Composting Toilets: The nature friendly way of responding to Nature’s Call !
The composting toilet can also be called as “eco-friendly throne” is not something many people are aware of. Since they have a small following and only a select few people have the stomach for them, we don’t find them that often. However, the best composting toilet does offer a lot for the avid adventurer. Those trying to live off the grid can also make use of them for the lack of maintenance and water they need.
Compost toilets are different from the regular toilets. These toilets are generally portable and they can be set up virtually anywhere. Instead of wasting away the feces and the urine, they will be decomposing via heat that will come in with the help of a chamber. Once the temperature reaches a certain level the decomposing feces will quickly turn into compost. It could happen as quickly as 24-hours if the temperature reaches 125-degrees Fahrenheit.
The Nature’s Head Dry is one of the best options on the market. When set up correctly it has virtually no odour and the 12-volt power supply will help speed up the composting process. A simple installation process also persuades us to choose this option for the beginner in survival mode.
If you are searching one for expedition vehicles,you must look for the following points:
- Longer Dumping Time
- Less Water Usage
- Flexibility and no messiness in dumping procedure.
Above needs are handled well by the Nature’s Head composting toilet.This unit is well created and simple to put in and the company is known for excellent client service
Read the complete review or skip to the buying guide
Top 5 Composting Toilet Reviews
| Product | Name | Features | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Nature’s Head Dry |
| |
 | Nature’s Head Self |
| |
 | Sun-Mar Excel |
| |
 | Separett Villa 9210 |
| |
 | Saniflo 023 |
|
Now that you have a better understanding of the toilet if you have never used one, you might be wondering what the best options are. We have done some intricate research and a few smelly tests. The toilets we have selected should be functional for everyone in survival mode, or with an eco-friendly mindset. Let’s have a look at the top ones on the market today:
The durable and portable design of Nature’s Head Dry and quick usability than other ones makes it our top pick.
#1. Nature’s Head Dry Composting Toilet – Top Pick
As we mentioned, Nature’s Head Dry is one of the best compost toilets of it’s kind on the market today. It is constructed from solid materials, but since the design has been moulded, it is much more comfortable than some of the others. This ergonomic design should fit both male and female users who need to use the toilet.
The crank handle is something you might not understand yet. However, once you start using it, you will see that it combines with the heat regulator to speed up the composting process. All of the excrement gets stored deep inside the toilet and this leaver it odourless when used. To improve the overall versatility, the company also claims it can be used in all weather conditions.
One of the best aspects I found when utilising the toilet is the versatility and functionality it offers. Since it can be moved from area to area, you should not need to have any real troubles when camping with it either. The only suggestion we have is to keep it upright. It might not be the best idea to have the toilet tip over or upside down.
As for the price, this is one of the most expensive options on the market today. Unfortunately, you will need to spend a couple of bucks to save a couple of bucks. However, we think that the price is correctly justified and you definitely get great value for your money. This toilet is recommended for any situation that requires any sort of portable toilet use.
Pros:
- Excellent durability with a stainless steel construction
- Ergonomic design offers a lot of comfort
- Portable and versatile design
- Odourless
- Faster than usual composting time
Cons:
- Expensive
#2. Nature’s Head Self Contained Best Composite Toilet forTiny House
The Nature’s Head Self Contained is one of my favourite choices for the average buyer. It is much similar to the first toilet, made from durable materials and it features a comfortable ergonomic design. The stainless steel might not have the power of aluminium, but it keeps the weight to a minimum for easy transportation if needed.
The 12V power supply will power the fan and the vents. Once the excrement is heated up, you will find it to be decomposing in a couple of hours. Since the toilet can easily be dissembled, you should not have troubles removing the compost for usage. Low volume air circulation also adds another benefit and cleans the air to remove any potential odours.
Using the toilet for your RV is a little tricky. With the vent hose only being 5-feet long, you might need to rethink your design. It also lacks style and this toilet might be really great, but could stand out like a sore thumb in your RV. However, the functionality is actually off the chart and you will be able to use it for the intended purpose.
