#composting toilets

[balkanradfem]

Do you know how composting toilet works?

Yes, I use one myself

Yeah, I know

I have vague knowledge on the subject

No but I would like to know

No and I don't want to know

Show results

Voting ended onJul 17

[falseandrealultravival]

A Plan: Action Guidelines When I Decided to Live in the Mountains(Essay)

Hot milk(Goat)

October 30, 1986

Rei Morishita

Basically, I will be the manager of "F's House" and the guide of "K's Forest". Of course, as a sei-katsu-sha, I live for myself.

@ Renovate the attic on the second floor to make it a living space, atelier, studio, (library). Even if it's a little messy here, it's fine. (That will give you more motivation to create.) The first floor can be used as before, whether I'm there or not.

@ Open a cram school. "Iraku cram school" ... "Nyaku" from "Konnyaku" was changed to Niraku → Iraku. It's just that I don't just teach you to study, but I'm also taught. I want to value communication with the local community. So, not only do we become lecturers, but people from Tokyo and locals become lecturers and listeners. (basically for elementary, middle and high school students)

@ Cultivation of forest land. ~especially perennial crops, e.g. Basically, K town is a slash-and-burn culture area, so from the beginning it is not particular about rice, and aims to be self-sufficient in buckwheat, barnyard millet, foxtail millet, and millet.

@ Cultivation of medicinal herbs - currently under study. (Again, it has high commercial value.)

@ I want to keep goats, rabbits, bantams, gamefowl, etc. (I love goats!)

＠I make paper…. I make my own paper. Fortunately, nearby Ogawamachi in Saitama Prefecture is a famous production area. Research paper materials.

@ "House of F" considering water and soil - I want to make use of water as a specialty in my daily life. Need to explore. For example, composting toilets, gray water, garbage. Fundamentally, I want to get rid of a life that "relies on devices."

@ Making tableware using wood.

@Make a map for playing in the mountains.

・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・

@I personally have doubts about "cars" as a means of transportation. People who say "Of course" are in trouble. (Even so, I think it's my responsibility to respond.)

@Suggestion about food ~ It's interesting to bring your own portion, spread out everyone's portion, and think about cooking.

that's all.

[fromscratchmom]

I am amazed. But also, I really love this idea. I want so much to move to a more natural and wise way of living and help others do so as well. 

[faunmoss]

🔥 (no topic sorry)

composting toilets are really REALLY important and should be the norm. I realise there are probably some instances/ circumstances where they wouldn’t work or be impractical, but in the majority of cases I think they are a really really necessary thing both to stop pollution of drinking water and to recover the valuable nutrients and return them, as humus, to the earth. They can be done safely and responsibly and would solve or at least heavily mitigate some very serious problems ranging from water conservation to human health/ sanitation to soil loss. 

/steps off soapbox 

[compostingtoilet]

Composting Toilet for RV: The Complete Guide to Going Waterless on the Road

If you've spent any time RVing, boondocking, or living the van life, you already know the black tank is the least glamorous part of the journey. Frequent dump station runs, odor issues, and limited holding capacity can turn an otherwise perfect trip into a logistical headache. That's why more RVers, van-lifers, and full-time travelers are switching to a composting toilet for RV use — a system that eliminates black tanks entirely and gives you the freedom to camp longer, off-grid, without the smell or the hassle.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know: how composting toilets work, why they make sense for RVs, what to look for before buying, and how to keep one running smoothly on the road.

What Is an RV Composting Toilet?

A composting toilet is a self-contained, waterless (or near-waterless) toilet system that separates liquid and solid waste. Instead of flushing everything into a black tank with water, solids drop into a composting chamber where they're mixed with a dry material like coconut coir or peat moss, while liquids are diverted into a separate, easy-to-empty bottle or tank.

This separation is the key to why these systems work so well in small spaces. Liquid waste is the primary source of odor in traditional RV toilets, so removing it from the solids chamber almost eliminates smell altogether. The solid waste, meanwhile, breaks down slowly and doesn't need to be emptied nearly as often as a black tank.

Why RVers Are Switching to Composting Toilets

No more black tank. This is the single biggest reason RV owners make the switch. No black tank means no sensor issues, no chemical treatments, no smell creeping into the cabin, and no need to find a dump station every few days.

Longer off-grid stays. Because the liquids container is the only part that needs frequent emptying (and it can often be dumped in any regular toilet or even outdoors where legally permitted), RVers can stay boondocked far longer without worrying about tank capacity.

