Operating a Sun-Mar is easy. There are two things that you have to do on a routine basis – rotate the drum every other day that the unit is in use, and add bulking material at the rate of one (1) cupful per person per day of use.
When it comes time to remove compost, you are never dealing with fresh waste; when the drum is 1/2 to 2/3 full, you release the drum locker and rotate the drum in reverse for one (1) revolution*. This will drop compost into the finishing drawer where it will be isolated from new material. Leave it there to finish composting for 3-4 weeks.
Initial start up
Spray Compost Quick in the Finishing Drawer, the Bio-drum™ and the Evaporation chamber.
Add Compost Sure Green or Blue into a bucket; the necessary mixture and amount is stated in the Initial Start-Up section of your owner’s manual. Add 2 quarts of warm water. Add 1/2 of the Microbe Mix packet, or two tablespoons from the jar, into the bucket. Allow the Compost Sure to absorb the water.
Scoop the Compost Sure mixture from the bucket into the Bio-drum™. Rotate the drum to mix. Specific directions are found in your owner’s manual. The Composting toilet is now ready for use.
For electric toilets only: The fan should run continuously 24 hours per day when installed in a primary residence.
If a Non-electric toilet has an optional 12v fan installed, this fan must be receiving continuous power when the toilet is in use to ensure proper ventilation.
routine maintenance
One cup of Compost Sure Green or Blue, depending on your composting toilet, should be added per person per day of use.
Every second day before turning the handle, spray 3-4 sprays of Compost Quick on the surface of the compost. Compost Quick is an enzyme that will speed up the composting process.
Turn the handle in a clockwise direction to mix and aerate the compost. When mixing, ensure that the drum rotates the appropriate number of complete revolutions. Based on the size of the drum, this number varies by composter. Consult your owner’s manual for exact information pertaining to your composter.
Add one scoop (tablespoon) of Microbe Mix to the Bio-drum™ to ‘recharge’ the pile. This will help to ensure your microbe colony stays constant and healthy.
Rake the evaporation chamber: Remove the finishing drawer. Rake any solid debris from the floor of the toilet under the drawer (evaporation chamber), paying extra attention to the two back corners of the toilet as this is where debris may accumulate. Remove and dispose of the solid debris.
Clean the drum screen. Spray the Bio-drum™ screen with Compost Quick and let sit for 15 minutes (this will help to loosen the debris if the screen is not too encrusted). Scrub the screen vigorously with a wire brush. If residential use is expected, this may need to be done more frequently.
Remove compost from the Bio-Drum™. When the Bio-drum™ is half full (even with the middle of the drum hub at the front of the Bio-drum™) it is time to remove compost.
Seasonal use and spring start-up
Following the instructions in your owner’s manual, remove compost from the Bio-drum ™ into the finishing drawer. Repeat the process as many times as needed until there is only 4-6” of compost in the drum. This will be your starter base for the coming season.
Remove the finishing drawer and use the rake tool to rake any loose material from the floor of the toilet. Pay careful attention to the back two corners of the toilet (near the safety drain). Do not dig or chip into the build up, as this can damage the toilet.
Add 1 cup of warm water to the remaining compost, to ensure that it is moist. Add Sun-Mar Microbe Mix (two scoops) to the compost pile and rotate the drum several times to “kick-start” the microbes. If your composting toilet is electric, plug it in and use for another season.
- *For specific information on where the drum locker on your toilet is, please refer to your owner’s manual, or call our customer service department at 1 888 341 0782, option 4.