While it does have many excellent features, it might be a little overpriced for what you receive. With a decent warranty that is included, you can be sure that you are fully protected. I would recommend the toilet mostly for campers. It might not be the overall best option when it comes to camping in your RV. However, you can extend the hose if needed.
Pros:
- Excellent durability
- Ergonomic design
- Decent warranty included
- Easy to disassemble
- Excellent air circulation
Cons:
- A little expensive
- Needs some adjustments for RV campers
#3. Sun-Mar Excel – Best Composting Toilet For Off Grid
If you like to live off the grid and take one everything nature can throw at you, you will need a great toilet to help you. The Sun-Mar Excel Non-Electric Self-Contained is also made from eco-friendly fiberglass materials and it features a stylish low-profile design. The additional stepping stool only adds to the quality of the design.
It has been NSF / ANSI Certified as well, but the best feature is the non-electric design. This is a waterless toilet and it’s amazing design leaves you with virtually no odors. All of the excrement will be stored safely while the composting for your garden needs. With a massive 90=pound weight, it is solid, but cannot easily be moved.
Unfortunately, it takes quite a while for the composting process to take place. You will need to have some patience for this process and it could leave a couple of people wondering. However, the bio-drum will ensure that the toilet does not attract any unwanted sickness or other things that may cause harm to your body.Cleaning this toilet is an unhygienic process,buyers complained about mold and bugs and some mentioned as breeding ground for black files and mold mites
It is one of the most expensive toilets on the market today and you will probably be using it for the rest of your life. The setup is really easy and all the features can be used with absolute ease. Since it does not use any electricity or water, you will be saving on your utilities each month. This is why people who live off the grid can actually make use of this toilet.
Pros:
- Really durable and functional
- Warranty:5-year for fiber glass,3-year for parts
- Non-electric design
- Eco-friendly
- NSF/ANSI Certified
- Bio-drum for odorless processing
Cons:
- A little overpriced
#4. Separett Villa 9210 – Best Battery-Powered Composite Toilet
The Separett Villa 9210 is one of the newer models and it is much similar to the Nature’s Head models. However, it features a much sleeker design and includes a low-profile setup that makes it really great for everyone to use. As for the materials, stainless has been used once again, offering you come of the best durability and portability.
What I like about this design is that the urine diversion system instead of running into a container,it dispense the urine directly outside in the garden, but this will take some time to set up in your home. The liquid waste can be diverted into a container if you are installing your toilet near an outer wall. For the squeamish, the feces will be deposited inside a bag in the box. After it has been composting, the bag can easily be removed and replaced without any real effort.
My biggest complaint is definitely the setup process. It will take some time to set it up effectively and you might need to call in an expert. However, once this has been done, the toilet should work really well and you could save a couple of buck on water. The power source also does not put too much strain on your electricity bill.
It is one of the more expensive battery-powered models.The best feature about Separett Villa 9210 is the air tight trapdoor swings open and swings shut again when the user stands. However, the sleek design makes it worth it. If you have any squeamish members in the family, they should also love the fact that they do not need to come into contact with the feces. The composting process is really fast but will be regulated by the temperatures reach inside the bin.
Pros:
- Sleek and stylish design
- Easy to clean
- Decent durability
- Saves you on the power bill
Cons:
- A little pricey
- Takes some time and skill to set up
#5. Saniflo 023 SANICOMPACT 48 – Best Cheap Composting Toilet
Last but certainly not least, we have the cheapest option on this list. The Saniflo 023 SANICOMPACT 48 One Piece Toilet is one of the toilets that can be installed in your home or in your RV. It is made from durable materials and it works well for people of all shapes and sizes while reducing the amount of water you use.
The additional macerator is the main benefit and this will definitely help to convert the larger chunks into smaller pieces. After this process has been completed, the composting process can begin, leaving you with compost to help tend your garden and improve the overall growth factor. It only uses one gallon of water per flush.
While it might not have all of the intricate features that many of the others we have reviewed has, it does work well for everyone. I would definitely recommend it for the price and the value it offers. If you are just starting to move into the eco-friendly lifestyle, this will definitely be one of those options you need to consider.
