A composting toilet is the ultimate eco-friendly upgrade. It slashes your water usage and transforms waste into usable fertilizer. Because they don’t require traditional plumbing, they are the perfect solution for off-grid cabins, RVs, boats, or tiny homes.
Installation is usually a breeze, making them accessible for almost anyone. However, picking the right one is tricky. You need a unit that manages odors effectively and doesn’t turn maintenance into a nightmare.
We tested and reviewed the top composting toilets on the market. We evaluated them based on size, tank capacity, odor control, and how easy they are to live with day-to-day.
- Compact footprint
- Bellows-type flush pump
- Ideal for RVs
- Snap-on seat and lid
- Doesn't require any connections
- 20-liter capacity
- Battery-operated flush
- 21-liter capacity
- Tank level indicator
- Spider handle agitator
- 22-liter liquids bin
- Includes a 12-volt fan
- 5-year warranty
- Swedish design
- AC and DC compatible
- Low maintenance
- No electricity required
- Compact design
What Is a Composting Toilet?
A composting toilet collects human waste and breaks it down using natural aerobic bacteria rather than flushing it away with gallons of water. Think of it like a garden compost bin, but for your bathroom. This process turns waste into safe, soil-like material that can often be returned to the earth.
Unlike standard flushing toilets, these units rely on oxygen and time. To help things along and keep smells at bay, you typically add carbon-rich organic material, like peat moss, coconut coir, or sawdust, after every use.
Benefits of a Composting Toilet
Old-school misconceptions suggest these toilets are smelly outhouses, but modern tech has changed the game. Here is why you might want one:
Eco-Friendly Impact
If you garden, this is a closed-loop system. The solid waste eventually becomes nutrient-rich soil (humanure) that you can use on ornamental plants.
Massive Water Savings
Traditional toilets flush away precious drinking water. Composting toilets are usually dry or use a negligible amount of water, saving thousands of gallons a year.
Total Freedom
No sewer connection? No septic tank? No problem. These units go where pipes can’t, making them ideal for remote cabins or van life.
RV and Marine efficiency
Hauling around a tank full of blackwater adds weight and requires frequent pump-outs. Composting toilets significantly extend your time off-grid before you need to worry about emptying anything.
Disadvantages to Consider
It is not all roses; there is a learning curve involved:
Hands-On Maintenance
You can’t just flush and forget. You have to manage the compost medium, empty the urine bottle frequently, and dump the solids bin.
Upfront Cost
Good composting toilets are an investment. They generally cost more than a standard porcelain bowl, and you have ongoing costs for bulking material like peat moss.
Space Requirements
Some units are taller or bulkier than standard toilets. You also need room to remove the bins for emptying, which can be tricky in tight boat heads or wet baths.
The “Ick” Factor
For guests or first-timers, the concept can be intimidating. If not maintained perfectly, you might deal with an occasional bug issue or earthy smell.
How to Choose a Composting Toilet
The market is split between simple buckets and high-tech waste processors. Here is what you need to look for.
Footprint and Install Space
Measure twice, buy once. In an RV or boat, every inch counts. Some units require clearance behind them to hinge open, while others need side space to slide out a tray.
Check for power requirements too. The best units use 12v fans to vent odors outside. If you are totally off-grid, you need to make sure your battery bank can handle the constant draw, or opt for a non-electric model.
Separating vs. Mixed
This is the biggest distinction. Urine-diverting toilets separate liquids from solids. This is crucial for preventing smells (sewage smells happen when pee and poo mix) and speeds up composting.
Portable/Chemical toilets collect everything in one tank. These are easier to use but smell worse and don’t actually create compost; they just hold waste until you can dump it.
Tank Capacity
How many people are using it? A couple in a van can get away with a small capacity unit (emptying solids every 3-4 weeks). A family of four in a cabin needs a high-capacity model, or you will be emptying the bin constantly.
Remember: liquids fill up fast. Look for a large urine bottle (2+ gallons) or a unit that can be plumbed into a gray water drain.
