Composting Toilet

      
If you are in the market for new composting toilets, chances are to go home with a model that might not be right for you. Why do we think that? Because there are so many types and models of toilets on the market. These last days, we have gone through all the different self-contained composting models: small, medium, large, electric or non-electric and we have tried to identify the pros and cons of each model.
      
Have you ever wondered what is a composting toilet and what exactly will be doing these types of toilets? They contribute to nature by decomposing human waste. Since they don’t use water, you don’t have to deal with the unpleasant smell. Most of them are small, compact and very easy to install. However, as mentioned above it is quite difficult to find a model that meets your requirements and not many people know how to choose the right model for themselves. That’s why, in order to help you make a wise decision, we have gathered some of the best models out there.

Top 10 Composting Toilets Comparison

Photo	Product Name	Waste Tank Capacity	Power	Maximum Weight Limit	Dimensions (H x W x D)	Highlight	Price
Best Overall	1. Nature’s Head with Spider Handle NH-SPH	5 gallons	12V	275 lbs	22” x 20.5” x 21.7”	USA made	Check Price
	2. Camco Standard 41541	5.3 gallons	12V	330 lbs	15.5″ x 14″ x 16″	Sealing slide valve locks in odors	Check Price
Our Choice	3. Nature’s Head with Standard Handle NH1	5 gallons	12V	250 lbs	19.8” x 21.2” x 20.75”	Stainless steel hardware, robust construction	Check Price
	4. Thetford 92853	5.5 gallons	12V	300 lbs	16.5″ x 15″ x 16.5″	Sealed valve It prevents odors escaping the holding tank	Check Price
	5. Sun-Mar Excel NE	5 gallons	12V	250 lbs	33” x 22 1/2” x 32”	Variable diameter bio-drum	Check Price
	6. Sun-Mar Compact	3 gallons	125W	250 lbs	28 1/2″ x 21 1/2″ x 33″	Venting kit included	Check Price
	7. Separett Villa 9215	Compostable bags	12DC/2.5W/210 mA	300 lbs	18″ x 26.5″ x 21.3″	It can run on either electricity or battery power	Check Price
	8. Saniflo 023 Sanicompact	External water tank with flushing mechanism	110 – 115V	330 lbs	15.75” x 14.5” x 18.25”	It can discharge wastewater of a sink	Check Price
	9. Sun-Mar GTG	1.85 Gallon (Liquids), 6 Gallons (Solid waste)	110v/240AC to 12 V DC	250 lbs	24″ x 15.8″ x 19.8″	It requires no plumbing, water or septic system
	10. Sun-Mar Centrex 1000	Large bin capacity – it can be emptied once a year	150W	No given information	28″ height x 32.5″ depth	Difficult installation – it requires drains and hoses

1. Nature’s Head with Spider Handle NH-SPH

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If you are thinking about installing a new toilet into your tiny house, maybe it’s time to try something new. With the most innovative design, Nature’s Head with Spider Handle NH-SPH represents one of the most reliable options for personal sanitation requirements. It is a self-contained model that comes with stainless steel hardware and solid construction. If you have tried dry toiled before, then this won’t surprise you. This eco-friendly toilet comes with a vent hose and a fan. It can be installed in seconds. Also, it can be emptied and cleaned very fast.

Most people buy this system for RVs, campers, vacation cabins or even for their tiny homes. Since it is odorless, you shouldn’t worry about installing it at your house. As mentioned above, it comes with a pretty large tank which can be emptied once a month, if it is used by one or two people. If more than 2 people use it, you must empty it often. All in all, this is a nice model to consider when shopping for this type of dry toilet.

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2. Camco Standard 41541

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Our 5th option is a low priced one. The Camco Standard 41541 is a portable toilet that comes equipped with a 5.3-gallon detachable tank. It is specifically designed for camping, RV s, boating and even small houses. Thanks to its robust polyethylene construction it will last for many years. This interesting system comes with a sealing slide valve. The purpose of this valve is to protect against backslashes.

The toilet is odorless, so you shouldn’t worry about bad smells or something like this. Additionally, it comes equipped with two side latches that will keep the tank secure and a handle that ensures portability. What we really like about this toilet is the fact that it is very easy to use. The emptying process should be done in minutes as well as the filling one. Another plus is the packet of Camco’s TST biodegradable toilet chemical.

