Last update on 2023-09-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Table of Contents
Introduction: Best Composting Toilet for Off Grid Cabin
What is the Best Composting Toilet for Off Grid Cabin Living?
As the world continues to grapple with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, many people have turned to alternative living arrangements such as tiny houses, RVs, and off-grid cabins. These living situations often present unique challenges, including the need for efficient and effective waste management systems. One solution that has gained popularity in recent years is the use of composting toilets.
Composting toilets use a combination of aerobic decomposition and evaporation to transform human waste into a stable, soil-like material. Unlike traditional flush toilets, which require a constant supply of water to flush away waste, composting toilets rely on natural processes to break down and treat the waste. This not only saves water but also reduces the strain on septic systems and municipal sewage treatment plants, making them more sustainable and eco-friendly.
There are several types of composting toilets to choose from, each with its own unique features and benefits. Some are compact and portable, making them ideal for tiny houses with limited space. Others are more advanced and feature self-contained composting systems, allowing for easy and convenient composting without the need for external bins or containers.
In this article, we will review some of the best composting toilets for off-grid cabins. We will discuss the different types of composting toilets available, their features and benefits, and provide tips on how to choose the best option for your needs.
So, if you’re ready to embrace a more sustainable lifestyle, read our picks for the best composting toilets for off-grid cabins on the market below! Each option has been carefully selected for its efficiency, durability, and convenience, making them the perfect choice for any tiny house dwelling looking to minimize its environmental impact.
Disclosure: Best Composting Toilet, as an Amazon Associate, earns commissions on qualified purchases. This informative review article may contain affiliate links. Commission and earnings support our work. This means we may receive a commission if you purchase items from links embedded in the articles.
1 – Nature’s Head Self-Contained Composting Toilet
The Nature’s Head Self-Contained Composting Toilet is a top contender if you’re in the market for a composting toilet for your off-grid cabin – it’s clear that this toilet has a lot to offer. Its simple design, few moving parts, and small size make it easy to see why it’s so popular.
I found the installation of the Nature’s Head to be a breeze, requiring only a small 2″ vent hose to be plumbed to the outside and the ability to be wired for either 12v or 120v power. The electrical hookup is used to run the exhaust fan that keeps the solids bin odor-free inside the bathroom.
To use the toilet, I fill the solids bin with the required bulking material, plug it in, and I’m all set. The liquid catch bottle on the front of the unit can be mixed with eight parts water to 1 part urine and safely emptied into a flower bed, making it easy for me to dispose of waste in an environmentally-friendly way.
Pros:
- Solids and liquids are separate, making it easy to dispose of waste in an environmentally-friendly way
- Two people using the toilet full-time can go up to six weeks before needing to clean it out
- Has relatively few moving parts, which means there is less chance of it breaking down
- Fully sealed to handle travel
- Low price compared to other options on the market
Cons:
- The liquid bottle needs to be emptied regularly
- Solid waste may take longer to fully compost, requiring an external composter or an extra solids bin
- The main compartment needs to be emptied every 1.5-2 weeks, which can be unpleasant due to wet and smelly waste
- The fan is not very powerful, causing waste to not dry out as it should and sometimes causing backflow of air when the bathroom fan is on during a shower
- Requires more toilet paper, as it needs to be wiped down after every use, and hard-to-reach areas may require taking the toilet apart and using a pressure washer with a fine-tip nozzle
- Item Category: Toilet Seat
- Item Trademark: Nature's Head
- manufacturer: Nature's Head Inc.
- Item shape: Foot-Spider
Last update on 2023-09-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
2 – OGO Waterless Composting Toilet
I recently purchased the OGO Waterless Composting Toilet and have been blown away by its sleek and stylish design. It’s the smallest composting toilet on the market, making it perfect for various applications, including RVs, boats, cabins, basements, campers, workshops, and, of course, off-grid cabins.
One of the standout features of this toilet is that it is made in the USA. The toilet also seamlessly separates liquids from solids, which means that there are no foul smells to deal with. I’ve been really impressed by the unique design of this toilet and highly recommend it to anyone in need of a compact, stylish, and odorless composting toilet.
Pros:
- Compact and suitable for daily use
- Easy to empty due to the separation of solid and liquid waste
- A small door for disposing of solid waste keeps the toilet clean and minimizes cleaning
- Simple setup, just need peat moss for a solid portion
- Lights to indicate when contents need to be emptied
- Suitable for tiny homes, boats, and camping as long as there is a power source
- Lightweight and reasonably priced
- 100% eco-friendly
- No cranking or smells
Cons:
- Requires power hookup, which may not be possible in all locations
- Regularly need to empty liquids bottle
- Solid waste may take longer to fully compost and may need an external composter for adequate decomposition.
