Composting toilets are a relatively new option, but they can be a great option in the right circumstances. These toilets convert human waste into natural fertilizer. The composting process decomposes waste through manually created bacterial activities. In short, they are eco-friendly portable toilets.
Toiletable is here to help your toilet-shopping process go as smoothly as possible. If you want to know more about what a composting toilet is and what our favorites currently are, keep reading!
Page Contents
Our Top Picks
Best Off Grid Choice: Separett Villa Composting Toilet
Best Complete Composting System: Nature’s Head Self-Contained
Best Portable Choice: Boxio Composting Toilet
Most Compact: Sun Mar GTG Toilet
Easiest to Clean: ThinkTank Composting Toilet
Composting Toilets Explained
A composting toilet is a variant of a waterless portable toilet that produces compost fertilizer from solid and liquid waste.
Compost is created by adding peat moss, fibrous plants, or sometimes sawdust to waste.
These natural elements act as decomposition agents, activating air circulation to trigger the processing of sewage.
The waterless, pre-assembled design of these units makes it a highly effective toilet solution for camping, RVs, small boats, and hiking sites, and for people who live in the woods like forest rangers.
Also, there are many areas where water is still scarce, as a proper sewage system has not yet been developed; composting toilets are a cheaper, eco-friendly option in a wide variety of circumstances.
Comparisons of Top-Rated Composting Toilets on the Market
Composting Requirements
We listed requirements of the composting toilet process.
- Composition Material: Choose the right composting material for your needs. Materials such as peat moss or sawdust, are put into the basin, then periodically stirred.
- Maintenance: Ensure vents are unblocked and the fan is working properly. Both should create adequate airflow inside the unit and allow gases to escape.
- Waste & Removal: Maintenance of a composting toilet includes stirring and removing waste. You can choose to dump the waste in an outdoor compost and later use as a natural fertilizer.
Review of the 6 Best Toilets that Compost Waste
We not only gathered facts and features for the best composting toilet on the market, but ranked, rated and reviewed each of them.
1. Separett Villa Composting Toilet – Best Off Grid Choice
“We had to pick the Separett Villa as our Editor’s Choice because of its simple yet advanced design that gets rid of waste in an easy, worry-free way while also maintaining a comfortable user experience.”
- ✅ On-grid or off-grid living
- ✅ Waterless and urine diverting to drain
- Power Source: AC or DC
- Fan Type: Single speed
- Seat Height: 18.4″
- Dimensions: 18.5″ x 23″ x 27.75″
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Separett is a famous European manufacturer of plumbing fixtures. The stylish Swedish design offers several features to help you maintain sanitation standards.
How it Works
Let’s break down the toilet’s inner workings.
The bowl catches the urine in a drain which is plumbed into a grey water system or holding tank.
Solid waste and paper are contained within the solid waste holding area in a compostable liner bag.
Then, the vent fan pulls air over the solid waste holding area, serving to help dry the solid waste and vent any odor.
The Villa 9215 operates on either alternating current (AC) in a standard household or on-grid setting or through a direct current (DC) from a battery or solar power, in off-grid circumstances.
The toilet has a single-speed fan with appropriate adaptors for AC and DC setups that supports venting up to 20 feet.
The 9215 needs 12 DC/2.5W/210 mA to function. The AC adaptor or battery cable is six and a half feet long.
Design
The toilet comes with a direct vent and drain application, adjusted to US pipe sizing, as well as ten compostable bags and a lidded waste container. There is a five-year guarantee for any manufacturing defects and a three-year guarantee on the fan.
This is one of the lightest units on this list, only weighing 34 pounds, making it easy to ship. The toilet is shipped via FedEx ground service but does not ship to Hawaii, Alaska, or any US island.
The unit is made of high-impact, high-gloss polypropylene that withstands the test of time. All of its materials can be recycled. The toilet seat is oblong and comfortable.
The 9215 has Intertec ETL certification.
Product Documentation
The Good and Bad
- Suitable for off-grid and on-grid living
- Supports venting up to 20 feet
- Waste needs to be removed every three weeks
- Lightweight and high-quality material
- Fan replacement may be necessary after moderate use
Our Final Take
With almost 75% of its over 280 reviews being five stars, Separett’s Amazon page proves that we aren’t the only ones that absolutely love this unit. Users boast about the toilet’s easy installation and cleaning process.
Many note that they bought this specific unit for their RV set-up, in turn making it infinitely easier to go on the road. There are not many complaints but some reviews do mention needing to replace the fan after a few months.
2. Nature’s Head Self-Contained Toilet – Best Complete Composting System
“Nature’s Head Self-Contained Toilet is a real crowd-pleaser. With a 4.5 rating, the reviews speak for themselves.”