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3. Nature’s Head with Standard Handle NH1

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If you are thinking about purchasing a composting system, but you have some doubts about its efficiency, take a look at this model. Nature’s Head with Standard Handle NH1is made to change your lifestyle. With this system, your life will become much more enjoyable, especially if you are living in a van or a tiny house. First of all, it is very important to understand that these systems do not smell. They are odorless: the solid part is not mixed with liquids. However, if you have used a dry toilet, you know what we are trying to say.

This composting system is of the best models out there and it is specially designed to separate the liquid and the solid. So, there is no odor. The toilet comes with a solid, stainless steel construction and an easy to clean shape. It has a large capacity tank that can be filled with sphagnum peat moss or with coco coir. It is recommended to avoid the use of additives like nutrients. Also, avoid using soil from outside. That’s not a good idea as it will introduce bugs and other unpleasant tiny animals. This system is designed for small houses, RV and even boats.

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4. Thetford 92853

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The Thetford 92853 could be exactly what you are looking for: a durable, compact and easy to use a toilet that comes with an ergonomic handle for increased portability. It is specially designed for RV s, vans, tiny houses, trucks, camping and so on. Its piston flush makes it powerful and easy to use, while its detachable lid makes it easy to wash and clean. It comes with a large 5.5 gal. wastewater tank and a level indicator.

Due to the large size of the tank, the toilet can be emptied twice a month. The toilet is self-contained which means that you shouldn’t worry about leaks or splashes. In addition to this, it features a Rotating Pour-out Spout feature that ensures there are no backslashes during the cleaning process. For those people who love the detail, according to the manufacturer’s specifications, the unit measures 16 1/2” length/depth by 15″ width by 16 1/2″ height.

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5. Sun-Mar Excel NE

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Looking to purchase a non-electric composting toilet? Or, perhaps, you are thinking about purchasing the highest capacity self-contained toilet out there? If so, take a look at this incredible model. The Sun-Mar Excel NE is one of the most appreciated models available on the market, these days. With a composting capacity that could accommodate 2-3 people in a residential setting and 5-7 people in weekend or vacations, this toilet is among the best versions of toilets that convert human waste into safe fertilizing soil.

It doesn’t work with a fan or a heater. It works with a 4” PVC Thinwall vent pipe which is mounted at the top rear of the unit. For proper operation and good air movement, it is recommended to install the vent pipe vertically. Also, keep in mind that it should be placed 2-3 feet above the peak of the roof. Overall, it is one of the best options to consider when making a purchase.

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6. Sun-Mar Compact

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If you are interested in a much smaller toilet, the Sun-Mar Compact is a great option. Since it is smaller than the Excel version, it is recommended for up to 2 people. However, it is extremely attractive. It comes with a compact yet elegant design and it will fit into most small spaces. It is made with patented Bio-drum.

It comes equipped with an easy to use handle for processing compost. Its front operated handle makes it ideal for small bathrooms. Note that it is one of the smallest models available on the market, these days. It measures 33 x 21 1/2 x 28 1/2 inches and weighs 50 lbs. It is a bit heavy in comparison to others but it looks amazing. Aside from looking good, it is 100% non-polluting. It doesn’t use water and uses standard household current. It is an energy-efficient unit that helps you save money on energy bills.

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7. Separett Villa 9215

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If you are a house owner with a beautiful garden, this is exactly what you need. It is great for the environment, including your plants as it helps you make your own compost. Although it is not a full-sized model, it still is a great option to consider as it provides you with a plethora of benefits. It is small, compact and very easy to use. It is ideal for people with limited space in their homes. What we really like about this model is the fact that it can easily work on either electricity or battery power.

It is made of high-quality materials that ensure long-lasting life. Everything is made of gloss polypropylene, including the upper sections, seat or inner cover. It is an energy-efficient unit that will help you save a lot on electricity bills. Furthermore, it comes with biodegradable bags that should be used for solid waste. The toilet comes with a trap-door system that will separate liquids from solid waste. Moreover, it is ETL certified and comes with a 5-year warranty. It is a bit more expensive than regular toilets, but if you are interested in purchasing these types of toilets, this Separett Villa model should satisfy your needs.