- Push of a Button Electric Mixing
- Smallest Footprint on Market 15" Deep x 16" Wide
- USA Made with attention to Quality
- Urine Level Sensor
- 2.4 gallon urine bottle and 25-30 use solids bin
Last update on 2023-09-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
3 – Separett Villa 9215 AC/DC Composting Toilet
The Separett Series Composting Toilets are quickly gaining popularity in the off-grid cabin community thanks to their simplicity in design and more traditional toilet appearance. I particularly appreciate the fact that the Separett Villa model has a rotating drum.
The use of biodegradable bags is another convenient feature, as it means that I don’t have to deal with raw waste when moving it to a remote compost pile.
Pros:
- Easy to use and familiar design similar to traditional toilets
- No water required
- Odour-free
- Accessible for people of all ages and abilities with no step-up
- Convenient use of compostable bags
- A reliable and convenient choice for saving water and reducing environmental impact
Cons:
- Requires a power hookup
- Installation of a vent pipe can be a hassle
- Requires a liquid drain hose that must be properly connected and functioning
- Composting,Waterless,Urine diverting, off-grid, toilet
Last update on 2023-09-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
4 – Laveo Dry Flush Portable Toilet
I recently purchased a Laveo Dry Flush Portable Toilet and have been really impressed with its performance. While it is not truly a composting toilet, it has gained popularity in the composting toilet market due to its versatility and convenience. This toilet is small, lightweight, and battery-powered, making it perfect for travel or use as a portable or camping toilet.
It works by storing liquid and solid waste in sealed bags after each use and then sealing and storing the waste for later disposal with the push of a button. The small size, low price, and sealed waste system of the Laveo Dry Flush have made it a popular choice in the off-grid cabin, RV, and marine communities. Overall, I highly recommend the Laveo Dry Flush Portable Toilet for anyone in need of a convenient and easy-to-use portable toilet.
Pros:
- Budget-friendly
- Its small size and lightweight design make it easy to transport and store
- A sealed waste system prevents the need to handle raw sewage and makes disposal more convenient
- Portable, allowing you to take it with you on the go
Cons:
- Refill cartridges can get expensive, with each flush costing nearly $0.75
- Cartridges are not compostable, resulting in waste being tossed into a landfill
- Battery-operated and requires periodic recharging, which can be a hassle if you are using it frequently or are in a remote location with limited access to power
- What's Included - Every Dry Flush Waterless Toilet comes with a Battery and Charger, Cable, 2 Cartridges and 1 Bottle of Pee Powder (extends the cartridge life by 40%).
- Easy to Use - No bulking material or chemicals required. No complicated setup. When a cartridge is full, just remove and throw out the black air-tight bag. Each cartridge is good for 15 "solids"...
- 100% Odorless - The patented design of the Dry Flush toilet captures the waste and contains any odors. No more embarrassing smells.
- Comfortable and Discreet - Unlike many portable toilets (or compost toilets), the Dry Flush by Laveo is a Full-Size toilet with a normal seat and height.
- 1-Year Warranty - Every Dry Flush comes with a standard 1-Year Limited Warranty. Get peace of mind and never worry about your waterless toilet again.
Last update on 2023-09-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
5 – Sun-Mar GTG Self-Contained Composting Toilet
The Sun-Mar Mobile Composting Toilet is impressive and truly the best composting toilet for off grid cabin living. This toilet was originally designed for boats and RVs but its design considerations are perfect for off-grid cabin living. It comes complete with mounting brackets and a fold-up footrest, which can easily be removed to access the finishing drawer when the unit needs to be emptied.
The Sun-Mar Mobile Composting Toilet is relatively compact, with a width of only 19.5 inches and a depth of 23 inches, and it occupies only slightly more floor space than a standard toilet. It is designed with a three-chamber system and incorporates a patented Bio-drum, which ensures fast and odorless decomposition. One of the standout features of this toilet is that it is completely self-contained, with no pump-outs, changing containers, pouring out urine, or chemicals required.
Pros:
- Minimal maintenance required
- Fewer clean-outs per year
- Does not require any water
- Odour-free
- DIY install
- 12-volt ready
- Designed for traveling with longer clean-out cycles
Cons:
- Requires a power source
- Requires installation of a vent pipe
- More moving parts than some other composting toilet options
- The seat is higher than the traditional toilet
- Does not look like a traditional toilet
- COMPACT AND PORTABLE - The efficient GTG is the ideal portable toilet for camping or RV toilet use!
- INSTALLS IN MINUTES - This portable potty for adults (children too) is almost TOO easy to install!
- SOLID/LIQUID SEPARATION - This smart toilet separate liquid and solid waste to separate chambers!
