nature Loo NL3 Compost Toilet Owner’s Manual
- June 16, 2024
- nature Loo
Table of Contents
nature Loo NL3 Compost Toilet
Product Information
Specifications
- Capacity : 2 person full-time use
- Max. Load Bearing : 130kg
- Material : LDPE
- Dimensions : 620L x 395W x 500H
Electrical Requirements
- Ventilation Fan: 5W 12V DC
What’s in the Box?
- Pedestal with seat, spigot & chamber screen
- Chambers
- 12V transformer
- Fan in housing
- Vent cowl
- 50mm DWV pipe
- Reducer
- 50mm Wallace seal
- 25mm sullage hose
- Hose tail
- Mounting blocks
- Microbes
- Bulking material
- Toilet roll
- Enzymes
- Spray bottle
- ‘How to use’ sign
Additional Items (Not Included)
Depending on the circumstances of your installation, you may require the following items:
- For the excess fluid drain:
- Trench arch drain
- AGI drain with sock
- Gravel
- For the vent pipe:
- Pipe brackets
- PVC glue
- Dektite
- 100mm DWV pipe
Tools Required
- Screwdriver (Philips/plain)
- Spade
- Silicone adhesive sealant
- Caulking gun
- PPE
- Jigsaw
- Tape measure
- Marker
- Spirit level
- Hole saw (38mm & 65mm min. sizes)
NL3 Installation Options
The toilet can be installed close to a wall with the vent pipe exiting directly through the rear wall (See OPTION 1). Alternatively, the vent pipe can be installed on the inside, exiting up through the ceiling (See OPTION 2. This must be indicated at the time of purchase).
OPTION 1: Ventilation Pipe Installed Outside
600mm 12V Fan in Housing
OPTION 2: Ventilation Pipe Installed Inside
600mm 12V Fan in Housing
NL3 Installation Instructions
Step 1: Back View
Mark holes on rear wall with a pencil.
Step 2: Side View
Ensure the hole is sloping downwards to the outside.
Step 3: Insert Rubber Wallace Seal
Use soapy water if difficult to insert. Connect DWV pipe, hose tail, and sullage hose.
Step 4: Feed Vent Pipe & Sullage Hose Through the Wall
Ensure the hose end point is lower than the pedestal outlet.
Step 5: Secure Pedestal to Wall
Use mounting blocks. Cut PVC if required.
Step 6: Outdoor View
Connect the fan housing to the reducer.
Step 7: Connect Fan Housing to Reducer
Minimum 600mm distance.
Step 8: Installation Complete!
Powering the Fan
Mains Power: A 240/12 volt regulated transformer is included to run the fan from mains power. The positive wire on the transformer is marked with a white line. The fan has anti-polarity protection and would not run if connected incorrectly. Note: The fan should run 24 hours a day to continuously circulate air through the compost heap.
FAQ
- Q: Where can I purchase additional items required for installation?
- A : Additional items can be purchased from ecoflo.com.au
- Q: How often should the fan run?
- A: The fan should run 24 hours a day to continuously circulate air through the compost heap.
SPECIFICATIONS
Capacity : 2 person full time use
Max. Load Bearing : 130kg
Material : LDPE
Dimensions : 620L x 395W x 500H
ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS
Ventilation Fan : 5W 12V DC
WHAT’S IN THE BOX?
ADDITIONAL ITEMS (NOT INCLUDED)
Depending on the circumstances of your installation you may require the following items.
FOR THE EXCESS FLUID DRAIN
A Drain Kit can be purchased from ecoflo.com.au
FOR THE VENT PIPE
TOOLS REQUIRED
NL3 INSTALLATION OPTIONS
The toilet can be installed close to a wall with the vent pipe exiting directly through the rear wall
OPTION 1 ). Alternatively, the vent pipe can be installed on the inside,
exiting up through the ceiling
OPTION 2. This must be indicated at the time of purchase).
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
POWERING THE FAN
Mains Power
A 240/12 volt regulated transformer is included to run the fan from mains power. The positive wire on the transformer is marked with a white line. The fan has anti-polarity protection and would not run if connected incorrectly. NOTE: The fan should run 24 hours a day to continuously circulate air through the compost heap.
Connect the fans to the transformer as follows:
EXCESS LIQUID DRAIN
The drainage system to be chosen depends entirely on the soil condition,
ground water level, and
local regulations. Please ensure you choose your location with this in mind.
ABSORPTION TRENCH INSTALLATION
This is the normal method for disposal of excess liquid, but refer to council for permit for any specific requirements. These instructions apply to installation of the drain kit items available from Ecoflo.
- Dig a trench in a position located in front of the liquid end product drain.
