There's nothing new about incinerating toilets...they've been around for at least 15 years. They have more drawbacks than advantages: they ONLY can use 115v/ac or propane...and contrary to popular belief, they don't reduce everything ash in a "whoosh" of heat--the burn time is at LEAST 90 minutes at something 1100 degrees....and even that isn't enough to completely reduce all the solids to ash. (If you have a self-cleaning electric oven, the principle is about the same).
Because human waste contains animal fats, they also require considerable maintenance...from Incinolet's own website at
http://www.bmts.com/~incinolet/maintain.htm :
WEEKLY, OR MORE OFTEN AS REQUIRED
1. Empty the ashpan at regular intervals (perhaps once or twice a week). Ash should not accumulate more than one-half inch.
2. Clean outer stainless steel surfaces including bowl halves with detergent and water or stainless steel polish. Do not hose down or steam clean the toilet. Keep bowl halves clean to prevent liners from sticking.
EVERY 90 DAYS, DEPENDING ON USAGE (OR IF EXCESSIVE NOISE OR VIBRATION OCCURS)
1. DISCONNECT TOILET FROM SOURCE OF ELECTRICITY.
2. Remove top of the toilet complete with the bowl sections by removing four screws and unscrewing the rubber pushbutton cover.
3. Clean interior of bits of paper and dust.
4. Lightly grease all moving joints of the flushing assembly and foot pedal.
5. Clean the blower assembly by removing three screws which hold blower motor in position. Lift out the motor with attached blower wheel. Turn the assembly to one side to clean the blower wheel, using a small brush. Replacement of an extremely dirty or corroded blower wheel helps eliminate noise, rattles and vibration. Clean inside the blower housing and ventline elbow as needed.
6. Replace the unit top while holding bowl halves together. Replace four screws, and protective cap on the start switch.
I'd rather rebuild a toilet every couple of years!
The animal fats also create another maintenance problem: the catalytic converter in the "chimney" that's supposed to trap any odors. Unless it's also cleaned regularly and replaced as needed, your downwind neighbors will NOT like you!
IMO, incinerating toilets are a practical solution for remote cabins where no running water, sewer or septic is available, but have little application on boats. The power demands are huge...it MUST be on its own dedicated circuit, wired to strict standards, or it becomes a fire hazard...it generates a LOT of heat...and requires a lot of unpleasant maintenance. They're also expensive.
My $.02 worth...I'd be interested in hearing from anyone who's had at least a year's experience with one and still likes it.
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