Functionality & separation system
How do I use a Bionova?
Using the bionova composting toilet is very simple. First, open the toilet lid and use the toilet just like any other toilet. The separated liquid will automatically flow into the collection container, while the solid waste will go into the composting chamber. Once you're done, close the toilet lid, and the device will automatically enter the mixing and temperature maintenance mode. The next time you use it, you just need to repeat the process.
How does a composting toilet work?
A composting toilet works by using natural biochemical processes to convert human waste into compost. Inside the toilet, there is a specialized separation system that separates solid waste from liquid waste. Solid waste decomposes under ventilation and appropriate moisture conditions, eventually transforming into safe, usable compost over time. Click to know How Bionova works.
How does the seperation system work?
The separation is made possible by an integrated urine diverter made of durable plastic. This urine diverter directs the urine via the front part of the toilet opening into the liquids container or into an external tank. The solid faeces and toilet paper end up in the container for solids via the rear of the toilet opening. The separation system is adapted to the human anatomy so that any physical contact is avoided.
What is the function of the seperation system?
By separating the excretions, odours are reduced to a minimum and the subsequent disposal of toilet waste is made easier. Unpleasant odours arise only when urine and faeces are combined which is why it is possible to do without toilet chemicals that are harmful to the environment.
Exhaust system & litter
How does the electric exhaust system work?
The electric ventilation system automatically activates through a built-in fan to expel the air from inside the composting toilet, effectively eliminating odors. When in use, the fan starts automatically, bringing fresh air into the toilet while expelling the processed air. This keeps the inside of the toilet ventilated and fresh, ensuring a pleasant user experience. Click to see how the exhaust system works
Can sawdust or wood chips produced at home be used in place of the bulking agent?
Yes, wood shavings produced at home can be used as bulking agent, but it is important to ensure that the shavings are free from chemical treatments, such as paint or preservatives. Using untreated hardwood shavings is ideal, as they provide good aeration and absorbency, which helps promote the composting process. You should also make sure that the sawdust is neither too fine nor too coarse. For this, you can use the consistency of our Bionova bulking agent as a guide.
How to start an empty toilet?
- Open the toilet lid and pour about 2/3 of the bulking agent into the compost chamber. Add the bulking agent over the blender.
- For the initial use, pour out approximately 4 scoops (about 50g) of the Microbe Mix, dilute with roughly 200ml of water, and pour it into the toilet composting chamber to star using.
- plug the power plug into the socket, and close the toilet lid, the toilet will automatically start stirring and exhaust functions, indicating that the toilet function is normal.
- Set the heating control to the desired level.
Hygiene & cleaning
Do composting toilets smell?
Composting toilets are well-known for their odour-free operation. However, keeping them that way requires regular maintenance. Unpleasant smells usually happen when feces and urine mix and start to break down. It’s best to use a composting toilet with a urine diverter to avoid this issue. By separating solid and liquid waste, you prevent odour from forming right from the start, slowing down the process of smell development. Extra steps can be taken to completely avoid bad odours. For example, putting a bit of litter on top of the solid waste helps keep the container odour-free for extended periods.
Is a composting toilet gross?
Composting toilets are not considered gross because since are odorless, hygienic, and easy to clean. You never come in direct contact with the waste, and because solid and liquid waste are kept separate, the emptying process is much cleaner compared to chemical toilets or dry toilets without a urine diverter. Additionally, as there is no water involved, you never face issues such as clogging, leaking, or overflowing.
How do I clean my Bionova?
Bionova Cabin should be cleaned with an environmentally friendly non-abrasive cleaner. The toilet is made of a strong, high-gloss polypropylene material that risks being scratched if an abrasive cleaner or scrubbing plate is used.
We recommend vinegar concentrate diluted with water ( 1 part of vinegar: 7 parts of water ) for cleaning and the canister. Rinse the urine canister with the solution after each emptying to prevent the formation of urine scale and unpleasant odors. If deposits or odors have already formed, table vinegar can also be used pure. Make sure to use undiluted vinegar only in the canister and not to let it run through the lid membrane to avoid premature wear.
Cleaning with pure water is not recommended, as this can cause the formation of odors and urine scale. For simple, natural cleaning of all individual parts of the separation toilet, ph-neutral cleaners and agents with effective microorganisms are also suitable.
Maintenance
When should I add Microbe Mix and when to reintroduce the microbes?
For initial use, pour out approximately 4 scoops ( about 50g) of the Microbe Mix, dilute it with roughly 200ml of water, and pour it into the toilet composting chamber to start using.