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8. Saniflo 023 Sanicompact

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This stylish toilet is everything you need if you’re looking for a durable model. The product has been thoroughly tested before being placed on the market which means that you can purchase in confidence. It’s CSA certified so you are guaranteed quality. The running time of the water is of 5 to 10 seconds. This is a feature not many toilets as such can boast with. It has water consumption of 1.3 gallons so you don’t have to worry about it wasting a lot of water whilst ensuring efficiency. What stands out about this model is the fact that you can install it in tight spaces with ease.

Inside the user manual, it has been noted that the flushing mechanism is electronically timed in order to allow up to 1-gallon of water to pass through. It has a non-return valve that is already assembled in the discharge elbow and that valve will prevent the flow from returning into the unit. You do not need to vent it or connect it to a vent stack.

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9. Sun-Mar GTG

Looking for a quality composting toilet with easy installation? Well, then we are glad to introduce to your one of the best composters available in the marketplace. Like most models available for sale, the Sun-Mar GTG comes with two separate chambers, including one for liquids and the other for solid waste. In terms of dimensions, it measures 24 x 15.8 x 19.8 inches and weighs 35 lbs. It is small enough to be installed in small and narrow spaces.

This economical toilet is ideal for small houses, cottages, boats, farms and garages. It doesn’t consume as much as you might. It is an economical toilet that helps you save a lot of money on installation and electrical bills. Also, it comes with a 0.6W 12 V DC fan. This is great as you won’t have to deal with bad smells and odors.

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10. Sun-Mar Centrex 1000

As compared to many of the above toilets, the Sun-Mar Centrex 1000 is by far one of the most effective yet expensive composting toilet systems. It provides the benefits of a modern and traditional toilet. It is specially designed to accommodate a large family with up to 5 members. It doesn’t smell at all. What we like about this system is the fact that it can be cleaned once a year. Its large capacity bin can hold the waste for a full season and it requires cleaning in the spring. The toilet measures 28” in height and 32.5 “in depth. It weighs 50 lbs. and it is a bit larger than its above competitors. However, it can be installed in small spaces.

It comes equipped with a 260W heater and a 25W turbofan with 2” vent stack for bad smells removing. Since it is a complete system and not only a toilet, it does require a complex installation. It comes with a 1” drain hose that has to be connected to the drain at the bottom left of the product. Don’t worry as you will find all these requirements in the instruction manual. Overall, if you are not on a limited budget and you afford it, this is a great unit to consider.

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Important Factors to Consider

There are so many types and models of composting toilets or dry toilets on the market, that finding the best one for your needs could be quite difficult. If it seems too complicated to own a dry toilet, let us introduce you to this industry. There are many factors to consider when making a purchase as all models are equipped with different features and various functions. Of these, we will mention the most important ones:

Important Features	Details	Best Choice
Capacity	One of the most important things to consider when purchasing a dry toilet is the capacity. Actually, it represents how much compost fits into the special bag without overflowing. This strongly depends on how many people use the toilet and how frequently they use it in a given time frame. For example, if you are thinking about installing a toilet in your van, you can go for one with a small capacity as it won’t be visited by many people. If, however, you are thinking about purchasing a toilet for your home, for residential use, then, you might need one with a larger capacity. It will be used more frequently and you will be forced to empty its container more than twice a month.	Sun-Mar Excel NE, Camco Standard 41541
Self-contained model	Looking for a dry toilet? This is the right place to be. But, before making any purchase, make sure you know what kind of toilet you want. There are two different types of dry toilets available on the market such as self-contained and central units. The difference between these two models is that the first one composts the human waste within a tank that is usually connected to the toilet itself, while the other is connected to a larger tank in another location. As compared to the central units that are suitable for a considerable number of people, the self-contained one is a great choice for 2 or 3 people. Also, they are much more affordable and easier to install than the other ones.	All models
Ease of installation	As mentioned above there are many things to consider when purchasing a dry toilet. Of these, it is also important to mention the installation process. As compared to other home appliances and devices that are extremely easy to install, installing this type of toilet is a horrendous task. If it is a self-contained model, it is much easier to install and you shouldn’t worry so much about leaks and splashes. You just have to seal them properly and anchor them in place. Also, pay attention to their ventilation pipe. For the best results and proper operation, it should be correctly installed.	All models
Size	The size of a dry toilet is extremely important to consider when installing it. Unlike standard toilets, these systems are a bit bulky and in terms of design, most of them could have a chunky appearance. This will cheat your eyes and you will buy something that will not fit into tight spaces. The most advanced models come equipped with ventilation systems and additional tanks. Both are attached right to them, which might make it difficult to install into corners and tiny spaces.	Nature’s Head with Standard Handle NH1, Nature’s Head with Spider Handle NH-SPH, Thetford 92853
Maintenance	You might think you have to clean a dry toilet regularly which is partially true. Although it doesn’t require a lot of maintenance, it still needs to be regularly emptied and cleaned. If you are using this kind of toilet, make sure you clean the bowl naturally, without chemicals and bleach. Instead, you can use vinegar and baking soda. More than that, if you are interested in electric toilets, pay attention to its connections as they can lead to a toilet malfunction.	All models

