer from a number of weaknesses. Firstly, this composting toilet design was what we now call a single chamber unit, which means that the operating conditions were the same throughout the whole toilet and not optimized for the different needs of composting, evaporation or finishing. Secondly, the fact that heat was being blown in from the top meant that the compost tended to get dried out, while the liquid in the bottom was not evaporated efficiently. Thirdly, the compost in the bottom was not isolated and was subject to contamination from fresh waste.


The Second Generation
In 1977, the second generation composting toilet was born. Known as the Tropic, this waterless toilet featured one highly significant improvement;- the heater was located in a sealed compartment in the base of the toilet. This base heater was able to evaporate the excess liquid in the base, while allowing the compost pile to remain moist, an improvement which dramatically increased composting speed and ease of operation
This heater arrangement therefore overcame the big problem with top mounted heaters, namely that in evaporating liquid they also dry out the compost pile. Drying out the pile has two undesirable affects. Firstly, aerobic microbes are reduced to the point where composting slows to a halt, and secondly the waste cakes to a consistency somewhat like an adobe brick where it becomes impossible to agitate the pile.


 Designed to meet consumer demands for comfort and the authorities´ requirements concerning environmental controls. With a Separett urine diversion toilet, life is as comfortable in the countryside as it is in the town. In addition, you'll be doing your part on lightening the load on our sensitive environment.

 waterless composting toilets
Manufactured for over 35 years in Sweden, the MullToa Waterless Composting Toilet family includes four electric models and one non-electric model. A world leader in composting toilet technology, MullToa toilets are available in 17 countries. Continual advancements over the decades ensures the Mulltoa toilets are the best in the world.


With neither drain nor water to connect, the MullToa 60, MullToa 45 and MullToa 20 are absolutely the most advanced Waterless Composting Toilets. With many progressive European features, these fully automatic models will provide years of trouble-free service with very simple maintenance.
Designed for home, cottage, cabin, boathouse or bunkie.
MullToa Works with Nature
MullToa unites the natural composting process with advanced Swedish technology
accelerating and optimizing biological decomposition, evaporating excess liquid and
exhausting odours … all within an elegant bathroom fixture that is easy to use and
economical to operate.
The closed-system Mulltoa's are fully automatic electric toilets that anticipate your every move! Sitting on the toilet seat opens the trap doors; closing the toilet seat lid activates the stainless steel mixing mechanism that efficiently breaks down paper and distributes moisture into the compost material in the upper chamber. Material in the upper chamber is finished in the lower chamber and eventually emptied into a garden composter. The non-composted portion and the dry, composted portion are kept separate.

A fan circulates warm air under and around the compost for fast decomposition and evaporation of liquid. A float switch operates and addtional heater (MullToa 60 & 45) if excess liquid is detected. Once a week or as needed, mulch is added through the toilet seat opening.

Using efficient Swedish technology electrical consumption is very low with an adjustable thermostat, which is set according to the number of people using the toilet. When you are away for more than two days, just turn your MullToa off!

Easy to Clean and Maintain
• Made from durable polished polystyrene plastic
• Smooth design, so no crevices or hard-to-clean areas
• removable toilet seat for extremely easy cleaning
• equipped with a compost cover that hides toilet contents
• if used seasonally, empty the humus tray only once a year!!