- ✅ Two Piece detachable bottom
- ✅ Waterless and urine separating
- ✅ 1 to 4 people full-time
- Waste Holding Capacity: 60-80 uses
- Power Source: 12v DC
- Fan: Single speed pulls 1.68 amps in 24 hours
- Composition Medium (recommended): Peat moss or Coconut coir
- Urine Capacity: 2.2 gallons
- Dimensions: 20.98″ x 19.02″ x 20.98″
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This toilet truly ranks among the top units on the market.
How it Works
The composting toilet takes care of the hardest part by composting your waste immediately.
No chemicals are required either; you can use a bale of peat moss for long-lasting composting filler.
The toilet comes with a 12V plug; if you plan on using the toilet with a 110V power source, you will need to add the 12V transformer/adaptor to your order.
The fan pulls 1.7 amps in 24 hours at 12 volts.
To dump your waste, simply flip the two latches on the side and lift the upper section.
For the main tank, all you have to do is unhook the 12-volt power connector and vent hose.
Afterward, just slide the upper section off and undo the two thumb screws. Since there is no liquid in the main tank, the tank should not be heavy.
Design
The toilet comes with mounting brackets, a fuse, a fuse holder, an agitator, a handle, an inside vent flange, and five feet of venting hose with attached ends; a spray bottle is no longer included.
It’s important to note that the foot spider handle will not fit onto the agitator of an older base that was initially ordered with the standard or old spider handle. Instead, you’ll need to purchase the re-fit kit to switch agitators.
The toilet is equipped with stainless steel hardware and a user-friendly installation guide. The plastic toilet only weighs 28 pounds and comes in gray.
Product Documentation
The Good and Bad
- Waste needs to be removed every four to six weeks
- Odor control and easy maintenance
- Superior customer service
- Hefty price tag
Our Final Take
Users love the Self-Contained Toilet’s intuitive design and simple, hassle-free installation process. Reviews boast about the toilet’s durable build, comfortable seat, and fantastic waste compartmentalization.
Users also love that the toilet is easy to lift and move. The most common complaint is about the toilet’s price tag, which although can be a hard pill to swallow, is worth the investment.
3. Boxio Composting Toilet – Best Portable Choice
“With its unbeatable price, we had to pick the BOXIO composting toilet as the most affordable unit. In addition to its great price tag, the unit is easy to use and clean.”
- ✅ Fully Portable
- ✅ Eco-friendly
- Waste Holding Capacity: 8-10 uses (1.32 gallons)
- Urine Capacity: 1.32 gallons
- Composition Medium (recommended): Hemp moss
- Power Source: none
- Dimensions: 14.7″ x 11.8″ x 11″
BOXIO was created in 2017 and since then it’s made us realize, sometimes simple really is better.
How it Works
Solids are collected in the rear bucket and dried with the desiccant of your choice. All you have to do is remove the filled bag and place it in a trash can.
You can use any desiccant that you want, such as kitty litter or peat moss.
BOXIO also has its own BOXIO Hemp litter that you can buy as an add-on to avoid any headaches down the road.
Design
The toilet comes with a black box, 14.75” x 11.81” x 11.0” with lid, one urine diverter, one collection container with a 1.32-gallon capacity, one BOXIO canister, and two screw caps (one waterproof and one with membrane).
The BOXIO is portable, weighing only 6.2 pounds. It’s easy to pick and place wherever you need it, whether you’re on a camping trip or on an RV.
The convenient disposal method provides a hassle-free, clean experience as well.
Product Documentation
The Good and Bad
- Great price
- Simple set-up and clean-up
- Only 6 pounds
- Potential backsplash
Our Final Take
Users love the BOXIO because it is beyond easy to use and clean. Positive reviews boast about the toilet’s simple design and sturdy build. Many users cite feeling very comfortable while sitting on the unit.
There aren’t many complaints about the BOXIO though some users report feeling back splash mid-use. Some users also found the toilet’s size to be inconvenient while others liked the wide structure design.
4. Sun Mar GTG Toilet – Most Compact
“We love the Sun Mar GTG Toilet because of its compact size. Sometimes you don’t have the room for a fancy operation. The GTG condenses all the features you need in one nifty unit.”
- ✅ Dual Chambers (urine & waste)
- ✅ Portable and easy setup
- Power Source: none
- Fan: Built-in single speed
- Composition Medium (recommended): None required
- Dimensions: 25″ × 17″ × 21″
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The GTG stands for Good-to-Go and we agree!
How it Works
Liquid waste is separated from solid waste; afterward, all you need to do is drain the liquid waste and throw out the solids in an appropriate disposal spot.
The solid tank is designed for direct removal but can also be lined with a trash bag for easy composting.
The toilet also comes with an integrated fan which decreases odors and catalyzes the composting process by increasing aerobic conditions.
When composting toilets are in small spaces, you’ll need all the help you can get to eliminate the odor.
We love the GTG’s awesome fan as it takes care of business for you.
