Why Choose a Composting Toilet For Your Off-Grid Adventures?

Travel worry-free for longer

Are you trying to decide between a chemical toilet or composting toilet for your caravan, motorhome, boat or camper?

Composting toilets let you have pure freedom and peace of mind for your next adventure. They enable you to enjoy your journey without concerns about functionality. Let’s quickly delve into the features of a composting toilet to see if it is right fit for you.

What is a Compost Toilet?

In simple terms composting toilets use an innovative biological process to breakdown human waste. Using composting material such as coir peat to transform it into nutrient-rich beneficial compost, making them a sustainable choice.

Before we go any further I also want to debunk a misconception, while permanent composting systems facilitate end-to-end composting, portable compost toilets which I refer to in this blog, are only initiating the process and require further decomposition.

Benefits of a composting toilet

Composting toilets are gaining popularity in Australia. No matter the space, and environment, composting toilets are suitable for various applications, including off-grid camping, caravanning, camper travel, and boaters who want to travel for longer. They are:

• 100% Waterless – Water is a precious resource, especially when you’re on the move. Composting toilets do not require water which significantly reduces freshwater consumption associated with traditional chemical toilets and water flushed systems. Allowing you to extend your time spent off-grid.
• Chemical Free – Composting toilets do not require harsh chemicals to control odour and breakdown solids. Which reduces operating costs and conserves resources to minimise environmental impact.
• Affordable – One of the standout benefits of a compost toilet is its cost-effectiveness. Traditional portable toilets often require expensive chemicals and regular emptying services. Compost toilets, on the other hand have minimal ongoing costs. Once set up, the main expense is the replacement of the composting material, such as coir peat.
• Easy to Use – The removable solids chamber and urine bottle allows for easy cleaning.
• Say Goodbye to Dump Points – Compost toilets eliminate the need for hookups or frequent visits to dump points. When it is time to empty, simply place the solids waste into a biodegradable or compostable bag and put it into a rubbish bin going to landfill. The urine bottle can be emptied under a bush or down a drain. This means you can venture further into remote areas without worrying about your waste management.
• Eco Friendly – Chemical toilets rely on harsh substances that can leach into the soil and water systems. In contrast, compost toilets transform waste into beneficial compost that can be safely returned to the earth, By using a compost toilet, you’re reducing your reliance on harmful chemicals and your carbon and water footprint.
• Odour Free – Contrary to common misconceptions, a well-maintained compost toilet does not smell. By separating the urine and solids into two chambers you eliminate odours.
• Low Maintenance – Composting toilets are self-contained systems that require little maintenance.
• Healthy and Hygienic – Compost toilets are designed to be hygienic and safe. By separating liquid and solid waste, this prevents the creation of sewage, which can be a breeding ground for harmful bacteria. The composting process itself also helps break down pathogens, making the end product safe.
• Lightweight and space-saving – Compost toilets are typically lightweight and compact, making them ideal. Unlike bulky black water tanks, a compost toilet can fit into smaller spaces and be easily integrated without sacrificing space or comfort, which is valuable in any mobile living situation.

Are all Compost Toilets the same?

The fundamental principle of separating urine from solids is standard among most portable compost toilets currently available. The variations lie in their design features, such as size, capacity, portability, and mechanics. Important factors to consider when selecting a composting toilet include:

• Agitation Mechanism: Some models use an agitator to actively mix waste with composting medium, to speed up decomposition and reduce odours. Others use a layering method, which may decompose slower due to poor aeration.
• Urine Diversion: Effective urine diversion significantly reduces odour and eliminates the necessity for traditional black tanks and chemical treatments. Additionally, models equipped with urine sensors or drain kits streamline urine management, thereby improving user convenience and system efficiency.

In Australia, the OGO Origin  and the Nature’s Head are they best ranked composting toilets, with many caravan manufactures installing them as an alternative. These toilets are globally recognised and perfectly suit the mobile lifestyle.

Why is airflow and venting important?

In most composting toilets venting is essential to having a healthy system. While some people may associate vents with odour control, venting serves several important purposes beyond just managing smells. The airflow in your system helps to maintain a healthy aerobic composting process by regulating moisture levels and suppling oxygen for composting microbes.

How do compost toilet allow me to travel longer off-grid?

Compost toilets allow you to have freedom to travel wherever you want without having to worry about endless hookups and frequent visits to designated dump points.

With a composting toilet you are extending the time between emptying. For example on average you will need to change the OGO Origin solids chamber every 3 – 4 weeks for 2 people full time. Where as the Nature’s Head capacity allows you to travel for up to 6 – 8 weeks. The urine bottle should emptied every 24-48 hours.

Easy Installation

A lot of people are opting to remove their old chemical toilet and retro fit with a composting toilet. The OGO Origin  and the Nature’s Head are self-contained units that come with everything you need for a straightforward installation. For those wanting to customise their setup, these two brands offer a range of accessories to assist with varying types of installations. If you want to explore in detail what is required to retrofit the unit. we recommend checking out our resource centre or watch some of the installation videos our customers have shared online.

Final Words

So, if you’re looking for an environmentally conscious, low-odour, water-saving, easy to maintain and wallet-friendly option, then a composting toilet is your answer.

Explore our range of composting toilets to see which one best suits your requirements.