A composting toilet can be an excellent environmentally conscious choice for an off-grid tiny home. This is why in this guide, I’ve decided to share everything you need to know to find the best composting toilet for your tiny house.
I’ve evaluated all the most popular composting toilet models on the market today based on criteria like price, ease of use, odor control, and reliability. I’ll provide pros and cons for each option and make recommendations for different needs and budgets.
Here are the best composting toilets for tiny homes:
Table Of Contents
1. Nature’s Head Self-Contained Composting Toilet
BEST OVERALL
The Nature’s Head Self-Contained Composting Toilet is a modern solution for sustainable living enthusiasts, RV travelers, tiny home owners, and those seeking an eco-friendly alternative to traditional toilets.
This model, equipped with a “close quarters spider handle design”, is crafted from durable plastic and boasts a granite color.
The unit is designed for easy installation on walls and offers a significant capacity. With two people using it full-time, the composting chamber requires emptying only every 2-3 weeks. The design promises absolutely no odor, making it a comfortable and hygienic choice for users.
One of the standout features of this composting toilet is its commitment to superior customer service.
Beyond this, the toilet is easy to install, even for those with just basic handy skills. The unit also boasts a 5-year warranty, underscoring the brand’s confidence in its product.
The design improvements over older composting toilets are evident, with users highlighting its efficiency and effectiveness. Many users have praised its durability, ease of use, and installation process.
With an excellent reputation after over 20 years on the market, Nature’s Head is one of the most popular and reliable composting toilets for tiny home use. It comes as no surprise that this is the best composting toilet for tiny houses and off-grid applications.
Pros:
- No Odor
- Easy Installation
- High Capacity
- Dual chamber design
- Built-in fan and vent
- 2-3 week empty cycle
- Can handle full-time use by family
- 5-year warranty
Cons:
- Relatively expensive
- A bit heavy when full
- A bit bulky
- Manual mixing mechanism
2. Separett Villa 9215 AC/DC Composting Toilet
The Separett Villa 9215 AC/DC offers a waterless, urine-diverting composting system, perfect for both on-grid and off-grid settings. With its dual power operation, it’s versatile for homes with or without standard electricity.
Designed for compact spaces, this toilet is ideal for tiny homes and RVs. Despite its size, it effectively manages waste, separating urine from solids. The package even includes essential accessories, ensuring a hassle-free setup.
Many users appreciate its odorless operation, attributing it to the single-speed fan. However, some mention challenges in cleaning specific areas. Regular maintenance is a must, but the overall experience is positive, especially for those in mobile homes or off-grid settings.
Pros:
- Odorless operation
- Easy installation
- Dual power
- Modern style
- Dual chamber design
Cons:
- Cleaning Challenges
- Liquid’s bottle must be frequently emptied
3. OGO Composting Toilet
The OGO Compost Toilet boasts a compact design, making it an ideal choice for RVs, vans, boats, and tiny homes. Its small footprint, measuring 15″ deep by 16″ wide, ensures it fits seamlessly into limited spaces without compromising on functionality.
Equipped with an electric mixing mechanism, this toilet simplifies the composting process. The push of a button ensures effective mixing, while the urine level sensor alerts users before the 2.4-gallon urine bottle reaches its capacity, preventing any overflow issues.
Beyond its modern aesthetics, the OGO Compost Toilet is a testament to sustainable living. By composting waste, it conserves water and reduces the need for traditional sewage systems. This eco-friendly approach not only benefits the environment but also offers a practical solution for off-grid living in tiny homes.
Pros:
- Compact design
- Electric mixing
- Urine Level sensor
Cons:
- Daily emptying
- A bit expensive
4. SUN-MAR GTG Portable Composting Toilet
The SUN-MAR GTG composting toilet is a compact and portable solution, perfect for off-grid living, tiny homes, and RV enthusiasts. Its unique design separates liquid and solid waste into different chambers, ensuring efficient waste management.
This toilet offers the convenience of easy installation and a design that mirrors a cassette toilet. Its compact nature doesn’t compromise on practicality, making it a top choice for those living in limited spaces.
However, while many appreciate its build and functionality, some users have pointed out challenges with certain features. For instance, issues with the fan and the material’s porous nature have been highlighted, which might affect the cleaning process.