Water savings. Traditional RV toilets use fresh water with every flush, which drains your water tank fast when you're dry camping. A composting toilet uses little to no water, stretching your water supply significantly.

Less weight and simpler plumbing. Removing the black tank and its associated plumbing can reduce weight and complexity, which is especially valuable in small vans, teardrop trailers, and skoolies where space and payload are at a premium.

Better for small or converted vehicles. Van conversions and small RVs often don't have room for a full black tank system. A compact composting toilet fits where a traditional setup simply can't.

What to Look for When Choosing One

Not all composting toilets are built the same, and choosing the right one makes a big difference in day-to-day comfort. Consider:

Size and footprint — Measure your bathroom space carefully. Compact models designed specifically for vans and small RVs sit lower and take up less room than standard household composting toilets.

Liquid tank capacity — A larger liquids container means fewer stops to empty it, which matters most for full-time travelers or long boondocking trips.

Ventilation system — A good composting toilet vents odor and moisture outside the vehicle via a small fan, which is essential for keeping the cabin fresh.

Ease of emptying — Look for removable, lightweight solid waste bins and simple-to-detach liquid containers.

Build quality — Since these units sit in a moving vehicle, durable, well-sealed construction matters more than it would in a stationary home.

How to Maintain a Composting Toilet in an RV

Maintenance is simpler than most people expect, but a few habits keep everything running smoothly:

Add dry cover material (coconut coir is popular for RVs since it's compact and low-odor) to the solids chamber before first use, and stir or add more after each solid deposit.

Empty the liquids container regularly — usually every 1 to 3 days depending on the tank size and number of users.

Empty the solids bin every few weeks, depending on usage, into a designated compost location or per local regulations.

Keep the fan running whenever the RV is occupied to manage moisture and odor.

Clean components periodically with a mild, non-caustic cleaner to keep seals and gaskets in good shape.

Is a Composting Toilet Right for Your RV?

Composting toilets aren't a fit for every rig or every traveler. If you rarely boondock and always have hookups, a traditional toilet may still be simpler. But for anyone who values off-grid freedom, wants to avoid black tank maintenance, or is converting a smaller vehicle where space is tight, a composting toilet solves real, everyday problems.

The technology has matured significantly, and today's RV-specific models are compact, low-odor, and genuinely easy to live with — a world away from the bulky, high-maintenance units of years past.

Final Thoughts

Switching to a composting toilet for your RV is one of the most impactful upgrades you can make for off-grid comfort. It cuts down on maintenance, saves water, extends how long you can camp without hookups, and removes one of the most unpleasant chores of RV ownership — dealing with the black tank. Whether you're outfitting a van conversion or upgrading a full-size RV, a well-chosen composting toilet can make life on the road noticeably easier.

[compostingtoilet]

Why Smart Homeowners Are Ditching Traditional Toilets — And Where to Get the Best One in America

Free shipping. Real humans on the phone. No gimmicks. Just the best composting toilet for your needs. 

There's a quiet revolution happening in bathrooms across America.

From off-grid homesteaders in Montana to van-lifers cruising the California coast, from tiny home builders in Vermont to cabin owners in the Appalachians — thousands of people are walking away from conventional flush toilets and never looking back.

And the ones who get it right? They all seem to find the same place: Composting Toilets USA.

The Store That Does One Thing — Exceptionally Well

Most home improvement retailers sell composting toilets the same way they sell garden hoses: as just another SKU on a shelf, with no one around who actually knows what they're talking about.

Composting Toilets USA is built entirely differently. This is a store that only sells composting toilets. Every product, every conversation, every recommendation is focused on one thing — making sure you get the right toilet for your specific situation.

"We won't sell you a toilet if it's not right for you," the team states plainly on their site. "We strictly adhere to the highest ethical standards."

That's a rare thing to read from a retailer. And based on their track record, they mean it.

Pick Up the Phone and Talk to a Real Person

Here's something almost unheard of in today's e-commerce world: when you call Composting Toilets USA at 1-888 361 0014, an actual human answers the phone.

Not a chatbot. Not an automated menu that makes you press 7 for "other inquiries." A real person — one who personally knows the products, uses them, and can tell you with complete honesty which model fits your setup and which doesn't.

That matters more than you'd think when you're making a $1,000+ purchase for your home, cabin, or vehicle. Getting the wrong composting toilet isn't just an inconvenience — it can mean a system that underperforms, odors that shouldn't exist, and a costly return process.

Getting it right from the start saves you all of that. And that's exactly what a conversation with the Composting Toilets USA team delivers.