Agitator Type
To compost effectively, the solids need to be mixed. Some toilets use a manual crank handle. If you choose this, ensure you have room next to the toilet to turn it.
Others use electric agitators or “spiders” that mix the waste with the push of a button. These are easier to use but require a power source and can break.
Legal Compliance
Codes vary wildly by state and county. Some areas are fine with NSF-certified composting toilets; others strictly forbid them in dwellings with a Certificate of Occupancy.
Always check with your local zoning office or building inspector before ripping out your plumbing.
Product Reviews
We’ve compared the top models to see which ones actually handle waste effectively and which ones are just glorified buckets. Whether you need a high-tech solution for a tiny home or a simple portable option for camping, here are our top picks.
Ogo Composting Toilet
Best Composting Toilet for Odor
The Ogo is a modern, compact powerhouse that solves the biggest annoyance of composting toilets: the crank handle. Instead of manually churning the mix, the Ogo uses an electric agitator. You just push a button, and it does the dirty work for you.
It has one of the smallest footprints on the market, making it perfect for van builds or tight boat heads where space is premium. The design is sleek and doesn’t look like a piece of agricultural equipment.
Odor control is excellent thanks to the built-in fan and urine diversion. It separates liquids into a front bottle and solids into the main bin. The only catch? You need a 12v power source for the agitator and fan, so it’s not truly “unplugged.”
Pros
- Electric agitator (no cranking)
- Very small footprint
- Urine level indicator light
- Easy-to-empty waste bin
- Modern aesthetic
Cons
- Requires power to mix
- Pricey
- Smaller capacity than Nature’s Head
Product Specs
| Weight (pounds) | 28 |
| Dimensions (inches) | 15 x 16 x 18.38 |
| Agitator | Yes |
| Bin capacity | 2.4-gallon |
| Price | $$$$ |
| Warranty | 5-year plastic components; 1 year electrical components |
Our Ratings
Camco 41541 Portable Travel Toilet
Best Composting Toilet for RVs
Let’s be clear: the Camco 41541 is a portable “cassette” toilet, not a true composting unit. It doesn’t break waste down into soil; it holds it in a tank until you can dump it. However, for weekend RV trips or emergency use, it is a fantastic, budget-friendly option.
The top half holds freshwater for flushing, and the bottom half holds the waste. When the bottom is full, you detach it, walk it to a dump station or toilet, and empty it via the pour spout.
It’s robust, seals tightly to keep smells inside, and costs a fraction of what a diverting toilet costs. Just keep in mind that you will be dealing with a slurry of chemicals and waste, which is heavier and smellier to empty than dry compost.
Pros
- Extremely affordable
- Portable and lightweight
- Effective flush mechanism
- Seals odors well when closed
- 5.3-gallon waste capacity
Cons
- Not a true composting toilet
- Heavy to carry when full
- Requires chemicals to manage smell
Product Specs
| Weight (pounds) | 10.8 |
| Dimensions (inches) | 14 x 16 x 15.5 |
| Agitator | No |
| Bin capacity | 20 liters |
| Price | $$ |
| Warranty | 1-year |
Our Ratings
Reliance Products Luggable Loo
Best Composting Toilet for Camping
The Luggable Loo is essentially a 5-gallon bucket with a snap-on toilet seat, but sometimes simple is exactly what you need. For camping trips, hunting blinds, or emergency preparedness, it works perfectly.
There is no separation of liquids and solids, and no fan. To use this as a “dry” toilet, you would line it with a bag and cover your business with sawdust or peat moss after every use.
It is lightweight, cheap, and unbreakable. Just remember that because it doesn’t divert urine, it will start to smell much faster than sophisticated units. You should plan on emptying this daily or using dedicated “wag bags” with gelling powder.
