Sun-Mar Composting Toilet FAQs

Order by March 26th and get $85 manufacturer's Rebate

2007-08 Brochure in PDF format
very informative (only 3 mg)

Click on any of the pictures through out the site for a larger view in a new window.

Well, we are still working on this page and in fact hope to be continuously updating the information here so if you don't see what you are looking for, just give us a call at 877-627-4768 or email us at info@oasismontana.com with you questions.

What about toilet paper?
- Normal use with normal toilet paper is no problem and will get composted along with the waste
Do composting toilets smell?
- NSF only certifies composting toilets that produce no oder. All Sun-mar toilets are NSF approved.
- The Sun-mar is designed so that air is constantly being drawn in and up the stack.
Will I need a sanitary permit before installing?
How does it work?
- After initializing Sun-Mar's patented bio drum with start-up enzymes and some peat based bulking material, all that is required is to add more bulking material at the rate of one cup per person per day of use preferably after each use and turn the bio-drum every 2-3 days for 4-6 revolutions.
- The 3 chamber bio-drum does the rest by separating out and evaporating the liquids, Tumbling the drum optimizes mixing and aeration to create a uniform compost
- The finishing drawer allows the compost to complete the composting and sanitation process.
- What is left is ready to use compost. Just pull out the finishing drawer and apply anywhere.
What happens when I have extra visitors or a party will it plug up?
- Sun-Mar toilets are designed so that double the rated occupancy can be handled with no extra maintenance for brief periods of time.
I did everything according to the instructions and it doesn't seem to be composting. What's wrong?
- Relax. Don't worry over it. Like a fine wine, composting takes some time. Did you add the initial microbe mix when you set it up? It can take a couple weeks or more to get started. If it freezes it is not going to compost - get some heat to it. (don't even try turning the drum if it is frozen). If it dries out completely it isn't going to compost - try adding more peat with some warm water. If it is too moist, not enough oxygen can get to it - try adding more planer shavings, manually turn on any of the fans if so equipped and make sure you have the overflow drain attached. It is always helpful to have some extra Microbe mix to give it an added boost when necessary or when extra guests over tax the system.
How often does it need maintenance?
- For continuous use just rotate the drum 4-6 revolutions every 2 or 3 days and add a cupful of peat mix per person per day of use.
- Ideally it is best to add about 1/3 cup of bulking material each time you sit down for more then just a pee on the self contained models so that there is more layering with the bulking material rather then just throwing 4 or 5 cups on at the end of the day. You can facilitate this by keeping the bulking material handy like in a covered trash can or some kind of container near the toilet.
- For weekend usage, just rotate the drum 4-6 revolutions before leaving at the end of the weekend, in addition to adding a cup of peat mix per person per day.
- Don't get over energetic about turning the drum - it ain't gonna make things happen faster, in fact it has the affect of slowing the process down. Rotate the drum about 4-6 complete revolutions every 2-3 days and let the natural composting process do its thing.
Oh No! I ran out of Sun-Mar Bulking material, is there anything else I can use until I order more?
- Yes of course. Can you find a source of sphagnum moss and wood planer shavings? A nice mix is about 60% moss and 40% wood shavings. I don't mean saw dust but planer shavings. Is there any saw mill near by or animal bedding available? Also if your composting compartment is starting to get too damp you can try adding some wood planer shavings to try balancing out the moisture content. As a tip don't try using any treated wood, cedar, redwood, or other products that are resistant to natural decay.
Isn't it going to attract insects in my home?
- Although flies may be attracted to sh*t, we are talking compost here. Active hot compost that is being covered with bulking material and being turned regularly is a different story. If you have fruit flies, fungus nats or whatever on your house plants please keep them a distance from your self contained composting toilet, maybe 15-20 feet or so.
- If you are using local peat as part of your bulking material, make sure it is sterilized and free of any larvae.
I have the ability to have a standard toilet system. Why would I consider installing a composting toilet system instead?
- Cheaper & quicker installation then septic system
- Greener because it uses little or no water and produces little or no liquid output and produces soil enriching compost.
Why a Sun-Mar brand?
- Sun-Mar is the only NSF standard 41 certified composting toilet for residential use
- Sun-Mar has its roots in composting toilets since 1971
- Sun-Mar's patented BioDrum technology has no equal
- Sun-Mar offers over 23 standard models to ensure you have a model that will fit your circumstances
How does Sun-Mar's patented BioDrum work?
What is the Warrantee on a Sun-Mar composting toilet?
- Three years, parts replacement which covers defects in workmanship and materials throughout the U.S. (the warranty is 5 years in NY state).

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