We've been using the OGO for a month now so I thought I should wrap up this thread in case anyone is considering a composting head.
I've just closed the 'loop', so to speak, on a cycle with the solids container.
My biggest unknown was that we are not livaboards and sail weekends and a few long stints. My best source for info has been a large UK FB group of composting toilet users, many living on narrow canal boats.
I was assured that it should be no problem and in fact, the added time between use would only result in further drying of solid waste (which is 75% water to start).
They were right. After several weekends, a 4 day stint, over a month of time, all we've done is push the button (starts the electric mixing mechanism). The tiny fan runs 24/7 and uses a fraction of an AH per day.
I went out today to do the first change of the solid container. I pushed the button to give the drying material (coco coir) a mix, opened the base and pulled the solids bucket out.
Looked the same as when I put it in a month ago. There's no smell (I checked!). I put a tall kitchen bag over the bucket, inverted it, tapped the bucket - spun the cog that turns the mixers - and out fell about half a bucket of coco coir, now just a bit heavier than it was a month ago.
No leaking, no compost debris inside the compartment. Nothing to clean inside. I filled the container back to the line with new material, and put it back in place. Easy, clean and fast.
I probably - at this rate - could go another weekend or two. The mixer motor wasn't bogging down and still no odors. But now I see it is so easy I'll likely stick to once a month of weekend use.
When we're off full-time onboard (next week!!), I guess I'll figure a week and a half before emptying the solid container. The coco coir bricks are cheap, light and compact. A pack of 5 will last us a whole season and take up less space (dry) than a couple of rolls of paper towels.
The only real work is in the liquid waste side. We quickly learned that a 2.4-gallon tank wouldn't go long (about 2 days with 2). So I ordered another tank asap and received it in a few days. The alarm light is unmistakable and comes on when the liquid container is 3/4 full. Now we always have an empty spare in the head locker.
We take one tank ashore every other day to dispose of it in a safe spot(trees, shrubs). Some UK peeps said dump it in the water but why? Might as well keep all our waste out of the sea, if we can.
The only odor (so far) comes from the liquid container when you change it. Put the screw cap on and it's gone. The complete cleaning has been a simple spray of A squirt of plant-based dish soap and fresh water in the included spray bottle when you use the urine diverter. I quickly adjusted to sitting and it's now second nature on the boat.
My partner and I were suspicious of the 'no smells', she especially. We keep walking in the head and sniffing. Only smell so far is sea breeze in the head compartment.
She's the OGO's biggest fan now. The lack of a head smell is the biggest plus for us. It's so simple and maintenance-free for me.
We're very happy we made the change.
The end.
