-
Step 1
Determine which type of chemical toilet you have. The two-tank system is the most commonly used and consists of a flushing reservoir, which holds a mixture of fresh water and deodorizing chemicals, and a waste tank. A pump sends the flushing liquid to the rim of the bowl and drains it with the waste, into a holding tank. The holding tank can usually hold from 6 to 8 gallons of waste. You find these in recreational vehicles and in dwellings without conventional plumbing.
-
Step 2
Select the proper chemicals for your toilet. Formaldehyde is the most popular chemical to control odors and is very effective. It's 99 percent biodegradable but is thought to be a carcinogen and some campgrounds don't allow it to be dumped into their system. Bronopol is another chemical that works well and is 80 percent biodegradable. Enzymes are natural and speed up the breakdown of waste but have poor deodorant capabilities. Do some research to see what works best for your situation.
-
Step 3
Protect the seals on your toilet. About 2 quarts of water comes from the fresh water tank each time you flush and a small amount stays in the bowl afterwards. This small amount of water and the seals in the toilet and waste reservoir work together with the chemicals to keep odors from escaping. Bleach and acids present in most household cleaners are very damaging to the seals, so read labels carefully before you use any of them. Look for cleaners made specifically for these types of toilets.
-
Step 4
Choose 100 percent biodegradable toilet paper. Regular household toilet paper has a tight weave and can end up as hard as a rock in your holding tank. The biodegradable paper is more expensive, but the savings on the maintenance of a clogged up system is worth it in the end.
-
Step 5
Empty the waste tank properly. Approved dumping stations are located at some service stations, RV parks and some camping sites. Avoid dumping the chemical toilet into your home sewage system; the chemicals may cause damage. Your owner's manual will guide you through the procedure for your particular toilet. Check your local and state guidelines for regulations on the disposal of your chemical toilet waste.
-
Step 6
Winterize your chemical toilet if you are placing it in storage. Either flush air through the lines to remove all of the water or flush the lines with antifreeze made specifically for recreational vehicle water systems. The automotive antifreeze contains ethylene glycol and is too toxic for this type of use.