Design
The GTG has a liquid/solid separator, with an easily connectable seat. The toilet looks like a residential toilet – simple and compact. Installation is complete in only minutes!
GTG is proud of its compostable toilets as these units have a lower environmental impact than incinerator toilets. This waterless model is ideal for going – on the go – anywhere, anytime.
Product Documentation
The Good and Bad
- Compact, sleek design
- Simple installation
- Easy to remove seat and separator for cleaning
- Potential backsplash
- Expensive
Our Final Take
Users love the toilet’s sleek look and comfortable build. The most common positive comments talk about the toilet’s compact size and easy installation process. Users note that this toilet is created for users of all sizes, even children.
The most common complaint is about the price tag, as users note that although the toilet is durable, its lack of a liquid guard and simple design makes it a bit difficult to justify the price.
5. ThinkTank Composting Toilet – Easiest to Clean
The ThinkTank is the perfect place to go – and think – when you’re on the go.
- ✅ Air tight design
- ✅ Waterless urine diverting
- ✅ Easy to Clean
- Fan: Dual fan (intake and exhaust)
- Power Source: Battery or household electricity
- Composition Medium (recommended): None required
How it Works
The toilet draws ventilation from outside and circulates it around the toilet to get rid of nasty odors.
The fan requires either a deep cycle 12-volt battery or 110-volt power with a supplied wall transformer.
The Thinktank’s fan has an exceptionally high output, powerful status pressure, and a long life. Even with all these features, the fan is quiet and eco-friendly.
Liquid waste exits the toilet through a drain tube at the back of the toilet.
What’s great about the Thinktank is that it can be used standing up thanks to its patented trap door design.
The trap door stays closed until solid waste is disposed. The trap door is secured by magnets.
No peat moss for solid waste is required!
The unit is also easier to keep clean because of its big opening for solid waste. Waste falls where it belongs without making a mess in a bowl, as with many other toilets.
Design
The Thinktank is incredibly durable as its shell was molded after a white water kayak. The plastic build is able to hold up to 350 pounds. All metal parts are made of high-quality marine-grade stainless steel.
The toilet is easy to empty as all you need is a compostable bag. No need for peat moss, sawdust, or even the turning of a handle!
This model is also good for children as it is compatible with standard child seats.
Last but not least, the toilet has an unbeatable six-year warranty. Folks, you won’t see this anywhere else! If you’re not happy with your Thinktank you have more than enough time for an exchange or refund. How fantastic is that?
The Good and Bad
- Looks and feels like a residential toilet
- Easy to clean
- No need to add desiccant or turn a handle
- Heavy price tag
Our Final Take
Users love the quality of the ThinkTank. Though many reviews aren’t available, all of them boast about the toilet’s durable build, easy disposal method, and superior customer service.
Users also love that the toilet looks like a residential model, even though it’s waterless. There are no complaints as of now about the toilet, due to the small sample size thus far.
6. Poo Pod Composting Toilet
“The Poo Pod is a fine model that deserves to be on our list because of its low-maintenance design. While its odor control is a bit behind the other units on this list, we still find the model worth some praise.”
- ✅ Dry waterless system
- ✅ Automatic liquid drain
- ✅ Peat spreader system
- Power Source: Solar or 12VDC
- Fan: Single speed
- Composition Medium (recommended): Peat moss or Coco coir
- Dimensions: 23″ × 15″ × 27.75″
- Seat Height: 16.5″
The Poo Pod is more than just a fun name.
How it Works
The Poo Pod can also be purchased with a urine diverter for mobile or cold weather conditions.
However, if you want to save money, you can also use a one-gallon milk jug as a catch container for liquid waste.
All you need is a 12-volt DC for the toilet to work. A fan facilitates airflow to prevent odor buildup.
Design
The toilet comes with a base unit, soil catchment, toilet upper and spreader, media cover, and media scoop.
In your order, you will also receive one coco coir composting media brick, four pieces of venting pipe, three couplers, a rain cap, a 12 VDC electric fan, a 12 VDC x 115 VAC power supply, a drain hose and clamp, as well as instructions.
The Poo Pod supports users of all weights and sizes. Sit on the toilet as you would on a residential one.
This unit can also be installed with side venting if horizontal venting is not possible.
Product Documentation
The Good and Bad
- Large holding tank that requires fewer clean-outs
- Compact design
- Sturdy build
- Weaker odor control than other units on the list>
- May require some scooping to get rid of solid waste
Our Final Take
Though not many reviews are available for the Poo Pod, the toilet still has a relatively positive review history. Users like that the toilet is easy to install, easy to clean, and easy to use. The most common praise is about the toilet’s height and simple maintenance. Again, not many negative reviews are available, though some mention that the toilet requires some scooping to get rid of solid waste.
Still not convinced? Check out the pros and cons of composting toilets down below.
