Thinking about a compost toilet but feeling overwhelmed by where to start looking? It’s a common worry! The sheer amount of information out there can make finding the right compost toilet online feel like a big chore. But guess what? It doesn’t have to be! I’m here to make things simple. We’ll walk through exactly what you need to know, step-by-step, so you can confidently choose and set up your perfect compost toilet. Let’s dive in and make this decision easy!
Composting Toilets Online: Your Essential Guide to a Greener Flush
Hey there, DIY adventurers and eco-conscious homeowners! Troy D Harn here from TopChooser, ready to break down a topic that’s becoming more popular by the day: compost toilets. If you’re looking to reduce your environmental footprint, save on water, or tackle off-grid living, a compost toilet might be just what you’re looking for. But navigating the world of online shopping for these systems can seem a bit puzzling at first. Don’t sweat it! Think of me as your friendly neighbor who’s already done their homework and is here to share the cheat sheet. We’ll cover everything you need to know to pick out the right compost toilet online and get it up and running smoothly.
Why Consider a Compost Toilet? The Big Picture
Before we jump into the “how-to” of buying online, let’s touch on why so many people are choosing composting toilets. It’s more than just a trend; it’s a practical solution to several modern-day challenges.
- Water Conservation: Traditional toilets use gallons of clean, drinkable water with every flush. Composting toilets use little to no water, significantly reducing your household’s water consumption. This is a huge plus in water-scarce areas or for anyone looking to be more mindful of our planet’s resources.
- Reduced Environmental Impact: By composting human waste, you’re essentially turning a “waste” product into a valuable soil amendment. This bypasses municipal sewage systems or septic tanks, which can sometimes have their own environmental concerns.
- Off-Grid Living & Remote Locations: For cabins, RVs, tiny homes, or any place without access to a traditional plumbing hookup, a composting toilet is often the most practical and sanitary solution.
- Nutrient Recycling: The end product of a properly managed compost toilet is nutrient-rich compost that can be used to fertilize non-edible plants, trees, and shrubs. It’s a beautiful closed-loop system!
- Cost Savings: While the initial investment might seem high, consider the long-term savings on water bills and potentially, in some cases, on not needing a complex septic system.
Understanding the Different Types of Compost Toilets
When you start browsing online, you’ll quickly see that not all compost toilets are created equal. They generally fall into two main categories, and understanding these will make your online search much easier.
1. Self-Contained Compost Toilets
These are the most common type you’ll find and are often the simplest to install.
What they are: Everything is built into a single unit, much like a regular toilet. They usually have a built-in composting chamber, a collection bin for solids, and a liquid collection system.
How they work: After use, you typically add a carbon-rich “cover material” like sawdust, coco coir, or peat moss over the solid waste. This helps with odor control and starts the composting process. The liquids are usually separated and held in a separate container that needs to be emptied regularly. The solids break down in a chamber within the unit.
Pros: Easy to install, portable (great for RVs, boats, tiny homes), often require no external venting, generally less expensive upfront.
Cons: Smaller capacity, require more frequent emptying of both liquids and solids compared to larger systems, decomposition might be slower within the unit itself.
Online Search Tip: Look for terms like “self-contained composting toilet,” “portable compost toilet,” or brands known for these units.
2. Split (or Centralized) Composting Toilet Systems
These systems involve a conventional-looking toilet bowl installed in your bathroom, connected to a larger composting unit located elsewhere (like a basement, garage, or even outdoors).
What they are: You have a standard toilet seat and bowl, which then connects via a chute or pipe to a much larger composting chamber. This chamber is where the bulk of the decomposition happens.
How they work: Similar to self-contained units, you add cover material after each use. Liquids are also typically separated. The advantage here is the significantly larger capacity of the composting chamber. These systems often require external venting and sometimes a fan to aid in the composting process.
Pros: Much larger capacity, require less frequent emptying, more robust composting process due to larger volume, can look more like a traditional toilet.
Cons: More complex installation (requires running pipes/chutes), needs a suitable location for the larger composting unit, usually requires venting and electricity for a fan, generally more expensive.
Online Search Tip: Search for “split composting toilet system,” “centralized composting toilet,” or “remote composting toilet.”
Key Features to Look for When Shopping Online
Alright, you’ve got a handle on the types. Now, let’s talk about what specific features to scrutinize when you’re scrolling through listings online. This is where you’ll find the details that make a big difference in your daily experience.
1. Capacity and Usage Frequency
This is crucial for determining how often you’ll need to empty the toilet.
