Use & Maintenance:
1. Keep the trap door closed when only peeing.
2. The capacity of a container is approximately 40-60 solid poops. This can vary depending on how much toilet paper is being used, and how often it is used. With less frequent use, the waste will have more time to dry and shrink. Toilet paper can be placed in the toilet. However, capacity can be increased by putting pee paper in a separate bag.
3. The fan should run 24/7 if possible. If you are leaving for an extended period you can disconnect the fan and either empty the toilet, or put the lid tightly on the waste container.
4. The Thinktank was designed so the fans could be very easily accessed and regularly cleaned. Use a vacuum cleaner every month or so to vacuum dust off the fan. This will eliminate the need for a dust screen on the fan. Dust screens drastically reduce airflow, and you want to maximize airflow.
5. There are two insect screens included – one for the intake and one for the exhaust. Place one insect screen at the end of each pipe. If your exhaust vent goes through the roof, or if you live in an area with few insects you may wish to try leaving the exhaust insect screen out. This will improve airflow. Also, it is difficult to clean an insect screen if the pipe is on your roof. Since air is constantly being pushed out the vent by the fan, insects will seldom be able to enter through the exhaust vent. Note: the insect screen on the intake is essential. Insect screens must be removed and cleaned regularly – at least once a month in summer.
6. The solids opening for the Thinktank is huge compared to many other toilets with vertical walls. This means that solid waste should only infrequently contact the sides of the bowl. Unlike most other waterless toilets, cleaning the bowl is required less often. When it does need cleaning, spray a little water on the chute and wipe it clean with a paper towel. The paper towel can be dropped into the toilet.
7. Clean the toilet with non-abrasive liquid cleaners only. Treat the toilet like an acrylic bathtub. Avoid abrasive cleaners - including cream cleaners.
Waste Disposal Procedure:
1. If you are in doubt about the safe treatment of your waste, contact the local authorities to find out which health and environmental regulations apply in your region. It is your responsibility to ensure the waste from your toilet is safely composted or otherwise disposed of.
2. Once the container is full, you can scoop some wood pellets, cat litter or other compostable material onto the waste in the container, to conceal the waste. This is optional.
3. Ensure the trap door is CLOSED.
4. Open the upper body of the toilet, CAREFULLY securing it open with the latch pin.
5. Push the trap door arm backwards, until it engages with the magnet at the rear of the toilet.
6. You may wish to tie a knot on the compostable bag at this point. This is optional
7. Place the lid on the container and remove the entire container from the toilet. DO NOT lift out the compostable bag. These bags can break! Note: A full container can weigh 25lbs (11kg). If it is difficult for you to lift 25lbs, you may wish to empty the toilet when the container is less full.
8. Carry the container to your compost bin, remove the lid, and turn the waste container upside down. Dump the contents and the compostable bag into the compost bin. DO NOT lift the bag out of the container, as it could be partially composted already and may break!
9. Cover the waste in your compost bin thoroughly with dry grass, leaves,soil, etc.
10. Put a compostable bag in the container. You may optionally secure the bag in place with an elastic band around the rim of the waste container.
11. Place the empty container back in the toilet. If the previous bag broke, which occasionally happens, you should rinse out the waste container and wipe it dry first.
12. Close the trap door arm over the waste container. THIS IS VITAL.
13. Check and make sure the trap door is closed.
14.Release the latch pin and carefully return the seat to the closed position.
