Best Practices
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      1. Everything About Compost Toilets
      2. 04. Use it Right
      3. Best Practices

      How to Prepare a Compost Toilet for Cold Weather or Long Absence

      Protect your OGO™ ORIGIN system from freezing, odors, and long-term moisture issues.

      Whether you're storing your van for winter, closing up a cabin, or just heading out on a long trip, it's important to know how to properly prepare your compost toilet—especially the OGO™ ORIGIN—for downtime.

      Composting is a natural process that involves moisture, airflow, and organic material. If left untouched for weeks or months, especially in freezing temperatures or sealed environments, it can cause a few headaches unless you take a few simple precautions.

      Here’s how to keep your system safe, clean, and ready to go when you return.

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      1. Empty the Solids Bin Completely

      Even if the bin isn’t full, empty it before extended periods of disuse. The compost medium retains moisture, and over time, that moisture can:

      • Freeze and expand, causing internal damage

      • Create odor in sealed conditions

      • Develop mold due to lack of airflow

      If you're leaving for more than a week or two—always empty the bin.

      2. Empty the Urine Bottle or Drain Line

      Stale liquid sitting for weeks or months can lead to buildup, staining, or worse—cracks from freezing temperatures. Before leaving:

      • Dump the urine bottle and rinse it

      • If you use a drain kit, flush the line with water

      • Disconnect or seal off any exposed connections to prevent backflow

      3. Clean Interior Surfaces

      Give the bowl, seat, and agitator arms a quick wipe-down with a non-corrosive cleaner. This helps prevent:

      • Mold or bacterial buildup

      • Staining or odor from residual material

      • Having to clean dried-on debris later

      4. Unplug the Power Cable

      If your OGO™ is not being used, disconnect it from your power source. This prevents the fan from running continuously, especially if you’re storing off-grid or preserving battery power.

      Tip: If you're in a humid region, leave the lid cracked open slightly to allow passive airflow—just be sure the bin is empty.

      5. Avoid Freezing Temperatures

      If the unit will be exposed to below-freezing temps, you must empty it completely.

      Why? Any remaining moisture—especially inside the compost medium or urine bottle—can freeze, expand, and damage the:

      • Agitator system

      • Solids bin

      • Drain fittings

      • Electrical components

      Don’t take the risk. If you expect cold weather, drain and dry everything.

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      6. What About Mold

      Yes, mold can develop if you leave moist compost medium sealed inside for a long time. While it’s not hazardous, it’s not pleasant either. You can prevent it by:

      • Emptying the bin before leaving

      • Or agitating the medium periodically during long breaks

      • Leaving the unit open slightly in dry, ventilated environments

      If mold does appear, just empty the bin, clean it thoroughly, and reload with fresh medium.

      Final Word

      Whether it’s the off-season or just a break in your travels, properly storing your OGO™ ORIGIN ensures it’ll be fresh, functional, and ready to go when you are. Taking 10 minutes to empty, clean, and disconnect your system now will save you from future mess and maintenance.

      Going away? Just remember: Empty it. Dry it. Disconnect it. Done.

      Need more guidance for winterization or seasonal storage? Reach out—we’re happy to help.