Free Shipping to the Lower 48 — No Hidden Fees, No Gimmicks

Every toilet purchased through Composting Toilets USA ships free to all 48 contiguous states. The price you see is the price you pay — no fuel surcharges, no "handling fees," no surprises at checkout.

All transactions are encrypted and 100% secure. And unlike some competitors who load their pricing with "limited-time offers" designed to create urgency that evaporates once you look closely, Composting Toilets USA offers straightforward, honest pricing across the board.

What you see is genuinely what you get.

The Products: Tested, Trusted, and Ready to Perform

Composting Toilets USA doesn't just stock products — they test them. Every system they carry is one they've used and stand behind personally. Here's a look at the standout offerings:

Thinktank Waterless Composting Toilet — $1,199

The crown jewel of the lineup. The Thinktank Waterless Composting Toilet is built for people who want a genuine, full-service composting system with zero water usage and zero compromise.

Designed for full-time residential use, cabins, and off-grid homes, the Thinktank handles serious volume with quiet, odor-free performance. It uses natural aerobic decomposition supported by a continuous ventilation fan — no chemicals, no flush water, no septic hookup required.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars by verified buyers, this is the composting toilet that delivers exactly what it promises: a clean, sustainable, long-term alternative to conventional plumbing.

Hepvo Waterless Odor Seal and Check Valve (with connectors) — $59.95

A small addition that makes a big difference. The Hepvo Waterless Odor Seal prevents sewer gases and odors from traveling back through your vent lines — keeping your bathroom smelling the way it should: like nothing at all.

If you're installing a Thinktank or any other vented composting system, this valve is the finishing touch that separates a good installation from a great one.

Separett Tiny 1271 — with Urine Drain Tube — $999

Purpose-built for vans, RVs, and compact living spaces, the Separett Tiny 1271 is one of the smartest small-footprint toilet solutions on the market.

Its urine-diverting design separates liquid and solid waste at the source — the single most effective method for eliminating odor naturally. The 1271 connects to a permanent drain line, making liquid management completely hands-off. Compact, elegant, and engineered to perform day after day on the road.

Separett Tiny 1270 — with Removable Urine Bottle — $999 (On Sale)

For van lifers and tiny home dwellers who need maximum flexibility, the Separett Tiny 1270 offers the same urine-diverting performance as the 1271 — but with a removable collection bottle instead of a drain line.

No permanent plumbing required. Just remove, empty, and go. Currently available at a $41 discount from its regular price, this is an outstanding deal on one of the best compact composting toilets available anywhere.

A Returns Policy That Puts You First

Here's something worth knowing before you shop anywhere else: many composting toilet retailers charge a "restocking fee" or "administration fee" when you return a product. Some charge $50 or more just to process your return.

Composting Toilets USA charges none of that.

Their policy is simple: return unused products within 30 days in new condition, pay for the return shipping, and get your refund without penalty. No fees. No runaround. No fine print that undoes the promise.

That's the kind of confidence that only comes from selling products you genuinely believe in.

Trusted by Customers Across the USA

Composting Toilets USA is a division of GreenLatrine Composting Toilets Ltd., operating from Sumas, Washington — and serving customers in every corner of the lower 48 states.

Canadian customers are directed to their dedicated Canadian order page at compostingtoiletscanada.ca, ensuring everyone gets the right regional support and pricing.

Whether you're building your first off-grid cabin or upgrading a well-loved tiny home, the team has seen your situation before and knows exactly what will work.

Stop Overpaying for a System That Doesn't Fit

The composting toilet market is full of noise — big retailers who don't know the products, online stores with "goofy limited-time offers," and customer service that begins and ends with a chatbot.

Composting Toilets USA is the alternative.

One focus. Real expertise. Honest pricing. Free shipping. And a real human being who will pick up the phone and tell you — straight — which toilet is right for you and which isn't.

That's not just good service. In today's retail landscape, it's practically revolutionary.

Ready to make the switch?

Browse the full collection at CompostingToilets.com or call the team toll-free at 1-888 361 0014. Whether you're comparing models, troubleshooting an installation, or just starting to research composting toilets for the first time — they'll meet you where you are.

[compostingtoilet]

Where to Buy Composting Toilets in the USA – Trusted Waterless & Off-Grid Solutions

Looking to buy composting toilets in the USA? Composting Toilets USA offers a curated selection of tested, waterless composting toilets — including Thinktank and Separett models — with free shipping to the lower 48 states. No gimmicks, no chat bots, just honest pricing and real one-on-one customer support. Explore top-rated options for homes, tiny houses, vans, and RVs, all backed by a no-restocking-fee return policy.