Pros
- Cheapest option available
- Zero installation required
- Indestructible design
- Great for emergencies
- Snap-on lid
Cons
- No odor control system
- Low seat height
- Frequent emptying required
Product Specs
| Weight (pounds) | 3.2 |
| Dimensions (inches) | 34 x 37 x 32.5 |
| Agitator | No |
| Bin capacity | 20 liters |
| Price | $ |
| Warranty | 5-year |
Our Ratings
Porta Potti White by Thetford
Best Portable Composting Toilet
The Thetford Porta Potti is the Cadillac of portable chemical toilets. It features a battery-powered flush, a comfortable seat height, and a sleek design that feels more like a home toilet than a camping gadget.
Like the Camco, this is a holding tank system. However, Thetford has refined the experience. It has a tank level indicator so you are never surprised by a full tank, and the pour-out spout rotates to make emptying the cassette much cleaner and splash-free.
It even includes a hidden toilet paper holder. If you want the convenience of a flush without the plumbing of a full composting system, this is the best portable unit money can buy.
Pros
- Battery-powered electric flush
- Tank level indicators
- Mess-free rotating pour spout
- Standard toilet height
- Integrated toilet paper holder
Cons
- Chemical smell can be strong
- Heavy when full (approx 40-50 lbs)
- Does not create compost
Product Specs
| Weight (pounds) | 13.45 |
| Dimensions (inches) | 18.39 x 15.75 x 17.83 |
| Agitator | No |
| Bin capacity | 21 liters |
| Price | $$ |
| Warranty | 3-year |
Our Ratings
Nature’s Head Composting Toilet
Best Self Contained Composting Toilet
The Nature’s Head is widely considered the gold standard for off-grid living. It is rugged, reliable, and uses a proven urine-diverting design to keep odors to an absolute minimum.
It features a “spider” handle agitator. This is a space-saving crank that you turn after using the toilet to mix the compost medium. Because it is compact, you can install this toilet closer to a wall than models with long crank handles.
The build quality is bomb-proof. It uses a 12v computer fan to continuously pull air through the solids bin and out a vent hose. This dries out the waste, drastically reducing volume and smell. Two people can use this full-time for about a month before needing to dump the solids bin.
Pros
- Industry-leading durability
- Excellent urine diversion
- Compact spider handle
- Simple, tool-free emptying
- 5-year warranty
Cons
- High price point
- Urine bottle needs frequent emptying (every 2-3 days)
Product Specs
| Weight (pounds) | 28 |
| Dimensions (inches) | 22 x 20.5 x 21.7 |
| Agitator | Yes (spider handle) |
| Bin capacity | 2.2-gallon |
| Price | $$$$ |
| Warranty | 5-year |
Our Ratings
Separett Villa 9215 AC/DC
Best High Capacity Composting Toilet
The Separett Villa brings a touch of Swedish sophistication to the bathroom. Unlike Nature’s Head or Ogo, you don’t have to look at your waste. When you sit down, a pressure-sensitive blue screen slides open; when you stand up, it closes, hiding the contents from view.
This unit is designed for permanent installation. It does not have a urine bottle. Instead, it has a drain hose that you plumb into a gray water tank or a soak pit outdoors. This gives it infinite liquid capacity, you never have to carry a bottle of pee through your house.
It also doesn’t use an agitator. Instead, the bin rotates slightly every time you sit down to distribute the waste. When the bin is full, you just lid it and swap it for a fresh one.
Pros
- Privacy screen hides waste
- No urine bottle to empty
- Feels like a standard toilet
- Quiet operation
- Includes AC and DC adaptors
Cons
- Requires plumbing for urine drain
- Larger footprint
- No built-in agitator (uses rotation)
Product Specs
| Weight (pounds) | 30 |
| Dimensions (inches) | 26.5 x 18 x 21.3 |
| Agitator | No |
| Bin capacity | 27.3 liters |
| Price | $$$$ |
| Warranty | 5-year |
Our Ratings
Sun-Mar GTG Composting Toilet
Best Non-Electric Composting Toilet
The Sun-Mar GTG (Goes To Go) is sleek, compact, and incredibly simple. It’s designed specifically for tight quarters like vans and boats. The styling is much more “bathroom appliance” than “industrial bucket,” which many users appreciate.
