Composting toilets and Canadian, US Customs

[rick&sue]

I'm sure you are asking yourself what does composting toilets and Customs have to do with each other?? Well, as I'm planning/packing for our trip to Bellingham, Washington and up the BC coast, I am wondering if the extra Coco Fiber Bricks, that I carry on the boat, (used in the composting toilet) will pass through Canadian customs and US customs when we come back? They are in their original packaging. I also have a second question regarding compositing toilets- Has anybody tried Kitty Litter? Another words - desiccant instead of compost? Thoughts and or experiences appreciated.

 

[Rocky]

If they are in the original packaging and you have a receipt (to prove purchased in the US,) then coming home should not be an issue. I don't have any point of reference for going north, unfortunately.

Thanks,
Rocky

 

[NorthernFocus]

... I also have a second question regarding compositing toilets- Has anybody tried Kitty Litter? Another words - desiccant instead of compost? Thoughts and or experiences appreciated.

No experience but I do have some thoughts. If you are interested in/relying on composing the material, introducing non-organic material(containing who knows what chemicals) may negatively impact the bio-chemistry involved. If the composting process isn't important to you, then it is all about drying out the solids via the exhaust fan pulling a continuous vacuum in the tank. Not sure about the properties of the kitty litter in that regard, i.e. will it release moisture.

Is there a particular reason you are concerned about the coco fiber not making it through customs? You can also use locally procured peat moss from a lawn/garden store. For that matter they might even carry coco fiber.

 

[scross]

You may want to call the Canadian Food Inspection folks BC office for guidance. They do plants as well as food. Their number is 1-604-292-5700. If nothing else be absolutely sure you declare it on entry even if the folks on the phone tell you it’s ok! Since it’s commercially processed and should not contain live seeds my guess is that you will be ok.

 

[knotflying]

Been to Canada several times with my Tug and composting toilet, both by towing and on the water. Never had an issue with customs and the coca bricks. One time they literally pulled the whole boat apart looking for my extra bottle of wine. It was an hour and a half of going through everything. They never asked about the coca bricks. If they are in the original plastic and sealed I think it is a non issue. Enjoy your trip!

 

[ALICE J]

As an aside on the composting bricks, I buy my through AIR HEAD because he bakes his bricks in an oven at a controlled temperature that kills all eggs. From experience, I bought some bricks from Amazon and had a big fly infestation in the toilet and head compartment. Called Air Head and he clued me in on the source of the small flies, I have ever since bought his bricks and have had no fly problems.