Separation toilets: your questions answered
Ever since introducing the Thetford Separation Toilet and Separation Kit, we have received several questions about the use of this type of motorhome toilet. It is clear more and more people are exploring water-saving and alternative options, especially those loving to travel off-grid.
So, we’ve gathered your most frequently asked questions and answered them all in one easy-to-read guide. Whether you’re just curious or ready to make the switch, here’s what you need to know.
1. How does a separation toilet work?
A separation toilet keeps liquids and solids apart. This clever bit of design means less smell, no need for flushing water, and easier waste disposal. Solids go into a bag, while urine is collected in a separate tank. Both can be emptied individually, simple and hygienic.
2. Who is the separation toilet for?
The separation toilet is ideal for travellers who value freedom and flexibility on the road. If you prefer staying off-grid or using fewer service points, a separation toilet might be just what you need.
3. Is a separation toilet environmentally friendly?
Using a separation toilet reduces water consumption and eliminates the need for additives. It also helps extend your off-grid time. Many see this as a more conscious way to travel.
4. Is a separation toilet comfortable?
Yes, the design is based on our popular C220 and C260 cassette toilets, so you can expect the same ergonomic comfort. It is built with both male and female anatomy in mind, ensuring ease of use for everyone.
5. What is the Thetford Separation Kit?
Our Separation Kit lets you convert a Thetford C220 or C260 cassette toilet into a separation toilet. It comes with everything you need:
– A urine tank
– Leak-free connection
– A container for solids
– A full inner and outer toilet bowl
It is a great way to upgrade without replacing your whole setup.
6. Is a separation toilet the same as a composting toilet?
They are similar, but not the same. A separation toilet simply separates liquids from solids, and no composting happens in the toilet itself.
A composting toilet is a more involved system that breaks down waste over time, usually with added materials and ventilation. Separation toilets are simpler and easier to use.
7. Does the system need electricity?
No, the separation toilet itself does not require power. Only when you install the optional ventilator kit is a small amount of electricity used, powered by your RV battery or solar panel system.
9. How to use a separation toilet?
Open the blade using the switch on the side of the Thetford Separation Toilet. Sit down to ensure proper separation of urine and solid waste. Urine is directed to the front section, while solid waste goes into the rear container and should be covered after each use. A drying agent can be used for this.
Solid waste is collected in waste bags made from recycled material and can be disposed of in residual waste bins, where permitted. The urine tank can be emptied into any household toilet.
For cleaning, use the specially developed products for the toilet bowl and urine tank whenever needed.
10. Do I need water to use it?
No, there is absolutely no water needed. That means no flushing, no pipes, and no chance of frozen tanks in winter. It also means longer off-grid adventures.
11. Do I need special additives or chemicals?
Not necessarily. It works perfectly well without them. But for extra hygiene and a fresher experience, our dedicated cleaners are a great optional extra. Avoid using harsh chemicals that can damage the plastic parts and seals.
14. What cover material should I use?
We recommend to use Thetford Separation Toilet Drying Agent for best odour control and absorption.
15. Can I use toilet paper in it?
Yes, no problem. It goes in the solid waste container along with the other solids.
16. Can I use the separation toilet in winter?
Absolutely. Because the toilet does not rely on water, there is no risk of frozen pipes or tanks. Great news for winter travellers!
17. How much weight can a separation toilet hold?
All Thetford’s toilets, including the Separation Toilet, are designed to support up to 120 kg, without any risk of damage or reduced performance.
18. Where do you empty the urine container?
The urine tank of a separation toilet can be empty into any household toilet.
19. And what about the solids?
Solid waste is collected in a waste bag placed inside the solid waste container. When full, the bag can be disposed of in a residual waste bin, provided this is permitted by local regulations.
20. How often do I need to empty it?
On average, you’ll need to empty the waste tanks every 2–3 days, but it depends on how often the toilet is used. The big advantage compared to cassette toilets? You don’t need to rely on specific disposal points, so you can enjoy longer off-grid time.
21. Do you offer biodegradable waste bags?
We provide waste bags made from recycled plastic. We do not offer biodegradable bags because they can start dissolving when exposed to moisture, which may lead to hygiene concerns inside the toilet.
Regardless of the type of bag, human waste must be disposed of in residual waste bins. It is not permitted in organic waste containers.
22. How do I clean a separation toilet?
Solid waste is collected in a recycled plastic bag and dried with a drying agent before being disposed of in a residual waste bin, where local rules allow. Urine is collected separately in the urine tank and can be emptied into any household toilet.
For further cleaning:
– Wipe surfaces with Thetford Separation Toilet Bowl Cleaner for a fresh and spotless bowl
– For urine scale, use Thetford Separation Toilet Urine Tank Fresh to keep the urine container and the hose clean
– Avoid harsh chemicals that can damage plastics, seals, or coatings
– The valve and blade can also be removed for a deeper clean
23. How do I prevent urine scale buildup?
Clean the bowl regularly with Thetford Separation Toilet Bowl Cleaner. Avoid letting urine sit too long, and use Thetford Separation Toilet Urine Tank Fresh to prevent urine scale buildup. Avoid harsh chemicals that can damage plastics, seals, or coatings.
24. Is the urine hose difficult to clean?
During regular use, you can use water from time to time, or add Separation Toilet Urine Tank Fresh to keep the hose clean.
If you would like to clean it more thoroughly, the hose can be removed without difficulty.
25. Will waste hit the blade inside the toilet?
The toilet bowl has an ergonomic shape that helps guide waste correctly and reduces splashing. In addition, the blade has been designed to hang at an angle of more than 180 degrees, which reduces the chance of it getting dirty during use.
To keep everything hygienic and working smoothly, we recommend emptying the solid container regularly. The blade can also be removed easily for separate cleaning if needed.
26. Do separation toilets smell?
Because liquids and solids are kept apart, there’s much less odour. For even better results, we recommend using:
- Thetford Separation Toilet Urine Tank Fresh
- Thetford Separation Toilet Bowl Cleaner
- Thetford Drying Agent to dry the solids
- An optional ventilator kit
Still noticing an odour? In most cases, it is easy to solve:
- Check whether the waste containers need emptying
- Make sure enough drying agent is used in the solid waste containe
- Check if the ventilator is working properly and not blocked
