Nature’s Head Composting Toilet Quick Guide
This guide explains how to use, empty and maintain the Nature’s Head composting toilet in your Rhinomax camper. It focuses on simple day-to-day operation, odour control and basic troubleshooting. For installation diagrams, wiring details and the full maintenance schedule, download the complete user manual below.
⚙️ Basic Operation (Rhinomax Edition)
How to use the Nature’s Head correctly for everyday camping with minimal odour.
Preparing the Compost Medium
Before first use (or after emptying), add the correct base medium:
- Use coco coir or peat moss, finely broken up.
- Rehydrate so it is barely damp — like slightly moist soil, not wet.
- Add approx. 2–3 inches of medium to the solids bin.
The medium should crumble easily and not drip water when squeezed. Too much moisture causes odours.
Using the Toilet & Trapdoor
Use the toilet as you would a standard household unit, with one key difference:
- For solids, sit normally; the internal trapdoor is opened via the side lever.
- For liquids only, leave the trapdoor closed — urine diverts into the front bottle.
- After each solid use, turn the agitation handle 3–4 full turns.
Do not add flushing water — the system is designed to run dry for effective composting.
Managing the Urine Bottle
The front bottle collects all liquids and should be emptied regularly:
- Check the level visually and empty when around ¾ full to avoid overflows.
- To empty, unclip and remove the bottle, pour into an appropriate disposal point.
- Rinse with water and a splash of white vinegar to minimise scale and odour.
Never allow the urine bottle to sit full for long periods, especially in hot weather.
Fan, Ventilation & Power
Continuous low-volume ventilation is critical for odour control:
- The built-in 12 V fan should run whenever the toilet is in service.
- Ensure the vent hose runs to the exterior and is not kinked or blocked.
- If you notice smells, first confirm that the fan is spinning and power is present.
Rhinomax systems are designed for the fan’s low draw, so it can remain on continuously.
🧺 Emptying & Cleaning
How and when to empty the solids bin and keep everything hygienic.
When to Empty the Solids Bin
Frequency depends on how many people are using the toilet:
- Typically every 60–80 uses for two people.
- Material should look like dry, crumbly soil with an earthy smell.
- If it becomes wet or sludgy, add more dry medium and increase fan time.
Emptying Procedure
To empty the solids bin:
- Disconnect the vent hose and 12 V fan plug.
- Release the side latches and tilt the bowl section forward.
- Lift the upper section off the base and carry the base outside.
- Tip contents into a compost bin, green waste or biodegradable bag as appropriate.
Avoid breathing dust when emptying; use gloves if preferred.
Cleaning the Toilet
Keep surfaces clean without damaging components:
- Use mild soapy water or RV-safe cleaners on the seat and bowl.
- Avoid harsh chemicals, bleach or abrasives which can damage plastics.
- Wipe the exterior dry after cleaning to protect metal fittings.
Refilling with New Medium
After emptying:
- Check the agitator turns freely with the bin empty.
- Add fresh, slightly moist coco coir or peat to the required depth.
- Reassemble the upper section, reconnect vent and fan, then test operation.
🔧 Troubleshooting & Common Issues
Run through these quick checks before assuming there is a fault with the toilet itself.
Unpleasant odour in the cabin
- Fan not running: Check 12 V supply, fuse and fan plug. Confirm the fan spins freely.
- Medium too wet: Add more dry coco coir/peat and agitate. Avoid adding liquids to the solids bin.
- Vent blocked: Inspect the hose run and exterior vent for kinks, insect screens or obstructions.
- Urine bottle full: Empty and rinse the bottle, then add a small amount of vinegar solution.
Fruit flies or small insects inside
- Ensure the lid and trapdoor are kept closed when not in use.
- Add a light sprinkle of diatomaceous earth to the solids bin.
- Check that the vent inlet outside is screened and not drawing insects directly in.
Agitation handle hard to turn
- Bin may be over-full — it’s time to empty the toilet.
- Solids may be too wet and compacted. Empty, clean and restart with fresh, drier medium.
- Check that no foreign objects (wipes, sanitary products, etc.) have been put into the toilet — these must not be used in a composting unit.
Fan noisy or vibrating
- Inspect for dust build-up or debris on the fan blades and gently clean if necessary.
- Confirm the fan mount is tight and not rattling against the housing or wall.
- If noise persists, note the model details and contact Rhinomax service for a replacement.
🛠️ Preventative Maintenance Tips
Simple habits that keep your Nature’s Head odour-free and reliable for years.
Keep Ventilation Running
Leave the 12 V fan running whenever the toilet contains waste. Good airflow is the number one factor in preventing smells and ensuring rapid composting.
Regular Bottle & Surface Cleaning
Empty the urine bottle frequently, and rinse with a mild vinegar solution. Wipe the seat and exterior with a gentle cleaner to keep everything hygienic and pleasant to use.
Refresh Medium as Needed
If compost starts to look compacted or sluggish, empty the bin and restart with fresh medium. Using the right dryness and texture will keep agitation easy and composting efficient.