The Best Composting Toilets (Review and Buying Guide) in 2021

Whether you are completely overhauling your plumbing system or just looking for an addition to your camping gear, composting toilets are a helpful thing to have around. Of course, to get the most value out of it, there are a few things to keep in mind when you make your choice. The first is what you want to get out of it. Think about where you plan to use it and how long you’ll need it to last. 

Figure out why you want a composting toilet. Is it to preserve water and cut down on waste? Is it a matter of convenience; something to add ease to your camping trips? Maybe it is a more practical demand like an RV setup or a plumbing solution for your boat. Depending on the situation you’re using it in, you will have different requirements. Be sure to do your research to get a full understanding of what to expect from a composting toilet. 

Do You Need a Composting Toilet?

There are a few key reasons that people seek out a composting toilet. While there are a lot of situations where you can favor traditional plumbing, this kind of toilet offers a unique alternative. For one, they don’t require proximity to amenities. You can use them for quite a while before having to clean them out. Plus, at any time that isn’t maintenance-related, they work like any other toilet. 

The main idea is taking the convenience of the modern world and bringing a scaled-down version of the infrastructure wherever you go. It can make a camping trip more enjoyable, a boat ride more convenient, and save you a lot of time. The advantages extend beyond convenience, too. 

• Composting toilets let you responsibly dispose of waste and ensure that your area is kept clean and hygienic.
• The compact structure and inherent portability let you bring the toilet on any trip so you don’t need to commit to a location. 
• Eco-friendliness is another benefit since these toilets require substantially less water than conventional models. 
• The cost-effectiveness is particularly noteworthy when you opt for a composting toilet in place of extensive repairs to your existing plumbing. 

Types of Composting Toilets

As with any piece of plumbing equipment, there are a few different types. The kind from which you’ll see the most benefit depends largely on where you plan to use it. Consider whether you need to stay on-the-go, your access to water, and the ability to empty it when picking the type you want. 

While some things will stay the same across the board (holding tank, seals, etc.), there are nuanced differences between the different types of toilets. Getting the wrong one will detract from the convenience, so familiarizing yourself with the different options is helpful. 

Dry Composting Toilet

The least expensive of the different toilet types, the dry option doesn’t have a water tank. It is very straightforward in design and is best suited for short-term use. It consists of a single compartment. The polymer exterior seals in the waste, which is only exposed when the seat is raised. Because this leaves a bit of exposure to the waste, it is better to use these on quick camping trips where it can be stored away from the living space. 

Since it is exposed to oxygen, it is an aerobic sort of compost. This results in slower results, though it still functions well as a receptacle. Given the basic design, these toilets are also the easiest to maintain. The simplicity of design limits the number of moving parts and results in less risk of damage. 

Flushable Toilet

This popular kind of toilet is common because it incorporates the flow of water. It cleans out the bowl steadily and makes the entire process more hygienic. These options have two separate tanks. The first holds the freshwater. An electrical system (usually battery-operated) will power the water pressure. Higher-quality toilets of this type will incorporate a gauge to let you know how full it is at any time. 

The other tank holds the compost (waste). It seals in the material so that there are no odors or spill risks. This tank will be larger than the water counterpart, especially since it holds both waste and water. So long as the base is steady and the parts are easy to clean, this is a good way to go. It is ideal for camping, especially when there is a water source near to camp.

Self-Contained Toilets

Higher-end composting toilets fall into this category. These toilets are meant to be placed in a dedicated location. Usually, these are for when someone is outfitting their entire plumbing system (whether in an RV or at home). It drastically reduces water consumption and doesn’t increase maintenance needs. 

The base of the compost part will have a valve at the back. This connects to a septic line, letting you drain it out without having to take the system apart. Keep in mind that these toilets are the most useful for areas with access to running water. The toilet connects directly to the system, limiting upkeep demands. 

What to Look for When Buying Composting Toilet

When determining which composting toilet is right for you, there are a few important things to keep in mind. The first thing you need to identify is the type of toilet you’re looking for. Assess where you plan to place it and how often it’s going to be used. From there, you can investigate the specific features of each composting toilet. 

First, you will want to look at the overall capacity. Check the size of the water tank and the holding tank. This is a bit of a double-edged sword for the flushable options. When the tank is smaller, it needs changing more often. When it’s larger, it is heavier when it comes time to empty it. The key to getting the right composting toilet is balancing the convenience of use against the demands of maintenance. As long as you do this and look at the basics, you can find a well-suited option. 

• Indicator: Check if the toilet comes with a tank indicator to let you know when the water is running out (or if the waste tank is getting too full). To prevent spills during maintenance, you need to empty it when there is still some room. Be sure that the toilet lets you know when it comes time, especially if you think you might forget. 

• Durability: Next, figure out how durable it’s going to be. Especially if you are picking a heavier-duty option and investing more, you want it to last. Look at the material used in construction. Make sure that it is a sturdy polymer that won’t crack under pressure. You want it to be tough against heat, too. 

• Weight: After this, look at how heavy it is going to be. Think about the weight when it’s empty, but also when it’s full. Water is heavy and waste weighs even more. If you don’t want to carry something that weighs a proverbial ton, opt for something with a smaller tank. However, be sure that it will have enough capacity for your group size. 

