OGO™ Origin Toilet — How to Use, Empty & Maintain (Composting Toilet)
The OGO™ Origin is a waterless composting toilet designed for vans, caravans and off-grid setups. It works by diverting urine away from solids (to keep the solids drier and reduce odour), and it uses a push-button electric agitator to mix solids with compost medium after use.
Quick Highlights
- How it works: urine diversion + solids mixing (electric agitator)
- Urine bottle: ~9L capacity (sensor warns when it reaches ~85%)
- Solids capacity: ~25–30 uses before emptying (usage varies)
- Power: 12V (fan runs continuously; agitator runs when you press the button)
- Size (approx.): 38cm deep × 40.6cm wide × 47cm tall
- Weight (approx.): 13kg
What You’ll Use Regularly
- Compost medium: typically coir/peat (supplied coir brick in many kits)
- Spray bottle cleaner: used lightly to lubricate + disinfect the bowl surface
- Toilet paper: biodegradable, unscented, max 2-ply (use small amounts at a time)
Before First Use (Fast Setup)
- Confirm power is connected (12V supply with correct fuse).
- Confirm venting is installed and unobstructed (vent hose connected to an exterior vent, ideally with insect screen).
- Load compost medium into the solids bin per your kit instructions (coir/peat is commonly used).
- Fill the provided spray bottle/cleaner (or your preferred approved mixture) and keep it within reach.
How to Use the OGO™ Origin (Daily Use)
- Open the lid.
- Lightly mist the bowl with the cleaner (this helps lubricate the bowl surface).
- For solids: open the trap door by pulling the handle straight forward.
- When finished, close the trap door using the same motion and ensure it is fully closed.
- Press the power/agitator button — the electric agitator runs for a short cycle (about 45 seconds) to mix solids with the compost medium.
- Lightly mist the bowl again after use to disinfect the surface (don’t soak it).
Toilet Paper Tips (This Matters)
- Use biodegradable, unscented toilet paper with thickness no more than 2-ply.
- Use 2–3 squares at a time to prevent clumping and snagging on the agitator.
- Dispose of paper used for urine in a separate bin (recommended).
Managing the Urine Bottle
The urine bottle holds about 9 litres. A sensor provides a warning when the level reaches roughly 85%, and it’s recommended to empty the bottle every 24–48 hours (depending on how many people are using it).
How to remove and empty the urine bottle
- Unlatch the side hooks and remove the drawer.
- Slightly lift the head of the toilet before opening the drawer (this detaches the bowl from the bottle).
- Cap the bottle and remove it using the handle.
- Empty at an appropriate disposal point (follow local guidelines).
- Rinse/clean the bottle as needed and reinstall.
Pro tips for best performance
- Men should sit and lean forward to keep urine directed correctly.
- Do not lift the bowl after use.
- If your sensor light seems incorrect, check the manufacturer resources for calibration guidance.
- Optional: a drain kit can be used to divert urine to a grey/black tank setup (if your system allows it).
Emptying the Solids Bin
Average capacity is around 25–30 uses before you need to empty the solids bin (it varies by users, diet, and how dry you keep it).
Disposal options (choose what’s legal where you are)
- Landfill: place solids into a biodegradable/compostable bag and dispose like nappies (follow local rules).
- Dedicated human-waste compost: empty into a dedicated compost system. Composting can take 6–12 months to fully break down. Do not use the end product on edible plants.
- Off-grid (where permitted): dig a sufficiently deep hole and cover completely so wildlife can’t access it. Always check local and park regulations first.
Cleaning & Maintenance
Daily / after use
- Use the spray bottle after each use to disinfect the surface — lightly mist, don’t drench.
If you’re not using the provided cleaner
- For lubrication/cleaning/disinfecting: 25% vinegar + 75% water (spray lightly).
- For cleaning the urine bottle: liquid soap + water (about a 1:5 ratio).
Urine scaling (build-up)
- Hot soapy water helps remove scale.
- A monthly clean using a citric acid solution (or similar) can help manage odour and scaling.
Keeping things running smoothly
- Use cotton swabs occasionally to clean small spaces and moving parts.
- Small amounts of white mould can happen if moisture is too high — it’s a sign to improve moisture control and do a deeper clean.
- If flies occur, a pyrethrum-based fly spray applied through the hatch (as directed) can help clear them.
Quick Troubleshooting
“It’s not working / no power”
- Check your power source is charged and turned on.
- Check polarity (correct + and -).
- Check for a loose wire connection.
Is the fan running?
The fan runs continuously and is a great indicator the unit is installed and powered correctly. If it’s very quiet, place your hand on the fan housing and feel for vibrations.