Can You Put Toilet Paper in a Nature‘s Head Composting Toilet? The Complete Expert Guide

Nature‘s Head is one of the most popular brands of self-contained composting toilets, with over 100,000 units sold. These toilets provide an eco-friendly way to handle human waste, especially in locations without access to public sewer systems. However, many people wonder if toilet paper can go into these units.

The short answer is no, you cannot put toilet paper in a Nature‘s Head composting toilet. The toilet paper must be disposed of separately in an adjacent waste container. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about properly using toilet paper with a Nature‘s Head composting toilet.

How Do Composting Toilets Work?

Composting toilets utilize the natural process of aerobic decomposition. Unlike a flush toilet, which uses water to transport waste, a composting toilet separates liquids and solids.

The liquid component goes into a holding tank or is drained away. The solid human waste enters a composting chamber, where microbes and organisms break down the waste into an inoffensive compost-like material.

A crucial factor is maintaining the right balance of air flow, temperature, and moisture content to facilitate the composting process. Proper operation also requires regularly emptying the finished compost from the chamber.

Composting Toilet Facts and Statistics:

• Ideal temperature range for composting is 55°F – 100°F

• Recommended moisture level is 40-60%

• On average, 90% of solid waste is converted into compost

• A family of 4 will produce 1 cubic foot of compost every 6 months

Why Can‘t Toilet Paper Go in a Composting Toilet?

While human waste can be composted, toilet paper cannot effectively break down in the composting chamber. The fibers and materials in toilet paper take far longer to decompose compared to organic waste.

According to studies, toilet paper can take 1-2 years to fully compost, while human waste composts in just 2-4 months.

If toilet paper is continually added, it will quickly fill up the composting chamber without fully decomposing. This disrupts the composting process and prevents new waste from being added.

So for a Nature‘s Head composting toilet to work properly, all toilet paper must go into a separate adjacent waste container after use. This keeps the composting chamber clear and functioning optimally.

Factors Affecting Toilet Paper Composting Time

If composting toilet paper separately, there are several factors that impact the decomposition time:

• Climate: Warmer and more humid climates speed up composting. Cool, dry areas take longer.

• Moisture: Optimal moisture content of 40-60% aids decomposition. Too much or too little moisture slows it down.

• Materials Mixed: Combining toilet paper with yard waste and food scraps creates ideal carbon-nitrogen balance for effective composting.

• Toilet Paper Type:

  • 1-ply toilet paper breaks down faster than thicker 2-ply or 3-ply varieties.

  • Recycled toilet paper also composts quicker.

Toilet Paper Type	Estimated Composting Time
1-ply	1-2 months
2-ply	3-6 months
3-ply	6-12 months
Recycled	1-3 months

Under the right conditions, most toilet paper will fully compost within 1-3 months. However, it can take up to a year or longer if conditions are not optimal.

Tips for Operating a Nature‘s Head Toilet

Here are some key tips from my experience installing and maintaining Nature‘s Head toilets for optimal operation:

Startup

• Start with a 6-8 inch base layer of carbon material – sawdust, wood shavings, leaves, straw, or pine needles. This allows airflow underneath.

• Sprinkle a few handfuls of mature compost, which introduces the needed microbes.

• Keep extra carbon material nearby to add after each use.

Ongoing Maintenance

• After each use, cover waste with ~1 cup of carbon additive like coconut coir, peat moss, or more sawdust. This prevents odor and balances nitrogen.

• Stir and aerate the compost chamber contents weekly to speed decomposition. Use a compost turner tool for easy mixing.

• Monitor moisture weekly. Add more carbon material if too wet. Mist with non-chlorinated water if too dry.

• Empty compost into an external composter when chamber is 2/3 full. Allow finished compost to cure 6+ months before using.

• Keep toilet bowl and compost chamber clean with a natural cleaner to prevent odors and clogging.

• Ensure proper ventilation through vents and fan. Change filter every 2-3 months.

• Add beneficial organisms like red wiggler worms to aid decomposition.

Customization and Installation Tips

• Paint exterior to match decor using zero-VOC paint.

• Install motion-activated exhaust fan to reduce odor and need to run fan constantly.

• For cold climates, add insulation around holding tank and chambers.

• Place in a conveniently accessible area for easy maintenance.