[compostingtoilet]

Ultimate Guide to Eco-Friendly Composting Toilets at Home

If you’re new to composting toilets, you’re probably asking the same questions most beginners do: Will it smell? Is it complicated? What should I buy? The good news is that once you understand the basics—especially ventilation, airflow, and carbon bedding—composting toilets can be an approachable, eco-friendly alternative to traditional flush systems.

In this guide, we’ll walk through what composting toilets are, how to choose one that fits your home, what features matter most, and how to use and maintain it with confidence. If you want a simple place to start comparing options and getting beginner-friendly guidance, you can also explore CompostingToiletsUSA.com: https://compostingtoiletsusa.com/

1) What Is a Composting Toilet? (Simple Beginner Explanation)

A composting toilet is designed to manage human waste using natural biological processes instead of flushing it into a sewer system.

Most eco-friendly composting toilets rely on three core ideas:

Separation (when applicable): Some systems separate urine and solids to improve odor control and efficiency.

Aeration + airflow: Ventilation helps keep the system aerobic (which supports faster, cleaner decomposition).

Carbon “bedding” material: You add a carbon-rich cover (like sawdust or coconut coir, depending on the system) to balance moisture and reduce odor.

Important expectation: composting typically takes time. You aren’t creating “instant compost”—you’re building a safe, stabilized process.

2) Why Eco-Friendly Composting Toilets Matter

Eco-friendly composting toilets can help reduce environmental impact in several ways:

Key benefits beginners usually care about

Less water use: No or minimal flushing water.

Reduced strain on septic/wastewater systems: Especially helpful for cabins, workshops, and properties where wastewater management is limited.

Odor control (when set up correctly): Venting + proper use of cover material makes a big difference.

Resource recovery: Depending on local rules and system type, stabilized material may be usable as soil amendment.

If you’re motivated by sustainability, composting toilets offer a practical “waste-to-resource” approach—without requiring you to fully understand advanced bio-waste science from day one.

3) Types of Composting Toilets (And Which One Beginners Should Consider)

There are several designs, but for beginners, two categories come up most often:

A) Self-contained / vented dry toilets

Often a strong “first system” because they’re relatively straightforward.

Usually designed around a composting chamber with ventilation and carbon cover use.

B) Urine-diverting toilets (UDTs)

Aim to improve efficiency and odor control by separating urine from solids (depending on design).

Many beginners find them easier to keep “fresh” because urine is handled separately.

Beginner recommendation: If odor control is a top priority and you want a system designed around separation, a urine-diverting model is often worth considering. If you want simpler operation and a straightforward start, begin with a quality vented dry/self-contained option.

4) Recommended Features (Beginner “Shopping Compass”)

When you’re browsing, focus on features that directly affect odor control, ease of use, and maintenance. Here are the most beginner-relevant picks:

Odor control & airflow

Reliable ventilation design (vent stack placement, stable airflow pathway)

Good sealing + airflow balancing (so odors don’t escape into the bathroom)

Access to vent inspection/maintenance (so you can keep performance consistent)

Ease of daily use

Clear, simple operation (lid/cover mechanism that’s intuitive)

Easy “covering” method so you can build consistent composting conditions

Smooth interior surfaces that are easy to keep clean

Maintenance and servicing (very important!)

Easy access to the composting chamber/bin

Simple removal process for maintenance/emptying

Durable materials that handle cleaning over time

Capacity fit

Bin size/capacity that matches your household size (and expected guests)

Too small = more frequent handling

Too large = more expense and storage capacity than you need

Accessories & supplies compatibility

Compatibility with bedding/cover materials

Availability of recommended supplies (carbon material, liners if used, etc.)

If your system uses urine diversion, look for a setup that’s manageable for your home layout

5) Buying Checklist (Before You Purchase)

Use this quick checklist so you don’t get stuck with a system that’s “almost right.” Tick the items that match your plan:

Installation & home fit

Where will the toilet be installed? (cabin, basement bathroom, addition, etc.)

Do you have an easy route for venting (roof wall/vertical vent path)?

Is the unit accessible for future maintenance/emptying?

Household usage

How many people will use it regularly?

Do you expect seasonal or guest-heavy use?

Do you want something that’s low-maintenance or are you comfortable doing routine tasks?

Odor control priorities

I want strong odor control (so I’m prioritizing ventilation and/or urine diversion)

I’m willing to use carbon cover material as recommended

Comfort & usability

Does it have a comfortable seat design for everyday use?