Self-Contained: Check the volume of the solid and liquid tanks. A smaller tank means more frequent emptying. For a single person or occasional use, a smaller capacity might be fine. For a family or daily use, you’ll want something with a larger tank.
Split Systems: These are designed for higher usage. Manufacturers will usually provide an estimated “user capacity” or a maintenance schedule based on the size of the composting chamber.
2. Material and Durability
You want a toilet that’s built to last.
Look for sturdy plastics (like UV-stabilized polyethylene), stainless steel components, and robust hardware.
Read reviews specifically mentioning longevity and how well the material holds up to regular use and potential UV exposure if used outdoors.
3. Odor Control Mechanisms
This is often a top concern for folks new to composting toilets. Effective systems manage odor well.
Venting: Most systems incorporate some form of venting to the outside, often with a fan to create negative pressure, pulling air through the toilet and out. Look for active (fan-assisted) or passive venting options.
Liquid/Solid Separation: Many modern designs effectively separate liquids (urine) from solids. This is key because urine is mostly sterile and odor-free when fresh, while solids decompose better with less moisture initially. Proper separation significantly reduces odor.
Cover Material Dispenser: Some self-contained units have built-in dispensers for your composting material, making it easy to cover waste after each use.
4. Ease of Maintenance and Emptying
Even the best compost toilet requires some upkeep.
How easy is it to detach and empty the liquid tank?
How straightforward is it to remove the solid waste container? Does it require special tools?
Are the surfaces smooth and easy to clean?
5. Power Requirements
Many composting toilets, especially those with fans for ventilation or heating elements (less common in basic models), will require a power source.
Check the voltage and wattage. This is important if you’re planning for off-grid living with solar power or battery systems.
Some units can run on 12V DC (great for RVs and solar) while others might need standard AC power.
6. Certifications and Regulations
This is particularly important if you’re installing a compost toilet in a permanent dwelling or if local regulations require it.
Look for U.S. EPA or National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) certifications if applicable and required in your area. These ensure the product has met certain health and safety standards.
Always check your local building codes and health department regulations before purchasing. What’s allowed in one area might not be in another. Resources like the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) can offer general guidance on wastewater and sanitation.
Setting Up Your Online Search (and Avoiding Pitfalls)
Now, let’s get practical. How do you actually find these things online and make sure you’re getting a good deal from a reputable seller?
1. Use Specific Keywords
Don’t just type “toilet.” Get specific!
“Compost toilet for off-grid cabin”
“Small composting toilet for RV”
“Waterless toilet system with ventilation”
“[Brand Name] composting toilet reviews”
“Self-contained urine diverting toilet”
2. Compare Prices and Features Across Retailers
Don’t buy from the first site you see.
Manufacturer Websites: Often have the most detailed product information and direct sales.
Online Retailers: Large platforms like Amazon, Home Depot, or specialized eco-friendly stores can offer competitive pricing and customer reviews.
Specialty RV/Off-Grid Stores: These often carry a curated selection of high-quality composting toilets.
3. Read Customer Reviews (Critically!)
Reviews are gold, but you need to read them with a discerning eye.
Look for patterns: Are multiple people complaining about the same issue (e.g., odor, leaks, difficult maintenance)?
Pay attention to reviews from users with similar needs (e.g., if you’re buying for an RV, look for RV user reviews).
Consider the date of the review. Older reviews might refer to older models with different features.
4. Understand Shipping and Returns
Compost toilets can be bulky and heavy.
Check shipping costs carefully. Does the price include shipping, or is it extra?
What is the return policy? Returning a large item can be a hassle and expensive. Make sure you’re confident in your purchase before clicking “buy.”
5. Check for Online “Kits” or Bundles
Some sellers offer packages that include everything you need to get started, such as:
The toilet unit itself
Starter packs of cover material
Ventilation pipes or fans
Waste bags or containers
These can sometimes offer better value and ensure you don’t forget essential accessories.
