- 17 -
- 18 -
Annual Start Up (seasonal units only)
Many units are only used regularly throughout the summer. For such seasonal units Sun-Mar recommends that the
following start up procedure be followed at the beginning of the season.
Action
Reason for Action
Empty
the compost that had been left in the finishing drawer, and use the rake
to clean out the evaporation chamber.
Remove
additional drawers of compost (if there is more than 6-8” or 150-
200mm in the drum), by releasing the drum lock (white button on right side of
unit), and rotating the drum clockwise (the handle turns counter-clockwise) to
extract compost into the drawer. (At the beginning of the season, it will all be fin-
ished compost) Empty the drawer and repeat extraction cycle until the level in the
drum is reduced to about 6”(150mm).
Add
1 gallon(4 liters) of warm water.
As an option for optimal composting,
Add composting accelerant. We do not recommend using topsoil as it may contain
fly larvae.
-
Your fertilizer is ready.
- This is a good time to remove peat
debris
-
Frees space in the composting
chamber for the new seasons com-
posting.
- Raises moisture level
- Even though the compost still has
microbes in it, you may want to start
the year by replenishing your batch
of microbes.
Chapter 3
Start Up and Use
Initial System Start Up
Begin operation by carrying out the start up procedure described below, and then continue with the “Ongoing
Toilet Maintenance” routine. It normally takes six weeks before a compost is properly established. You will know
this has happened when:
- Compost Volume increases more slowly
- Compost turns black and becomes loam-like
- Toilet paper decomposes within a few days
Action Why?
-Provides carbon base and initial mass
for compost.
-Adds necessary microbes which will
breakdown the compost.
-Moistens carbon base
-The unit is ready for use
-Until the compost is active, some peat
moss may fall through the screen or
drum door into the evaporating chamber
Extends the surface area of evaporation
chamber
8 gallons(30 liters) of bulking mixture (60% shavings and
40% peat moss) to the drum.
Compost accelerant
About 1gallon(4 liters) of warm water into the drum
Fan and heater are operating
Loose peat moss from the evaporating chamber until the
compost is established, which takes approximately 6 weeks.
Black evaporating tray under drum screen to the left of the
drawer.
Periodic Check Up
Once your unit has been through initial or annual start-ups, and ongoing maintenance procedures are being followed,
Sun-Mar recommends a system of periodic checks be undertaken.
Action Reason for Action
Rake
solid debris from the evaporation chamber, making sure to rake from the
rear of the chamber, including the back two corners nearest to the drains of the
unit. Raking should occur on a twice yearly basis for cottages (best done at annual
startups and half way through the season), and a bi-monthly period for continuous
users.
Check
your compost moisture level on each visit for cottage users and once
every two weeks for continuous users. This can be done by shining a light into the
Bio-Drum. The compost should have a slight gloss or shine to it. A moisture meter
may also be used if so desired. Range should be 4-6, which represents 40% to
60%
Pour
1 gallon(4 liters) of warm water down the toilet.
- Ensures drains cannot get plugged and
evaporation is improved.
- A good compost is between 40% and
60% moisture content.
- Prevents lumps, ensures toilet paper
breaks down quickly.
- Prevents insects
- Ensures waste piping remains free-
flowing.
CAUTION
1. Do
NNOOTT
add or clean the toilet bowl with chemicals. Chemicals will kill the bacteria.
IINNSSTTEEAADD
, clean the bowl hot water and baking soda or a weak vinegar and water solution.
2. Do
NNOOTT
add plastic, glass, metal, cleaning fluids, cigarettes. Add only waste and bulking material.
3. Kitchen or garden waste are
NNOOTT
recommended.
*
Toilet paper is a good source of carbon and should be added after use.
ADD
ADD
SPRINKLE
PLUG IN
RAKE
POSITION
Although the start up instructions remain the same no matter what your application, different situations
will require different actions and this chapter will explain what they are.
Summary of Contents for centrex 2000 af
Page 2: ... 34 ...