Types of Composting Toilets
There are two main types of composting toilets, self-contained and central units.
✓ Self-Contained
These toilets are available in both electric and non-electric versions.
Some composting toilets need electricity to run a fan or a heater in the base to banish gases and odors. The power input for average models ranges between 80 and 150 watts. The essential requirement is a standard household 110-volt power supply.
For optimum effect, an electric-powered toilet would be a great option to carry with you because of the level of warmth generated by the thermostatic elements. It improves aerobic action and bacterial activity. The biggest advantage of the self-contained toilet is that no plumbing is required.
The only job for you is to set up the vent stack correctly, that’s all. As far as the cost is concerned, these units are cheaper than any other composting toilet type. Another bonus advantage is that you can use this toilet in colder regions as well without a problem.
✓ Central Units
These toilets are a two-piece structure that closely resembles traditional toilets.
The central unit lives in the basement of the unit. There are two further categories of composting toilets based on the flushing system. The first type is a one-pint flush in which the central composting unit is hard-wired 15 to 20 feet below the toilet.
You will need a 3” pipe to connect the composter to the basin. The second kind is waterless. Such systems involve a 10” plumbing pipe connected to a composter under the toilet. The pipe creates an intense vacuum action in the toilet to draw the odor down.
Benefits of Composting Toilets
For travel enthusiasts, composting toilets are a worthy replacement for more traditional models. Converting the feces using woody plants or sawdust is an idea far ahead of its time.
- Eco-friendly: We all read about saving nature and planting trees in the wake of global warming. Decomposing our sewage is a great way to make our surroundings better. You can use organic waste to boost the growth of the trees and plants in your garden.
- Cost-effective: Although the initial cost is a bit high, keep in mind that it will save you money each month as there will be little to no consumption of water for toilet flushing purposes.
- Easy Installation: Installing this kind of toilet is as easy as it gets. As mentioned above, composting toilets pay for themselves.
- Fast and Simple: The technical elements that help you get rid of the waste quicker include a cranking handle. By cranking the handle, you can accelerate the decomposing process by mixing the heap. Try to find a model that eliminates the urine from the basin automatically.
Composting Principles
The primary requirements to initiate composting are simple: a proper vent system, a favorable warm environment, and a mechanism to handle the material.
Human solid waste is 90% water, so the ventilation system evaporates the water to shrink the volume of the substance and release the odor. The decomposition process takes place faster when there is a sufficient level of warmth in the environment.
If you’re going to travel in a freezing area, perhaps you should reconsider buying the best composting toilet. You will have to empty the basin at regular intervals to keep the toilet clean and odor-free.
Portable vs. Composting
If a toilet uses no toxic chemicals, it’s considered to be environment-friendly. But if a toilet is “composting”, it’s a bit different. It means that its waste can be safely used as fertilizer.
Some toilets also come with a special gel that you can use to treat the waste before dumping it. However, these toilets are not referred to as composting toilets. If you want to make fertilizer, be sure to buy a toilet that makes compost.
Composting vs. Conventional Toilets
Composting
These composting toilets come with a self-contained tank for solids and another for liquid waste. They treat waste by using composting organic matter such as peat, moss or hemp.
Of course, like all toilets, they have some upsides and downsides.
On the upside, they require no water for flushing and use no chemicals. It’s very easy to dispose of the waste, and you can do it almost anywhere. They are also odorless since most require a vent.
On the other hand, the liquid tank needs cleaning at least once per day and the emptying process can be smelly. The whole process can take up to an hour, but if you have a small group, you won’t need to do it frequently.
Conventional
Unlike composting toilets, conventional models might stink a bit during use. However, you can get rid of the odors by using strong chemicals. Emptying the waste tank of these units requires a dumpsite, but it’s usually a very simple process. If you don’t want extra costs over time, a conventional toilet might be the ideal choice for you.
Tank Capacity
Tank capacity is another crucial thing that you should consider. Depending on how many people use the toilet, it can take weeks or even months to fill the tank. However, if you are buying the toilet for your RV or boat, it’s a bit different.
As a rule of thumb, you should buy a toilet that can last at least 5-7 weeks without emptying. Most toilets on our list have a capacity of over 5 gallons, which is more than enough.
Conclusion
Composting toilets are a much more convenient option than traditional flushing toilets or even bag-type portable models when you’re on the move. Plus, the decomposition process turns useless waste into something beneficial.
The steep price might be a turn-off for people with a limited budget. However, investing in a composting unit is going to save you a great deal of hassle and money in the future.
This toilet mechanism also offers an efficient approach to water shortage and underdeveloped sewage system problems.
Switching to a relatively lesser-known toilet from a regular flushing toilet might not sound convincing enough for many of you but once you know how impactful, cost-effective, and convenient a quality model can be, but the experts at Toiletabe can attest to the benefits!