Pros:
- Does not use too much water
- Reasonably priced
- Durable materials
- Great for the eco-friendly lifestyle
Cons:
- All the features are rather basic.
Key Features To Keep In Mind Before Buying !
Now that you have seen our top 5 options, you might be wondering how we came about selecting them. Since there are not many of them available on the market today, these were the best options from the rest that remain. However, to help you in selecting the best option for your need, you should keep a couple of things in mind:
- Design
Generally speaking, toilets have a one size fits all policy. However, you should look at the design for comfort. If you are going to use the toilet often, it is much better to find an ergonomic toilet. Fortunately, all of the options we have selected on this list are designed to be comfortable for the average human.
- Type
You need to either choose a battery-powered or non-electric composting toilet. Both of these types are actually great, but they each have their very own benefits and drawbacks to think off. Here is a small breakdown of each to ensure that you understand which option will be the best fit for your needs and help you succeed:
- Price range
Much like anything else,compost toilets come in wide range of prices.They are more expensive than a traditional toilet.You can check the price range on amazon.
- Battery-Powered
The battery-powered toilet is designed to help speed up the composting process. Since heat is generally used for this, the feces and excrement will compost a little faster and ensure you get value for your money.
- Non-Electric
The non-electric toilet is self-containing and these toilets are designed to gradually compost all of the excrement. While this will take a little longer, you won’t need any water or electricity and this will be an excellent option for those survival enthusiasts who like to live off the grid.
We tested both types and they all work well for their intended purpose. The self-containing toilet is a little more expensive and will offer you more long-term savings. However, the battery-powered option is still great if you are looking to save a couple of bucks on your utilities each month and get some great value for your money.
- Odor
When it comes to your bathroom or your home, nothing is more frustrating than having a foul odor running around the house every day. Most of these toilets have biodegradable bins that allow them to withstand odors and also keep any potential bacteria out. This is also one of the reasons why many of these toilets are a little expensive.
- Art of Installation
The final piece of the puzzle is the installation process and these toilets need to be installed correctly or they will not work. You should always have a professional help you with the installation, especially when you have intricate diversion systems for things like the urine. The installation process might cost you a little extra, but it is worth it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Now that you have seen some of the key features, we understand that many of you are still new to the industry. We have done some searching for a couple of the questions that many people have been asking. Here are a few of these questions that could definitely help you when making your purchase:
- Can you use toilet paper with a composting toilet?
Most of them can be used with toilet paper. Since toilet paper is a source of carbon, it will definitely be great for your compost and we definitely encourage people to use normal toilet paper. It is worth noting that special toilet paper is available for some of these toilets, but they are not mandatory.
- Can you Install composting toilet in barn ?
Yes,you can install it in barn lavatory.Here are few valid reasons to install it:
- A low flush toilet uses a lot of water for flushing down the feces as compared to the composting toilet which are water less unit leading in saving water resources a way for guiding your barn towards resource conservation.
- Installing composting toilet is a lot cheaper than installing regular toilet as there is no need to attach your toilet to the septic system to discharge your feces and urine thus results in saving a lot of money.
- It will be best suited if there is 10-15 uses per day.
- Which Compost Toilet is Good for RV,Camper?
Nature’s Head Composting toilet is the best compost toilet for RV’s and Camper.It is a budget buy and Eco-friendly.
- Does a DIY Composting Toilet work?
Many people have tried to build their own composting toilets in an outhouse. However, it is really hard to find all of the materials needed to do so. When you buy them like the ones we have listed, they come with everything already included. While you can try to build your own toilet, we would much rather recommend the options on this list.
Wrap-Up
Composting toilet is definitely something that you can use and it offers a ton of value for your money. They are not as popular yet in the modern day, but they will one day become more and more used for the eco-friendly properties and cash saving features. We would highly recommend all of these toilets for the quality and the value they offer.
We would like to thank you for reading this article and encourage you to share some of your thoughts on these options. We would love to see if you have ever used any of these toilets and if you might have a couple that we might have missed. We look forward to reading your comments.