• Maintenance: No one likes chores, but they are necessary to keeping everything in working order. When it comes to your composting toilet, opt for something that doesn’t need too much upkeep. Choose toilets with wide pipes, a flush that cleans the bowl, and a reasonably large holding tank. 

• Water pressure: The water pressure is going to directly play into how clean the bowl stays regularly. Choose a flush that is strong but doesn’t wastewater. It will ensure you get the maximum amount of uses between changes. The spray nozzle will control the flow’s direction. Whenever possible, find something that sprays over 360 degrees. 

The Most Important Features of Composting Toilets

Though there are differences between each make and model, there are some things all composting toilets have in common. To be a viable waste disposal solution, be sure that your toilet has all of these features. Especially if you are looking for a long-term plumbing solution, the performance value hinges on having all these features. 

Holding Tank

The key to any composting toilet is its ability to hold in fluids. Now, depending on the type of composting toilet, there will be one or two tanks. Those with a single tank tend to have the simplest design. Nonetheless, the tank must be able to hold a sufficient amount of waste. It also needs to be made out of a sturdy polymer that is easy to clean and resistant to impact. 

If there is a second tank (like on a flushable toilet), the two need to be connected well. This prevents the risk of slipping and stops the toilet from breaking when used. The water tank needs to be equally as strong as the holding tank, despite being smaller than the holding tank. 

Seat

Essential to performing as a toilet, the seat is a necessary part of the composting toilet. It serves two main functions. The first is fairly obvious. It is the part you sit on when using the toilet. It ensures that you don’t slip. This feature varies in comfort level and size, though will always be present on the toilet. 

In addition to acting as seating, the toilet seat also seals in any odors or particles left in the bowl. While flushing options rinse out the area, it still helps to have a top that seals in everything that’s left behind. Look at the hinges and make sure that they aren’t vulnerable to breakage. The lid should be removable to make maintenance easier. 

Drainage

Finally, the compostable toilet should have a viable drainage system. The first aspect of this is the seal. It needs to have a valve that prevents backflow. This keeps everything clean and hygienic and ensures that the toilet functions properly. It is also necessary to keep the environment pressurized to properly release the waste. 

The drain lets go of all of the waste when it comes time to empty the toilet. This means that you want something with a wide enough pipe. If you plan to connect it to a septic system, it helps to check compatibility. Otherwise, just be sure that it is reasonably straightforward to maintain. 

Care and Maintenance for Composting Toilet

To get the full value of the composting toilet, it’s essential to practice proper maintenance. While a high-quality selection will have fairly basic requirements, it is still important to complete routine upkeep. It’s pretty simple, and most of the needs are the same as with a standard toilet.

The key is keeping it clean. It’s as easy as taking a cleaning wipe to the outside of the toilet. Wipe under the seat and use a toilet brush to scrub any debris on the inside of the bowl. The higher the water pressure, the less demanding this is. An important consideration is caring for the bacterial culture in the septic tank. Be consistent with the cleaner you use to regulate the composting process. So long as you do these things, taking care of the toilet is easy. 

• Empty the holding tank regularly, making sure that it isn’t too full when you dump it out. 
• Check that the batteries are charged to make sure the flushing component works. 
• Keep spare batteries close by to replace them when needed. 
• Wipe down the outside of the toilet to prevent germ buildup. 
• Store it with the seat down to prevent odors and keep it from getting dirty. 
• When you drain the toilet, be sure to do it in a designated spot. 
• If you are emptying it during a camping trip, be sure to do it downstream of your camp. 
• Before putting the toilet back together, clean out all of the attachment points. 
• Store it upright and, whenever possible, keep it in a consistent location to avoid spills.

Best Composting Toilet FAQ:

It’s common to have some questions about your composting toilet. After all, you are going to be using it regularly. To get the best-suited option, it helps to have as much information as possible. We’ve addressed the most frequent inquiries, so you can have a full picture of what to expect from your toilet. 

Q. How much water does a composting toilet save?

A: It’s estimated that a composting toilet can save over 6,500 gallons of water a year. This number assumes that an individual is using the composting toilet exclusively. 

Q. How much does it cost to install a composting toilet?

A: In most cases, it is very cost-efficient to install a composting toilet. Many choose to do the installation themselves. 

Q. Do you need electricity for a composting toilet?

A: The toilet only uses electricity to flush. Since most use batteries, there doesn’t need to be an AC connection. Some are completely analog, though they aren’t as convenient.

Our Top Pick

After careful consideration, we’ve named the Camco Standard Portable Travel Toilet as our top pick. It is the least demanding for maintenance and is designed to last a long time. With a sizable holding tank and powerful flushing, this toilet is both versatile and convenient. It is well-suited to those looking to reduce water consumption and retrofit their RV setup.  

Final Thoughts

Now that you’re fluent in the nuances of composting toilets, you can make your pick. It could be the Camco Standard Portable Travel Toilet or the value of the Reliance Products Luggable Portable Toilet. There’s an option for every off-the-grid environment to help you save water and live more comfortably.