- TINY - The most compact porta potty camp toilet (that doesn't sacrifice practicality) we could find!
- EASY DISPOSAL - The GTG functions similarly to a cassette toilet, making waste management a breeze!
Last update on 2023-09-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Things to Keep in Mind
Now that we’ve taken a look at the best options on the market, it’s time to narrow down your choices and find the composting toilet that fits your needs. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you make your decision:
- Type of composting toilet: Do you want a continuous composting toilet that processes waste continuously or a batch composting toilet that processes waste in batches? Consider the pros and cons of each type and choose the one that best fits your needs.
- Size and capacity: How much space do you have for a composting toilet, and how much waste will it need to handle? Consider the size of the composting toilet and its capacity to ensure that it fits your needs.
- Ease of use and maintenance: Choose a composting toilet that is easy to use and maintain, to ensure that you can keep it in good working order.
- Price: Determine your budget and choose a composting toilet that fits your needs and price range.
- Location: Will the composting toilet be used indoors or outdoors? Make sure to choose a composting toilet that is suitable for the location where you plan to install it.
- Water usage: If water conservation is a concern, look for a composting toilet that uses minimal water.
- Environmentally friendly: Choose a composting toilet that is environmentally friendly and produces minimal waste. Look for one that uses natural, organic materials for composting.
- Certification: Look for a composting toilet that is certified by a reputable organization, such as the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) or the Waterless No-Flush Toilet Association (WNFT). These certifications ensure that the composting toilet meets certain standards for quality and performance.
Further Resources and Resources
Now that you know what to keep in mind when looking for your compostable toilet, you may be wondering how to learn more about these sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives to traditional flush toilets, as well as what to do if something goes wrong or if you need help setting one up.
Composting toilets use natural processes to break down and decompose human waste into compost, and they are often used in off-grid or remote locations where access to a sewer system is not available.
To learn more about composting toilets, you can start by doing some research online. There are many resources available, including articles, videos, and forums, that can provide information on the different types of composting toilets, their features and benefits, and how they work. You can also look for information on the different brands and models available, as well as their pros and cons.
If you need help setting up a composting toilet, there are a few options available. You can hire a professional contractor to install it for you, or you can try to do it yourself if you are comfortable with basic plumbing and construction tasks. There are also many online resources and forums that can provide step-by-step instructions and guidance on how to install a composting toilet.
If something goes wrong with your composting toilet, the first thing you should do is try to identify the problem. Common issues include clogs, odors, and low composting efficiency. Depending on the issue, you may be able to troubleshoot and fix the problem yourself, using the manufacturer’s instructions or seeking guidance from online resources and forums.
If the problem persists or you are unable to identify the issue, you may need to hire a professional to diagnose and repair the problem.
If you need to hire a professional to help with your composting toilet, it is important to choose someone who is qualified and experienced. Here are a few tips for selecting a professional:
- Look for a professional with specific experience and expertise in composting toilets. This will ensure that they are familiar with the unique features and requirements of these systems.
- Check their credentials and certifications. Look for professionals who have received training and certification from reputable organizations, such as the National Association of Wastewater Technicians (NAWT) or the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
- Look for professionals who are licensed and insured. This will provide protection for both you and the professional in the event of any accidents or damages.
- Get references and read reviews. Contact past clients to ask about their experience with the professional and read online reviews to get an idea of the level of service you can expect.
- Consider the cost of the professional’s services. Get quotes from multiple professionals to compare prices and ensure that you are getting a fair and reasonable rate.
Last update on 2023-09-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Conclusion
Composting toilets are an eco-friendly and sustainable solution for off-grid cabins, as they rely on natural processes to break down and treat waste rather than using a constant supply of water like traditional flush toilets. Not only do they save water and reduce waste, but they also minimize the strain on septic systems and sewage treatment plants.
There are a number of fantastic composting toilet options available for off gird cabin living. Whether you’re looking for a compact and portable design or a more advanced model with features like self-contained composting systems and waterless operation, there’s something for every budget and preference on our list as you’ve seen. When searching for your composting toilet, it’s thus important to consider factors such as efficiency, durability, and convenience.
After reviewing the top five composting toilet options on the market, we have found that the Sun-Mar GTG Self-Contained Composting Toilet, Laveo Dry Flush Portable Toilet, Separett Villa 9215 AC/DC Composting Toilet, OGO Waterless Composting Toilet, and Nature’s Head Self-Contained Composting Toilet are all excellent choices.
We hope this article has been helpful in learning more about composting toilets and how to get help setting one up or fixing any issues that may arise. We wish you the best of luck with your off-grid cabin, and we hope that your composting toilet helps you to live sustainably and comfortably. That’s all for the best composting toilet for off grid cabin. Thank you for reading!
