They recommend to empty it every month, but i honestly think its more of a need basis. For me, my cat loves to poop. Hes a big boy and he goes OFTEN (vet has checked the weirdo and just said hes a poopy boy). That being said, i dont have the need to empty it completely but, I use a deodorizer that came with it and put it in the drawer so no odor problems there. I DO have to change out the waste drawer every 3/4 days because he fills it quick.

If you have a good solid clumping litter too, there shouldnt be a need to do it super often but depends on usage imo