- As you use the system, the microbes that you introduce will spread through your composting chamber which is aided by the mixing mechanism. If they are able to thrive in the composting chamber environment you may never need to reintroduce them. An optimal composting environment for these microbes is moist and warm. You will therefore want to consider reintroducing microbes if your system has:
- Completely dried out. In dry conditions microbes will start to hibernate and eventually die
- Gone septic. If your system is full of liquid the microbes will drown
- Becomes too cold. Microbes will start to hibernate in cold temperatures
- It can also be "refreshing" for your compost pile to have some new microbes added into the top layers. This can be helpful if you have been using the system for a long time or if you have left the system unattended and turned off.
- Thankfully, there's two really easy ways to add microbes into the composting chamber
- Add Microbe Mix around 1-2 scoops (approximately 15-30 grams) to promote the rapid breakdown of organic matter.
- Add fully composted material (it will still contain a population of microbes)
When should I add bulking agent?
For initial use, pour about 2/3 of the bulking agent into the compost chamber and add the bulking agent over the blender.
In daily use, if the bulking agent is found to be less than the blender, or the degradation effect is found to be poor, it could be appropriately supplemented to increase the degradation effect.
When do I need to use humidity control?
Pay attention to observe the humidity in the compost chamber during use the toilet, if the humidity is too high, you can press the "dehumidification" key to control the humidity.
The fan and heater will start working to heat and evaporate excess liquid in the compost chamber to reduce humidity.
When do I need to use Night Mode?
In order to be more energy efficient and keep quiet, it is recommended that you press "night mode" before going to bed, and the toilet will stop working until your next use.
How do I operate the toilet if I am absent for a period of time?
If you are away for more than two days, turn the power off, otherwise the compost will become hard and dry. If there is a lot of liquid, for example, after heavy use, you can leave the toilet running for a limited period (approximately one week).
When the season is over and it is time to leave your cottage, unplug the toilet and put the cover in the seat opening. You can also turn off the heat in the toilet room, as the Bionova Cabin does not freeze or break.
When the season is approaching, and it is time to open up your cottage, it is also time for the Bionova Cabin to be used again after a long break. Check if the compost has become hard. If so, this means that the bulking agent has failed, please clean out the failed material and replace the new bulking agent and microbe mix in time for use. The composted end product can be used as organic fertilizer.
Can a composting toilet handle diarrhea?
Diarrhea is not an issue when using composting toilets. Our composting toilets are designed to effectively manage all types of toilet waste with ease, even diarrhea. With all solid waste, including diarrhea, directed into the inlay of compost chamber, there’s no risk of spills or mess. Just ensure you cover it with enough bulking agrnt for proper drying and odour control.
Do I have to consider anything in relation to menstruation and using a Bionova?
Using Bionova Cabin or Cabin Plus during your menstrual period is not an issue at all. Menstruation-related stains on the surfaces can be cleaned wet, just as any other stains. Regarding disposal / composting the amounts of blood caused by menstruation are negligible. But please note that pads and similar objects shouldn’t be thrown in the containers.
How Do I Dispose the composted end product?
Bionova recommends wearing protective clothing whenever handling waste products. Recommended protective clothing includes gloves, appropriate footwear, a face mask and ideally eye protection. You should dispose of the composted waste in accordance with any and all local authority regulations. All composted product should be handled and treated with caution as there is a risk of exposure to pathogens particularly if the product is not properly composted.
For an on-site burial of composted end product, it should be undertaken in a location where direct access by human and animals are restricted. It should be buried with a minimum cover of 100mm in soil that is not intended to be used for the cultivation of root vegetables or near a water catchment area.
Is there a visual protection that prevents the view of feces?
We consciously avoid the installation of a visual protection in our composting toilets as this is a mechanical component that could possibly lead to faults and additional cleaning which we don’t want to burden our customers with.
For instance, a visual protection screen doesn’t function in an unobstructed way as soon as someone using the toilet sits down on it with their full body weight – which would be the prerequisite for the complete opening of the screen, and which would then inevitably lead to the soiling thereof.
What’s more, the last step in the use of ourcomposting toilets with an electric exhaust system is the addition of used toilet paper. Thus, if you look directly into the opening, you will see precisely this (the toilet paper) and not the feces of the previous user.
Should you have any remaining concerns about aesthetics, then adding more bulking agent may solve this. However, we expect that this is not necessary.
Get in touch
If you have any other questions or would like detailed advice on your individual situation, please feel free to send us an e-mail at cecilia@bionovatoilet.com