You may have heard this one before, but everybody poops. Just because you are on a cross country adventure or visiting your uncle’s Alaska fishing cabin doesn’t mean that you can take a break from this essential human activity.
The best composting toilets not only satisfy this primal necessity, but they do so with less waste. In fact, most composting toilets are designed to operate with no water at all. This is in stark contrast to your home toilet, which could be costing you upwards of 1.5 gallons per flush.
Whether you’re off-grid or simply trying to led the planet a hand, composting toilets are the way to go. We’ve taken the time to compare the best composting toilets on the web, and now we’re ready to present you with the Top 4.
Afterwards, we’ll reveal our Top Pick, as well as our answers to some of your most frequently asked questions.
Primer: What is a composting toilet and how does it work?
If you are new to the concept of a composting toilet, then worry not. This relatively new form of toilet technology is just starting to catch on. Composting toilets are designed to address the growing environmental concerns we’re having as a planet and species.
On average, composting toilets use less water, less paper, and less overall energy. Some do not use any water or electricity at all! For campers, RVs, off-grid living, and environmentalists, composting toilets are an easy choice.
Every composting toilet is a bit different. Some work with pre-sized compost bags that line the main receptacle. Others are bag free, and some can be hooked directly to a larger tank for more versatile use. The best composting toilet for you is going to depend on what you’re using it for.
The Top 4 Composting Toilets of 2022
Here are some of the best models that we could find. There are dozens of composting toilets on the market, but these four represent a good balance of function and affordability:
#1. Best Electric Composting Toilet : Separett Villa 9215 AC/DC Composting Toilet
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Here is a composting toilet which was just introduced in 2018. This means that it is using some of the most current composting toilet technology. Therefore, it follows that that the Separett Villa 9215 is going to be approved by more state health departments.
This is a brand that off-grid enthusiasts have been talking about for years. This particular model, however, is quite simply the best that this brand has ever put out. This is an advanced, trouble-free toilet that is completely waterless. It uses a clever urine diversion system that prevents the tank from filling up too fast.
10 compostable bags are included with purchase. This should be more than enough to last a long time. Simply insert the compostable bag liner into the receptacle, do your business, and then empty the whole thing without hassle. One of the other bonuses is that most generic composting bags will work. There is no need to buy a specialized or hard-to-find bag to use this composting toilet.
Some users have experienced issues with the off-board fan. After following up with some of these isolated issues, we think that the Separett customer service more than compensates for the oversight.
Pros:
- Completely waterless and trouble-free operation
- Includes 10 compostable bags, which last a long time
Cons:
- Some users have noticed the on-board fan not working optimally
#2. Best Self-Contained Composting Toilet: Nature’s Head Self-Contained Composting Toilet Standard Handle
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There are a number of different composting toilets available online from Nature’s Head. In fact, telling the different models apart can be difficult. This is true especially because of the price. For the most part, all of Nature’s Head composting toilets are about the same price.
The biggest difference between the models is the total product size. Even though this model is advertised as being for “close quarters”, it is actually longer than similar models. Even so, it is able to fit into all kinds of close quarters situations. This includes boats, trucks, RVs, and off-grid living situations where there is no plumbing.
Like most of the best composting toilets these days, this one from Nature’s Head has a urine separator. While it is not a super fun thing to think about, it is actually really important to separate liquid. This allows for faster composting of the solid material. It also means that the solids container does not need to be emptied as often.
The best thing about these Nature’s Head composting toilets is that there is absolutely no odor. This is a company made by two boating enthusiasts, so you can trust them when it comes to odor.
Pros:
- Very simplistic, low-odor operation with crank handle
- Simple floor-mount installation is great for boats, RVs, cabins, and more
Cons:
- Less ideal for high-humidity installation
#3. Nature’s Head Dry Composting Toilet with Spider Handle
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Even thought Nature’s head is already known for creating compostable toilets that are easy to use, this one pretty much takes the cake. It is designed with an easy hand-crank agitator. This is specifically designed to speed up the composting process. With a toilet like this, you won’t have to empty it nearly as often.
The differences between this model and the other Nature’s Head toilet that we looked at are minimal. The difference is mostly in size. This one is slightly less long from front to back, but is about the same width and height. The weight is about the same as well. The final decision will come down to the dimensions of the space you are installing it in.
This compostable toilet is equipped with a direct-fuse attachment. This makes it possible to hook this toilet up directly to a battery, so no other power source is needed. The fan cord is also 6’, which means that you can place the battery just about anywhere.
Pros:
- Hand-crank agitator can significantly speed up the composting process
- Direct-battery connection makes this great for camping and RVs
Cons:
- Square waste tub could really use some kind of pour spout
#4. Best Non-Polluting Composting Toilet: Sun-Mar Non-Electric Self-Contained Composting Toilet
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Here is a composting toilet that uses absolutely no water, no electricity, and creates no hassle. For RVers, off-grid livers, and environmentalists, this is a huge bonus. This is a 100% non-polluting toilet, which isn’t something that can often be said about a simple camping john.
Anyone who is looking for a non-flushing, non-chemical toilet should look no further. This gem by Sun-Mar is also NSF certified, which means that is can be used in certain commercial activities. Lots of users are reporting great success installing this toilet to a pre-dug pit. Or alternatively, it can be hooked up to a larger tank.