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Debunking 4 Popular Myths About these Composting Systems

There are so many myths and fake news regarding these types of toilets that it is absolutely normal for people to have some misconceptions about such a system. If you are reading this, you might also have your own concerns and doubts about using this kind of toilet. In order to better understand how does it work and the whole idea of using it, allow us to introduce you to some of the most popular myths about dry toilets.

Dry toilet means bad smell and odors

You can control the bad smell of a dry toilet. Whether it is a standard toilet or a dry toilet, it won’t stink if you clean it. More than that, if it is properly installed and it works perfectly, you shouldn’t worry about bad smells. There are plenty of methods to control odors. All you have to do is to stick to them in order to avoid any trouble along the way.

Compost toilets are a sanitary nightmare

Stop thinking about these toilets as something nasty that will affect your health. These are just some toilets and if they are cleaned the right way, nothing’s going to happen. You won’t have sanitation problems if you empty and clean them according to your manufacturer’s specifications. Also, make sure you wash your hands properly after cleaning the toilet.

Avoid using normal toilet paper

This should be a joke! You can use any kind of paper you want. Since these toilets are made to decompose every waste that enters the composting system, there won’t be any clogging problems, especially because there are no pipes. Plus, thanks to this process the TP will disintegrate. Some people use dissolving liquids to speed up the TP decomposition.

There will be problems with the flies

What is the first thing you think about when you see a dry toilet? Odors and flies? Most people think the same thing about these systems, but this is a myth and the truth is behind the myth. Therefore, it is important to understand that if you regularly clean your toilet and you will use bulking agents, nothing’s going to happen and you won’t have this kind of problem. While some people use sawdust, others use mesh wire to keep the fly infestation away.

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How Does a Composting Toilet Work?

Composting toilets are eco-friendly and great options for people who live in tiny houses, farms, boats or other small places. As compared to traditional septic systems, a composting system comes with a large capacity bin or two chambers for liquid and solid waste that needs to be cleaned regularly.

Theoretically, most of these systems are equipped with two chambers that keep the waste separated. Almost 90% of liquid waste will evaporate quickly. Om the other hand, the solid waste has to be removed manually when full. Typically, the solid waste is mixed with various elements, including sawdust, paper, wood chips, ash and some others that lead to the decomposition process. Also, it is recommended the use of some manual agitators to aerate the solid waste and maintain the right level of oxygen.

Also, some people use coffee grounds to promote a fast break down of solid waste. Once the chamber is full, it needs to be emptied and cleaned.

Now it comes the most complicated part. Not all people can understand that compost is used as a nutrient for garden soil. It doesn’t smell and it has the right properties of organic fertilizer. It is a great additive for flowers, plants, herbs and more.

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Conclusion

To sum it up, Nature’s Head with Spider Handle NH-SPH is the most reliable option to go with. It is comfortable and sturdy, which makes it a long term investment. It is very easy to clean and the installation is quick.

Made by the same manufacturer, Nature’s Head with Standard Handle NH1 is another great choice if you want a well-made model. It works great and the setup is very simple.

For less money, you can go with Camco Standard 41541. This model is portable, so it is suitable for camping trips, RV toilets, and so on. It has a larger capacity and you will find it easy to clean and fill.