- The trench is to be located in soil of goodpermeability and in a position where ground water will not flood the unit.
- If there is some doubt as to the permeability of soil, extra trenching length may be required especially if a hand basin or other fittings will also drain into the same trench.
- The liquid leaving the compost unit when in use is not expected to exceed 1 litre per day per resident.
- In some locations it may be desirable or necessary to connect the excess liquid drain to a grey water system or an alternative disposal method complying with AS/NZS 1547:2012.
- Trench dimensions and construction are to be in accordance with AS/NZS 1547:2012, as shown in Figure 5.
It is important to ensure that the trench is level along its length. Ensure the liquid drain pipe slopes away from the toilet and towards the trench. The trench should be protected from surface water, flooding, and vehicle traffic.
USING THE NL3
STARTING WITH AN EMPTY CHAMBER
- Once the pedestal has been installed, place one compost chamber inside the pedestal.
- Remove the chamber lid and put back the pedestal lid. Do not misplace the chamber lid and make sure it is kept somewhere safe.
- Connect the power outlet for the ventilation fan to power source.
- Add 2.5 litres of bulking agent into the composting chamber.
- NL3 is ready to be used!
OPERATION
It is important to place bulking material into your toilet, we suggest 1 cup per day directly into the compost chamber. This amount is based on two people using the system full time. In times of heavy use, if the liquid is not draining well through the compost or if the compost appears too dry, we suggest mixing the additional bulking agent through the compost pile. By mixing the solid waste, paper and bulking material, the compost will be kept porous and moist and the supply ofoxygen will increase, which substantially speeds up the transformation of waste materials into humus. Bulking material: Hemp, wood shavings or other carbon rich fibrous material. (Sawdust is not recommended)
ROTATING THE CHAMBER
The active compost chamber should be replaced with an empty one when it is approximately 75% full or when the pile is approximately 200 mm from top of the toilet seat.
- Remove the pedestal lid and place the chamber lid on.
- Swing the handle upright and lift the chamber out from the pedestal. When lifting the chamber, please be cautious incase of droplets from the chamber floor holes.
- Place the chamber outside for secondary composting. The chamber should be placed in a warm sunny position (where direct access is restricted).
- Put the empty second chamber into the pedestal. Remove the chamber lid and keep it in a safe place.
- Add bulking agent and microbes.
- Replace the pedestal lid.
- NL3 is ready to be used again.
WARNING
Never put cigarettes or other burning material, or any sanitary products into your toilet.
HOW COMPOSTING WORKS
When do I empty the secondary chamber?
As a general rule, you should leave the material in the compost chamber as long as possible. Thistoilet has been designed for 2 people full time where the average monthly temperature is greater than 18°C in any given month. The higher the temperature (within the optimum range), the faster the compost process. As a reference, 50 days is required to reach 50% (half life) decomposition with a compost temperature ranging between 22-24°C. If there is more than 2 people using the toilet or you are in a colder area then additional compost chambers may be required. Additional compost chambers can be purchased from Ecoflo WM.
How can I tell if my compost is ready?
The size of the pile should have reduced in size by approximately 20%. Finished compost should appear crumbly and moist (similar to fresh potting mix), not sodden or dry. It should not have any offensive odour, just an earthy one. Also, the pile should not be producing high heat any longer.
How do I dispose of composted material?
- 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. Recommended protective clothing includes gloves, appropriate footwear, a face mask and eye protection.
- You should dispose of the composted waste in accordance with any and all local authority regulations. For an on-site burial of composted end product, it should be undertaken in a location where direct access by humans and animals is restricted. It should be buried with a minimum cover of 100mm within soil that is not intended for the cultivation of root vegetables or nearby a water catchment area.
Explanation of the Composting Process
- Our composting toilet uses a natural aerobic process called Thermophilic composting. Basically, aerobic microbes, actinomycetes bacteria and fungi generate heat and break down waste into odourless compost that’s safe to handle.
- To explain it in detail, it begins with the piling and layering of waste and carbon-rich materials like wood shavings. Initially, mesophilic microorganisms break down easily decomposable materials, releasing energy in the form of heat. As the temperature surpasses 45°C (113°F), thermophilic microorganisms, including heat-tolerant bacteria and fungi, become dominant. These microorganisms rapidly decompose complex organic compounds, generating even more heat.
- The sustained high temperatures in the thermophilic phase accelerates the breakdown of organic matter, kills pathogens, and promotes nutrient release. The compost pile naturally cools down after the thermophilic phase, allowing mesophilic microorganisms to continue decomposition at a slower pace.