We’re going to be honest about the footstool: we really don’t think it’s necessary. It’s too small and flimsy to be all that functional. In addition, it feels way too close to the toilet.
This is a bit more expensive than similar models by Seperatt or Nature’s Head. In the end, the extra price is worth it for such a sleek and well-contained design. Odor retention is at least as effective as Nature’s Head. The real selling points are 0 water and 0 electricity, perfect for authentic off-grid living.
Pros:
- 100% non-polluting toilet
- Great construction with reliable components and sleek design
Cons:
- More expensive that Separett or Nature’s Head
[Buyer’s Guide] How to Shop for a Composting Toilet
No matter what kind of adventure you’re on or what kind of cabin you’re living in, business is business. If you are camping for only a day or two, then there really isn’t an issue with just going in the woods. But for RV campers, truckers, hunters, and off-grid livers, a composting toilet is basically a necessity.
The best composting toilets are far more complicated than most people think. These are not just plastic buckets you can do your business in … they are high-tech, rotomolded appliances. When you combine this relative sophistication with the significant price, it becomes important to educate yourself.
Here are some of the most important considerations to keep in mind about composting toilets:
# Electric Composting Toilets vs. Non-Electric Composting Toilets
Electric composting toilets can be more effective (& expensive) than non-electric models for a number of reasons. It varies a bit from model to model, but most of the time the actual electricity is used to power a simple fan. This fan increases the rate of evaporation, which thus increases the speed of decomposition.
It is important to note however that electric fans are not strictly required for composting toilets. The decomposition process will take place either way. Electric fans simply speed up the process, and in addition, they can help with some of the harsh odors.
# The Benefits of Composting Toilets
The beauty of composting toilets is that they provide innovative functionality for a number of purposes. Off-grid dwellers with no plumbing will appreciate their ability to dispose of waste without pipes! Alternatively, the intrepid RV camper might take advantage of a composting toilet if they don’t have access to a dump site.
But it is the environmentally conscious who are going to appreciate composting toilets the most. These innovative waste disposal systems use little to no water at all. This is in stark contrast to traditional plumbed toilets which use up to 1.3 gallon per flush.
To sum it all up, the biggest benefits of a composting toilet are:
- Reduced (or eliminated) water consumption
- Waste is safely stored; no chance of bacterial contamination
- Some are NSF certified
- Odors are non-existent to very minimal
- Very effectively separates liquids and solids
- Electric composting toilets can usually run AC or DC
- If required, composted waste can be disposed of in standard dumpsters
# Myth Busting: Composting Toilets Do Not Smell Bad
One of the biggest obstacles that non-polluting compostable toilets face is the false assumption that they smell bad. Like, really bad.
While all toilets have some form of odor (especially after your Uncle Dave is done with it) composting toilets are different. This is because the actual decomposition process requires oxygen to continue. This creates a negative pressure that prevents stinky air from permeating.
When you combine this negative pressure with an electric fan, you and an odor elimination system that is even more efficient than the one you have at home.
# What is a Urine Diverting Composting Toilet?
A significant number of composting toilets feature some form of urine diversion. Simply put, this feature allows the user to separate “#1s” from ‘#2s”. This makes emptying the composting toilet much easier. This is because solid waste can break down in size and mass over time, while liquid cannot evaporate as fast.
The Verdict: Best All-Around Composting Toilet
The four different composting toilets on this list represent only a fraction of what is available out there. While this technology is still evolving rapidly, some models still stand out above all others.
For our dollar, the best all-around composting toilet for off-grid living is by Nature’ Head. We put two different models of Nature’s Head composting toilets on our list. This is because they have become the most reputable brand for high-performance heads, as it were. These toilets require no serious maintenence and the built-in hand-cranks increase composting time by a significant margin.
Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.)
This is in contrast to regular toilets. If you were to leave waste in a regular toilet without flushing, the smell would be far worse than it is with a composting toilet.
Electric fans are a very effective way to increase ventilation and prevent bad odors. Many of these fans can operate easily off of solar panels. Some composting toilets even come with their own solar-powered fans. However, a fan is not strictly necessary for an odor-free toilet. Some models, like the Sun-Mar that we looked at above, require no electricity and they have virtually no odor.
Some portable composting toilets exist that are far simpler in their construction. These are designed for more temporary use. You can also snap a lit on them for easy transport. However, they are not nearly as effective at actually breaking down waste product.
Because human waste is nearly 90% water, the volume can decrease significantly in a relatively fast period. This means that composting toilets do not need to be emptied nearly as much as you’d think.
Electric composting toilets utilize a small fan in order to help with the dehumidification process. This is not something that is installed on all composting toilets. In fact, some composting toilets don’t require any electricity at all.
And because most of these toilets are designed to be used with compostable bags, emptying them is a breeze. Simply pull the bag out when it is close to full and place it in your compost pit or directly in the garden.
For composting toilets, using only RV-type toilet paper is a good way to keep the bio-chemical process ticking. For best results, do not throw any other paper products in the composting toilet. This includes paper towels, trash, and feminine products.
If you’re not using a compostable bag for your composting toilet, then it becomes necessary to rinse the tank more often. This increases water consumption, which can be a different issue altogether.
For the sake of our review guide, we wanted to limit ourselves to composting toilets that were readily available.