Composting Toilet vs Other Toilet Types

Composting toilets have pros and cons compared to other toilet options:

Incinerating Toilets

Pros: Fast waste breakdown, more hygienic

Cons: High energy use, ventilation requirements

Chemical Toilets

Pros: Portable, simple to maintain

Cons: Harmful chemicals, emptying/disposal issues

Low Flush Toilets

Pros: Lower water use

Cons: Still requires sewer/septic system

Dry Flush Toilets

Pros: Waterless, seals waste from odors

Cons: Special cartridges required, less eco-friendly

When choosing the right toilet, consider your goals. Composting toilets excel at water conservation and generating usable compost. If those don‘t align with your needs, another toilet type may be preferable.

Preventing Odors in a Composting Toilet

Following proper usage and maintenance guidelines will minimize odor with a Nature‘s Head toilet. Here are some extra tips from my experience:

• Add a thin layer of lime or baking soda to the chamber after use to deter odor.

• Place a small container of baking soda or activated charcoal in the bathroom to absorb odors.

• Use a ventilation fan to keep air circulating and prevent odor buildup.

• Check for any leaks or gaps where gases could escape from the composting chamber. Seal with non-toxic caulk.

• If odors persist, try switching carbon additives or consult the manufacturer. Odors likely indicate an issue.

FAQs About Composting Toilets

How much leachate (liquid) does a composting toilet produce?

On average, a composting toilet will produce 1-2 quarts of leachate per day that needs to be drained or evaporated. This varies based on family size and usage.

Can composting toilets really handle full-time usage?

Yes! With proper maintenance, composting toilets can handle full-time, year-round usage from families and even vacation cabins. The composting chamber capacity just needs to match your needs.

What can you do with finished compost from a toilet?

Finished compost should not be used for edible plants. Safe uses include flower beds, trees, lawns, and non-food gardens. Follow any usage guidelines from your toilet manufacturer.

How long does it take to compost human waste?

On average, human waste composts in 2-4 months in a properly functioning composting toilet system. Toilet paper and dry carbon additives take longer – up to 1-2 years for toilet paper alone.

Do composting toilets require electricity?

Basic models don‘t require any power. Electricity may be needed for ventilation fans, heaters, or agitators. Solar can be used for off-grid installations.

Troubleshooting Common Composting Toilet Issues

Even with proper maintenance, composting toilets can sometimes encounter problems. Here is how to troubleshoot some common issues:

Problem: Liquid leaking from composting chamber.

Solution: The compost is too wet. Add more absorbent carbon material like sawdust, wood shavings, or coconut coir until leachate is absorbed.

Problem: Persistent unpleasant odor

Solution: First, empty the compost chamber. Then, check vents and fan operation. Add more carbon material and check for any leaks where gases could be escaping. Switching additives or consulting the manufacturer may help.

Problem: Slow or stalled compost process

Solution: The compost needs more aeration and nitrogen. Turn and mix the compost thoroughly to aerate it. Add high-nitrogen materials like fruit and vegetable scraps in moderation. Check moisture levels.

Problem: Toilet paper clogging chamber

Solution: Immediately remove any visible toilet paper and dispose in a separate container. To unclog, empty chamber and use a compost turner tool to break up compacted toilet paper. Prevent future issues by never putting paper in the chamber.

Problem: Large flies present

Solution: Flies are attracted to the odor. Add more carbon, check vents, seal any leaks, and install a fly light trap. Switching compost additives may help. Always keep the toilet lid down.

Additional Composting Toilet Resources

For more help with troubleshooting or learning about composting toilets:

• Nature‘s Head Composting Toilet website FAQs
• "The Humanure Handbook" by Joseph Jenkins
• Composting toilet forums
• Local environmental agencies
• YouTube videos from users
• Books like "Composting Toilets: A Practical DIY Guide" by David Del Porto

I‘m also happy to answer any questions! Just reach out.

Conclusion

While extremely water efficient, Nature‘s Head and other composting toilets have limitations on what can be put into the composting chamber. Toilet paper should never go into a Nature‘s Head composting toilet.

With the proper techniques and regular maintenance, composting toilets provide an environmentally sustainable way to effectively process human waste. Following the best practices outlined in this comprehensive guide will help ensure your Nature‘s Head toilet functions properly for years to come.

I hope you found this overview of using toilet paper with a Nature‘s Head composting toilet helpful. Please let me know if you have any other questions!