Pros:
- Compact design
- Efficient separation
- Easy installation
Cons:
- Potential fan issues
- Porous material may be hard to clean
- A bit bulky
- Customer support not always responsive
5. BOXIO Toilet Plus (Composting)
Budget Option
The BOXIO Toilet Plus is an innovative composting toilet, designed with mobility in mind. Its extremely compact dimensions make it a perfect fit for tiny homes, RVs, or off-grid settings, ensuring hygiene without compromising on space.
Prioritizing environmental consciousness, this toilet separates liquid and solid waste. The solid waste pairs with BOXIO Hemp-Litter, ensuring effective drying and reduced odor. This separation means no chemicals, aligning with sustainable living principles.
Made in Germany, the BOXIO Toilet Plus boasts a high capacity, handling 8-10 uses before needing disposal. Its design ensures easy waste management, freeing users from the constraints of regular disposal stations, a boon for those on the move or in remote locations.
Pros:
- Super compact design
- Chemical-Free
- Easy disposal
Cons:
- Limited capacity
- Possible odor concerns
- May feel too small or too low
Choosing Between Electric and Non-Electric
Another key choice is whether you need an electric composting toilet or can manage with a non-electric model.
Electric Composting Toilets:
- Use fans to ventilate the chamber and speed-drying
- Require 12V DC or 120V AC power connection
- Ideal for full-time residences with wired utilities
Non-Electric Composting Toilets:
- Passively ventilated and manually agitated
- No need for wasteful energy consumption
- Better suited for off-grid operation
While electric models actively speed up composting, non-electric designs work perfectly fine, just at a slower pace. Consider your utility access and environmental goals when deciding.
Key Factors to Choose the Right Toilet
Here are the most important criteria to evaluate when choosing your composting toilet:
Odor Control
First and foremost, you want a toilet that effectively minimizes odors during use. Self-contained and urine-separating toilets control the smell best when properly vented.
Ease of Use
Consider convenience factors like comfortable seat height, ease of turning or agitating the compost, and ergonomics in emptying and cleaning the toilet.
Capacity
Bigger capacities extend the time between emptying. For full-time residential use, look for larger tanks that can hold enough uses before needing to empty.
Power and Venting
Off-grid users may prefer to stick with non-electric and passive ventilated models. For grid-connected tiny homes, electric fans simplify ventilation and speed composting.
Size and Weight
Make sure the toilet dimensions fit your bathroom floor plan. Heavier models may also be difficult to maneuver during installation.
Aesthetics
While not critical, you may want a toilet style that matches your tiny house decor. Models like the Separett Villa have more refined, sleek designs.
Reliability and Support
Proven toilet brands with long warranties offer peace of mind. Read third-party reviews and check what support options they provide.
Price and Budget
Compare your budget to prices that range from $100 for simple bucket toilets to $1,000+ for top-tier composting toilet models with large capacities and advanced features.
FAQ
Are composting toilets safe and sanitary?
Yes, when properly maintained, composting toilets are safe. Composted human waste poses minimal health risks and can safely fertilize ornamental plants.
Do composting toilets require electricity?
No, there are models specially designed for off-grid use that operate without any electricity. However, electric models with a small built-in fan offer better odor control and faster composting.
Do composting toilets smell bad?
Modern composting toilets are designed to be odorless when properly vented and maintained. However, any toilet can have some smell at times under heavy use.
How do you empty a composting toilet?
Typically, most of the liquid waste is diverted to a removable tank that needs emptied every few weeks. The solid compost chamber usually needs to be emptied every few weeks. Compost can be buried or bagged and sent to a waste facility.
Can composting toilets accommodate full-time use?
Yes, many composting toilets like the Nature’s Head can easily handle regular use by a family. For full-time residential use, look for larger capacity models.
Are composting toilets difficult to maintain?
Composting toilets require more involvement than flush toilets, but with a little routine maintenance, they are very manageable. Expect to spend 5-10 minutes every few weeks emptying tanks and turning or agitating the compost.
Conclusion
I hope this guide gives you the knowledge to choose the best composting toilet for your unique tiny house needs. Composting toilets offer an eco-friendly, sustainable way to comfortably live off-grid.
While not for everyone, the top-rated models make waterless living simple. Just be sure to select a toilet sized appropriately for your space and usage with effective ventilation to control odors.
Let me know if you have any other questions, I’m happy to help provide advice if needed. Thank you for reading and happy tiny house building!
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