It separates urine and solids effectively. The solids bin is smaller than the Nature’s Head, making it lighter and easier to lift out when it’s time to empty.
Installation is plug-and-play. You just vent it and bolt it down. While it includes a fan, the design is efficient enough that in many climates you can run it passively if you have good external airflow. Sun-Mar is a giant in the composting world, so you get the backing of a major brand.
Pros
- Sleek, modern design
- Compact dimensions
- Easy-to-remove bins
- Good separation mechanism
- Strong brand reputation
Cons
- Smaller solids capacity
- Seat feels a bit flimsy to some
Product Specs
| Weight (pounds) | 25 |
| Dimensions (inches) | 24 x 15.75 x 19.8 |
| Agitator | Yes |
| Bin capacity | 6 gallons for solids |
| Price | $$$$ |
| Warranty | Not stated |
Our Ratings
| Product | Best | Weight | Dimensions | Agitator | Bin capacity | Warranty |
| Ogo Compost Toilet | Odor | 28 lbs | 15 x 16 x 18.38″ | Yes | 2.4-gal | 5-year |
| Camco 41541 Portable Travel Toilet | RVs | 10.8 lbs | 14 x 16 x 15.5″ | No | 20 L | 1-year |
| Reliance Products Luggable Loo | Camping | 3 lbs | 34 x 37 x 32.5″ | No | 20 L | 5-year |
| Porta Potti White by Thetford | Portable | 13 lbs | 18.39 x 15.75 x 17.83″ | No | 21 L | 3-year |
| Nature’s Head Composting Toilet | Self-Contained | 28 lbs | 22 x 20.5 x 21.7″ | Yes | 2.2-gal | 5-year |
| Separett Villa 9215 AC/DC | High-Capacity | 30 lbs | 26.5 x 18 x 21.3″ | No | 27.3 L | 5-year |
| Sun-Mar Non-Electric Composting Toilet | Non-Electric | 25 lbs | 24 x 15.75 x 19.8″ | Yes | 6 gal | N/A |
Installation and Maintenance Guide
Composting toilets are generally considered “low tech,” but they do require specific setup to ensure they don’t smell. The goal is to create an environment where aerobic bacteria can thrive.
In the US, many units aim for NSF Standard 41 certification. This ensures the toilet actually handles the capacity it claims and contains bacteria safely (1).
How to Install
Most urine-diverting toilets (like Nature’s Head or Ogo) follow a similar install path. Here is the general workflow:
- Location: Ensure you have clearance to open the lid or remove the drawer. If the toilet has a side crank, make sure it isn’t hitting the wall.
- Venting: This is critical. You need to run a hose from the toilet to the outside. Avoid sharp 90-degree turns in the hose, as these restrict airflow and trap smells.
- Power: If your unit has a fan (highly recommended), wire it to your 12v DC system. A small fuse is usually included.
- Mounting: Screw the brackets to the floor. The toilet usually clips onto these, allowing you to remove the whole unit if necessary.
Daily Maintenance
Using these toilets is slightly different from what you are used to.
- Sit Down: Everyone needs to sit. The urine diverter is located at the front of the bowl. If you stand, you will miss the target and contaminate the solids bin.
- Cover It: After doing “number two,” you usually need to turn the agitator handle to mix the waste with the medium. If you don’t have an agitator, you manually cover the waste with a scoop of sawdust.
- Paper: Most people put toilet paper right in the bowl. It breaks down fine, though single-ply works fastest.
Emptying the Bins
This is the part everyone worries about, but it is surprisingly not gross if done right.
1. The Urine Bottle
This needs to be emptied frequently, usually every 2 to 4 days for two people.
- Unlock the toilet latch and lift the upper bowl.
- Remove the bottle and cap it immediately.
- Pour it into a regular toilet, a dedicated outhouse, or dilute it with water (10:1 ratio) to use as fertilizer on non-edible plants.
2. The Solids Bin
You only empty this when it’s full, which can take anywhere from 3 weeks to 3 months depending on usage.
- If the crank is hard to turn, it is full.