For optimal performance, microbes require composting conditions that include:
- a minimum temperature of 12°C
- moisture content of about 70%
- 30 :1 carbon-nitrogen ratio
- oxygen/airflow
Microbes require a balanced diet of carbon and nitrogen to thrive and carry out their metabolic processes effectively. Simply put, carbon provides a source of energy, and nitrogen in the urine and faeces is for growth and metabolic activity.
COMPOST ACCELERATORS
Whilst Clivus Multrum users report successful composting without the use of any additives, we strongly recommend the use of the following items in order to optimize composting, particularly when the toilet is in permanent use by more than two people.
Bulking Agent
- When starting or restarting with an empty chamber, add a 50mm starter bed of bulking agent.
- This should be added on a regular basis, preferably a handful after each solid use. Alternatively, if this is not possible, add the equivalent of this on a daily or weekly basis. The bulking agent can be added through the pedestal.
- For best results use pine wood shavings or hemp bedding (available to purchase from Ecoflo, or find at your local hardware or pet store).
We do NOT recommend the use of :
- Sawdust – as the small particles can create an anaerobic condition within the chamber and small particles can disrupt ventilation.
- Cypress, cedar or eucalyptus wood shavings – due to their antimicrobial properties.
- Sugar cane mulch – as it makes using the mixer difficult. Any excess sugar leaching into the compost can attract bugs.
Liquid Enzymes
Enzymes are a natural detergent, not harmful to the culture of microorganisms in the compost pile. The enzymes act as catalysts, breaking down grime and mineral deposits into their basic elements, and helping to accelerate the composting process. Any stain on the pedestal can be removed with the solution. Refer to instructions on the bottle.
Microbes
Microorganisms aka microbes are the ones doing the composting in your toilet. Each microbe packet is full of aerobic microbes, actinomycetes bacteria and fungi which combine with the natural bacteria in the waste to convert it into nutritious fertile compost. Refer to instructions on packet.
MAINTENANCE
GENERAL CARE
The NL3 should be examined regularly to ensure correct operation. The key areas to be checked are listed below:
- Check ventilation fan is running.
- Check there is no excess liquid in the compost chamber and pedestal. Refer to Section 7.0 for troubleshooting.
CLEANING
Use mild detergents on your NL3. Never use scouring powder or other strong detergents that could scratch the surface, or kill off your good bacteria. We recommend green friendly or septic safe products.
TROUBLESHOOTING
WHY IS THE COMPOST CHAMBER FILLING TOO QUICKLY?
- This can be caused by ineffective composting processes due to a number of issues as listed below:
Compost pile being too wet
- This means liquid is trapped in the compost chamber contributing to build-up. Check if the drainage outlet is being blocked. If drainage outlet is okay, this could be caused by prohibited solids blockingN the perforated holes in the floor of the compost chamber.
Insufficient air flow
- Without sufficient air flow, the evaporation process will be slowed and odours may start to escape into the toilet room. This can be caused by a malfunctioning fan or the ventilation system has been blocked. Check if the fan is properly connected or replace the fan if broken. Check if the insect netting has been blocked.
WHY IS THE COMPOSTING PROCESS SLOW TO COMPLETE?
- The composting process is dependent on temperature and humidity.
Is your compost pile too wet?
- The addition of bulking agent is an imperative part of the operation of a composting toilet. Bulking agent will assist with the absorption of liquid in your composting toilet and will aid in improving the carbon/nitrogen ratio (important for composting) and will allow air to flow more freely through the system as it loosens the compost pile.
Is your compost pile surrounding temperature too low?
- In cool climates do not insulate the toilet; turn down the fan voltage to lessen cool air being drawn into the system. If odour occurs due to the fan voltage being turned down, simply turn it up slightly to increase airflow.
- When taking the compost chamber out for secondary composting, make sure it is located in a warm spot preferably in direct sunlight.
How to deal with insects attracted to compost pile?
- To break the breeding cycle of insects (most commonly vinegar flies) spray the compost pile with pyrethrum based insect spray for 7 consecutive days (ensure the fan is turned off while spraying). Always place a layer of bulking agent over the top of the pile in the out of service chamber to eliminate the possibility of insects laying eggs.
WARRANTY
Pedestal
- 10 years warranty.
- Any damage caused by exceeding the maximum recommended weight listed in specifications will/may void your warranty.
Chamber Screen
- 2 years warranty.
Ventilation Fan
- 12 months limited warranty.
- Powering the fan with an unregulated power source exceeding 12V or using power supply not recommended by Ecoflo will/may void your warranty.
- Any faulty fan during the warranty period should be returned to Ecoflo WM before a replacement can be provided.
- All other components come with a standard 12 month warranty.
CONTACT US
We are available from 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays).
- PHONE : 1300 138 182
- EMAIL : [email protected]
- WEBSITE : ecoflo.com.au