Springtime Start Up [Seasonal Users]
Empty Compost from Last Season
Before your first use of the toilet, extract compost from the Bio-drum™ by releasing the drum locker (located above
the drawer opening), then rotate the handle counter-clockwise giving the drum one complete revolution only.
Compost from the drum will drop into the finishing drawer. Empty the drawer and repeat this procedure until most of
the compost is removed, leave 4-6” of compost. This will be your “starter base” for the coming season.
Rake
Remove the finishing drawer completely and use the rake tool to rake any loose material from the floor of the unit.
Pay careful attention to the back two corners of the unit (near the safety drain), to ensure that your safety drain does
not get clogged.
Add Water and Microbe Mix
Add some warm water to the remaining compost, enough to ensure that it is quite moist. Also, add some Sun-Mar
Microbe Mix (two scoops) to give the compost a “kick-start” and rotate the drum several times to mix. If your
composting toilet is electric, plug it in and use for another season.
Winter Use
No Winter Use
Add a few cups of water to the Bio-drum™ before closing the cabin/cottage for the season. Soak the compost in the
drum to prevent it from drying out before Spring. Make sure to unplug the toilet if it is electric. If you have a non-
electric toilet, it may be a good idea to place something over the diffusor to prevent animals (who are looking for a
home at this time of year) from getting in.
Occasional Winter Use
If the toilet will be used for 3-4 weekends throughout the winter season then it is considered occasional use. All of
the same considerations as above [No Winter Use] should be taken with these toilets to winterize them. When the
temperature dips below 55° F/13° C, composting activity will slow dramatically. These toilets do not need to be kept
warm and will act only as a holding tank during the winter months until they warm up enough in the spring to begin
composting again. During the winter, the compost will freeze into a solid mass so the drum should not be turned as
it may damage the toilet. With this in mind, it is a good idea to remove enough compost before it gets too cold to
make room in the drum for Winter Use.
Heavy or Residential Winter Use
These units should be kept in a heated area and all winterization tips listed below should be followed:
1) Vent Pipe - electric models; all 2" vent pipe should be insulated if they are exposed to the outside
or in an unheated area. If you are in an area that experiences extreme winter conditions, we
recommend that heat tape should be applied to the exposed vent pipe to prevent ice blockages.
2) Safety Drain - all models; as a precautionary measure we recommend that the safety drain should be installed
and insulated above the frost line. There will be less evaporation in the winter so this will help with any excess
liquid. If possible, heat tape can be applied to the safety drain to prevent ice blockage.
3) Keep it warm; If the toilet is used frequently in the winter then the toilet should be kept in a warm
place. Below 55° F/13° C, composting activity will slow dramatically so if it is in a place that falls below this
temperature, a source of heat should be provided for the toilet so that it can keep up with constant use.
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