Comparing Popular Compost Toilet Options Online
To give you a concrete starting point, here’s a look at a couple of popular types of compost toilets you’ll likely encounter during your online search. Keep in mind that models and features change, so always check the latest specifications.
| Feature | Example: Self-Contained (e.g., Nature’s Head) | Example: Split System (e.g., Separett Villa) |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Self-Contained, Urine-Diverting | Split System, Urine-Diverting |
| Composting Location | Within the unit | Separate chamber (e.g., basement, garage) |
| Ideal For | Boats, RVs, tiny homes, cabins, small households, guest houses | Permanent residences, larger families, demanding usage |
| Installation Simplicity | Easy; often just needs bolting down and vent if applicable | Moderate to complex; requires plumbing/chute runs and vent |
| Capacity | Smaller; solids typically emptied every 2-4 weeks (for 1-2 people) | Larger; solids emptied 1-2 times per year (for 2-4 people) |
| Odor Control | Excellent via urine diversion & venting (often fan-assisted) | Excellent via urine diversion & venting (fan typically required) |
| Water Usage | None (or minimal for rinsing bowl) | None (or minimal for rinsing bowl) |
| Power Needs | Low for fan (12V or AC) | Moderate for fan (AC or carefully managed DC) |
| Typical Online Price Range | $800 – $1,500 USD | $2,000 – $4,000+ USD (can vary widely) |
This table is a general guide. Always check the specifics for the exact model you are considering. You can often find detailed specifications on the manufacturer’s website or on reputable retailers’ product pages. For more information on basic sanitation technologies and their effectiveness, you might find resources from organizations like the International Water and Sanitation Centre (IRC) helpful for understanding the principles behind different systems.
The “Composting” Part: What Happens After Waste is Collected?
Buying the toilet online is only half the story. You’ll also need to understand what to do with the collected waste. This is where the “composting” truly happens.
1. Solids Management
Self-Contained Units: The solids are collected in a bucket or chamber. After emptying this into your main composting system, the material will continue to break down. It’s crucial to add carbon-rich material (like sawdust, coco coir, or peat moss) after every use to absorb moisture and reduce odors. This material helps create the right carbon-to-nitrogen ratio for composting.
Materials to Use: Sawdust, peat moss, coco coir, shredded leaves, or commercial composting toilet bulking material. Never use grass clippings as they tend to mat down and create odor.
What NOT to Compost: Avoid flushing inorganic materials, harsh chemicals, or anything that could disrupt the composting process or introduce pathogens. Your toilet manual will have specific guidance.
2. Liquids Management
Urine is collected separately. Fresh urine is sterile and can actually be a good nitrogen source for compost piles.
Disposal Options:
Diluted for Fertilizer: Dilute urine with water (at least 10:1 ratio, water:urine) and use it as a fertilizer for non-edible plants.
Separate Composting: Some systems allow urine to be routed to a separate evaporation pit or a dedicated composting system.
Regular Emptying: The simplest method for small self-contained units is to empty the liquid tank regularly (often weekly for one person) into a garden or a designated toilet for disposal.
3. The Composting Process (Outside the Toilet)
Ideally, the solids collected from your toilet should go into a separate, properly managed compost pile or bin.
Ideal Compost Pile: A well-aerated compost pile that reaches sufficient temperatures (around 130-160°F or 55-70°C) will help kill pathogens and break down waste effectively. This is often referred to as “hot composting.”
DIY vs. Manufacturer Systems: Some manufacturers offer specialized composting bins or systems designed to work with their toilets for easier management.
Safety First: It’s vital to follow best practices for composting humanure (human manure) to ensure the end product is safe. Thorough composting is key. Many resources, like “The Humanure Handbook” by Joseph Jenkins, offer detailed guidance. The Humanure Handbook website is a great resource for this.
Installation Tips: What to Expect After You Buy Online
Once your new compost toilet arrives, the excitement builds! Installation can range from super simple to moderately involved, depending on the type you chose.
For Self-Contained Units:
1. Choose a Location: Ensure it’s stable and accessible.
2. Bolt it Down (Recommended): Most units come with mounting hardware. Bolting the toilet to the floor provides stability and safety.
3. Set Up Venting (If Applicable): Follow the manufacturer’s instructions closely for any vent pipe installation. This usually involves drilling a hole through a wall or roof.
4. Connect Power (If Applicable): Plug in the fan or connect to your 12V system.
5. Add Cover Material: Fill the dispenser with your chosen cover material (sawdust, coco coir, etc.).
For Split Systems:
This is a bit more involved and may require some DIY plumbing or carpentry skills, or professional help.
1. Install the Toilet Bowl: Mount this as you would a standard toilet, but ensure proper access for the chute connection.
2. Install the Composter: Place your main composting unit in its designated location (basement, garage, etc.). This unit is often larger and may require insulation or ventilation.
3. Connect the Chute/Pipe: Run a pipe or chute from the toilet bowl to the composting unit. This needs to be at a consistent downward slope to facilitate waste