- Tip the contents into a compostable trash bag. It should look and smell like damp soil, not sewage.
- Place this bag into your main outdoor compost pile to finish curing. Do not put this directly on your vegetable garden yet; it needs more time to kill off pathogens.
- Pro Tip: Re-prime the empty bin with a layer of hydrated coconut coir before using it again.
Top Tip
Composting Toilet FAQs
Can You Pee in a Composting Toilet?
Yes, but most modern composting toilets require you to separate it. The “diverter” catches urine at the front and sends it to a bottle or drain, while solids fall into the back. Keeping them separate is the secret to a smell-free bathroom; wet solids create sewage smells, while dry solids just compost.
How Bad Do Composting Toilets Smell?
Surprisingly, they shouldn’t smell like a bathroom at all. If the fan is running and you have good separation, the most you should smell is an earthy, dirt-like scent from the peat moss. If it smells bad, it usually means the solids are too wet or the fan has stopped working.
Do You Have to Empty a Composting Toilet?
Yes, it is a manual process. The urine bottle usually needs emptying every few days, while the solids bin can last weeks or even months. The solids will have shrunk down significantly in volume, so you empty it far less often than you might expect.
What Can You Do With Composting Toilet Waste?
The solid waste should be added to a dedicated outdoor compost pile to finish decomposing. Once it has fully cured (usually after a year), it is safe to use as fertilizer around trees or ornamental flowers. Avoid using it on vegetables meant for human consumption just to be safe.
Do You Need Plumbing for a Composting Toilet?
Generally, no. Most units are self-contained. The only “plumbing” involved is running a small ventilation hose through the wall or roof. However, some models like the Separett offer the option to pipe urine into a drain, which does require some basic plumbing work.
How Much Does It Cost to Install a Composting Toilet?
The installation cost is usually zero if you do it yourself. Since there are no water lines to run or black tanks to bury, you just need a drill and some basic tools to secure the unit and cut a hole for the vent. The cost is almost entirely in purchasing the unit itself.
Are Composting Toilets Worth the Money?
If you are living off-grid, in a van, or somewhere with expensive water hookups, absolutely. They pay for themselves by eliminating the need for septic systems, pump-out fees, and massive water bills. They also give you freedom to live in places where traditional plumbing isn’t an option.
Do You Put Toilet Paper In a Composting Toilet?
Yes, standard toilet paper is fine. It is organic material, so it will compost right along with everything else. To speed things up, many users prefer single-ply or RV-specific paper because it breaks down faster and is less likely to get wrapped around the agitator.
How Long Does It Take a Composting Toilet to Compost?
The waste inside the toilet starts composting immediately, but it won’t be “finished” soil when you empty the bin. The material inside the toilet is mostly just dried and broken down. It typically takes another 6 to 12 months in an outdoor compost pile to fully transform into pathogen-free earth.
Do Composting Toilets Work in the Winter?
Yes, you can use them in winter, but the composting process slows down when temps drop below 55°F (13°C). If the toilet is in a heated cabin, it works fine. If it’s in a freezing shed, the waste will just freeze rather than compost. You can still use it, but you’ll be emptying a frozen block rather than soil.
How Often Do Composting Toilets Need to be Changed?
The physical toilet unit can last decades. There are very few moving parts to break. You might need to replace the small computer fan every few years or swap out a rubber seal, but the main body is usually heavy-duty plastic that withstands years of abuse.
What Is the Best Type of Composting Toilet?
For most people, a urine-diverting toilet (like the Ogo or Nature’s Head) is the best choice. Separating the liquids from the solids is the single most effective way to prevent smells and extend the time between emptying the bin. It makes the whole experience much more pleasant than older “bucket style” toilets.
How Do I Keep Bugs Out of My Composting Toilet?
Fungus gnats or flies can occasionally be an issue if the compost gets too wet. To prevent this, add diatomaceous earth to your compost medium occasionally. Also, ensure your ventilation hose has a fine mesh insect screen on the outside cap to stop bugs from flying in through the vent.