Are the controls straightforward for a beginner?

Power / airflow support

If it includes a fan-assisted component, do I have power access and backup considerations?

Compliance & safety basics

I will check local rules about composting toilet use and disposal

Support & supplies

I can find compatible accessories/supplies easily

I have enough guidance to start correctly (bedding, first-time setup, daily operation)

If you’re planning to explore options, this checklist pairs perfectly with browsing at CompostingToiletsUSA.com, where beginners typically can compare systems with real-world usage in mind: https://compostingtoiletsusa.com/

6) How to Choose the Right Composting Toilet for Your Home

Here’s a simple way to decide:

Choose simplicity first if you’re new and want a system that’s easy to learn.

Choose odor-management features (like ventilation design and, often, urine diversion) if you’re worried about smells.

Choose serviceability if you don’t want maintenance to become a weekly headache.

Match capacity to your household so the system handles your usage without constant intervention.

A “great” composting toilet isn’t just about the brand—it’s about fitting your space and habits.

7) Installation Basics (Beginner-Friendly Expectations)

You don’t need to be a plumber to understand what matters. For successful installs:

Prioritize ventilation

Venting is often the #1 factor behind good odor control. Plan the vent route early.

Place it for access

Even the best toilet needs periodic checks and maintenance. Make sure you can reach the bin/chamber area comfortably.

Start with the right bedding method

Many beginners struggle because they don’t start correctly. Using the recommended carbon material and method helps the composting process stay stable from day one.

Friendly reminder: if you’re unsure about venting or placement in your space, it’s worth getting guidance during selection and installation. That’s where starting with the right support can save you frustration.

8) Daily Use Tips for Beginners (How to Get Great Results)

Most odor issues aren’t caused by “bad luck”—they’re usually related to one of these:

The beginner success formula

Add the right cover material every time

Aim for moisture balance (not too wet, not too dry)

Keep airflow functioning (don’t block vents or airflow paths)

What to do

Use cover/bedding consistently as instructed.

Keep the system clean with simple, non-abrasive cleaning habits.

Store and manage any recommended supplies so you’re not tempted to skip steps.

What to avoid

Don’t add items that aren’t intended for composting.

Avoid chemicals that can disrupt biological processes.

Don’t let the system become saturated or unmanaged—small adjustments daily help a lot.

9) Maintenance & Troubleshooting (No Panic Edition)

Routine maintenance (what beginners can expect)

Periodic cleaning of the surfaces as needed

Checking airflow/venting is working as intended

Adding cover material properly

Emptying/removing material according to your system’s capacity and usage

Common beginner issues & what to check

Smells: usually ventilation, airflow blockage, or cover material imbalance

Too wet: add more cover material and check for leaks/urine management (if applicable)

Too dry: adjust bedding additions and ensure moisture balance guidelines are followed

Slow decomposition: often related to moisture, carbon balance, or insufficient airflow

Think of troubleshooting as “adjust variables,” not “replace the whole system.”

10) How Long Until the Compost Is “Ready”?

As a beginner, the key thing to know is: composting takes time. The exact timeline depends on:

system design

bin size and ventilation performance

frequency of use

moisture balance and carbon material management

The goal is to allow decomposition and stabilization over the recommended period, and then follow safe handling/disposal guidelines.

11) Cost & Value (What Beginners Should Know)

Eco-friendly composting toilets can be a great value, but the “value” comes from the whole setup:

Upfront cost of the toilet

Installation needs (especially venting)

Ongoing cost of carbon/bedding materials and basic cleaning supplies

Power cost if you choose fan-assisted systems

Many homeowners find the long-term value compelling because they reduce water usage and often reduce ongoing wastewater handling strain.

12) Eco-Friendly: What’s Truly “Eco-Friendly”?

A composting toilet is most eco-friendly when:

it’s used correctly (so it performs well)

supplies are managed responsibly

waste handling is done safely and in line with local guidance

If you’re hoping to reduce your footprint, the best approach is to choose a system that you’ll actually use consistently and maintain properly.

14) Conclusion: Start Right, and You’ll Feel Confident

Choosing an eco-friendly composting toilet doesn’t have to be intimidating. As a beginner, focus on:

Ventilation and airflow reliability

Ease of use and daily cover/bedding routine

Maintenance access

Correct capacity for your household

Starter guidance so you commission the system properly

If you’d like to compare options and get beginner-friendly direction, visit CompostingToiletsUSA.com here: https://compostingtoiletsusa.com/