Composting Toilets: Camper-Friendly And Convenient?

If you're an RV or camper van owner, you may have considered installing a composting toilet. Composting toilets are an eco-friendly alternative to traditional toilets, as they don't use water or plumbing. Instead, they separate liquids and solids, allowing solids to convert into compost that can be used as fertiliser.

There are several benefits to using a composting toilet. They save water and energy, reduce odour, and are easy to install and maintain. However, there are also some drawbacks, such as the need for regular cleaning and the high upfront purchase cost.

When choosing a composting toilet, it's important to consider factors such as size, features, and price. Popular options include the Nature's Head Self Contained Composting Toilet, the Cuddy Composting Toilet, and the Trelino Composting Toilet. These toilets vary in size, price, and features, so it's important to select one that fits your specific needs and space constraints.

Benefits of a composting toilet in an RV

Eco-friendly and Sustainable

Composting toilets are an eco-friendly alternative to traditional toilets, as they do not require any water for flushing. This not only saves a significant amount of water but also reduces the need for sewage plants, which use harmful chemicals to treat raw waste. The waste in composting toilets is converted into usable fertilized soil, which can be returned to the soil as manure, just like animal waste. This process also helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions by diverting waste from landfills.

Easy to Use and Install

Composting toilets are surprisingly clean and easy to use and install. They do not require any plumbing, chemicals, or flushing, and they can be used in the wild or at campsites. The installation process is simple, as there is no plumbing involved, and only a vent hose and a small fan need to be set up.

Space and Weight Saving

Composting toilets have a compact design and do not require a black water tank attachment, making them perfect for small camper bathrooms. They also help save weight in your RV, allowing you to use that weight for other things, such as additional fresh water tanks, tools, toys, or batteries.

Cost-efficient

While composting toilets have a higher initial cost, they are more cost-efficient in the long term. You can save money by reducing the number of campground visits, as you don't need to empty the tank as frequently as with a traditional toilet. Additionally, you can avoid the gross and bacteria-ridden process of emptying a black water tank.

Perfect for Boondocking and Off-grid Living

Composting toilets are ideal for boondocking and off-grid living as they do not require any hookups. You can easily dump the toilet on your own, eliminating the need for frequent campground visits. This makes them a great choice for those who want to live off the grid and have more flexibility in their camping locations.

How composting toilets work

Composting toilets are an eco-friendly alternative to traditional toilets, and they can be particularly useful for those who love to travel. They work by breaking down human waste into compost without using any water or chemicals.

The process is simple: when you sit on the toilet, a separator divides liquids and solids into two separate containers. This prevents smells by keeping them from mixing, which is what creates the typical sewage odour. After each use, you add a carbon-rich cover material, such as sawdust, to the solids to absorb moisture and prevent odours. There is no need for flushing, and when the containers are full, you can dispose of the liquids and solids separately.

Most composting toilets have the same three primary functions:

• They evaporate moisture. Liquids naturally evaporate over time, and these toilets provide enough aeration to allow moisture to escape outside without the compost pile becoming completely dry.
• They don't create odours while composting. The use of bulking materials, such as sawdust or peat mix, helps break down waste quickly to avoid smells.
• They make it safe to handle compost. The right bulking material and the build of the system allow for safe handling of the compost.

Once the composting process is complete, you can use the resulting materials as fertiliser for a garden, or dump the waste in a designated area.

Installation of a composting toilet

Composting toilets are an eco-friendly alternative to traditional toilets, which can be a great addition to your camper. They are dry toilets that don't use water for flushing and instead, separate liquids and solids to prevent waste from turning into sewage.

Step 1: Measure and Plan

Before purchasing a composting toilet, it is crucial to measure the available space in your camper. These toilets can be expensive, so ensuring it fits is essential. Additionally, consider the ventilation requirements and power supply for the fan. You will need to route the vent hose from the bathroom to the outside, which may involve cutting a hole in the wall of your camper.

Step 2: Purchase the Right Toilet

There are several types of composting toilets available, including self-contained and central compost systems. For a camper, a self-contained unit is more suitable as it is an all-in-one model with both the toilet and composting area combined. Popular brands include Nature's Head, Air Head, Trelino, Separett, Sun-Mar, and OGO Origin.

Step 3: Prepare the Space

You will need to cap off the original toilet's water line. Turn off the water pump, disconnect the water line, and remove the old toilet. Install a cap onto the water line to seal it off.

Step 4: Build a Platform

Construct a platform to raise the composting toilet a couple of inches off the ground. This can be done using plywood. Ensure that the platform is secure and doesn't obstruct the original sewer hole.

Step 5: Mount the Composting Toilet

Follow the manufacturer's instructions to mount the composting toilet onto the platform. This usually involves screwing brackets to the base.

Step 6: Install a Vent Fan

Install a vent fan to reduce odours and improve ventilation. The vent can be placed through the wall, ceiling, or floor, as long as it routes to the outside. Drill a hole, mount the fan and vent, and cover the outside with a vent cover to prevent bugs and water from entering.

Step 7: Wire the Vent Fan

You can wire the vent fan to a switch or directly to the battery. Wiring it to a switch allows you to turn it on and off as needed, while wiring it to the battery means it will run continuously, potentially reducing odours more effectively.

Step 8: Connect the Vent Hose

Cut the supplied vent hose to the appropriate length and install the connectors. Use PVC glue to ensure a secure fit and prevent leaks.

Step 9: Assemble the Toilet Parts

Place the liquid and solid tanks in their respective spots and tighten the wingnuts. Install the toilet seat and connect the vent hose from the toilet to the vent fan.

Step 10: Maintenance and Usage

Composting toilets require periodic maintenance, including emptying solid and liquid waste. The frequency of emptying will depend on usage and tank size. Typically, liquids need to be emptied every few days, while solids can take a few weeks to fill up.

Benefits of a Composting Toilet:

• Water Savings: Composting toilets don't use water for flushing, allowing you to conserve water and extend your camping trips.
• Odour Reduction: By separating liquids and solids, composting toilets reduce the typical sewage smell associated with traditional toilets.
• No Black Tank: You eliminate the need for a black tank to handle wastewater, making dumping waste more manageable and less unpleasant.
• Eco-Friendly: Composting toilets are environmentally friendly as they don't use water or chemicals, and the resulting compost can be used as fertiliser.
• Space Efficiency: Composting toilets are often compact and lightweight, making them ideal for small spaces like campers.

Maintenance of a composting toilet

Composting toilets are a great option for campervan owners as they are environmentally friendly, compact, lightweight, and easy to maintain. While they don't require much maintenance, there are a few key things to keep in mind to ensure your composting toilet remains in good working condition. Here are some tips for maintaining your composting toilet:

Emptying the Waste

One of the most important aspects of maintaining a composting toilet is regularly emptying the waste. The frequency of emptying will depend on how often the toilet is used and its capacity. For a full-time user, the solid waste bin typically needs to be emptied every two to four weeks, while the liquid tank may need to be emptied every two to three days. Always dispose of waste responsibly, following local regulations and guidelines for human waste disposal.

Separating Liquids and Solids

Composting toilets work by separating liquids and solids, which helps to prevent the formation of sewage and reduces odours. Ensure that you are consistently and effectively separating liquids and solids when using the toilet. For women, this may be more challenging, but it is an important part of maintaining a composting toilet system.

Using the Right Materials

Using the correct organic materials is crucial for the composting process. Materials such as peat moss, coconut coir, or sawdust help to dry out the waste, keep odours down, and facilitate the decomposition process. Store a sufficient amount of these materials and ensure you have a reliable source for replenishing your supply.

Ventilation and Power

Most composting toilets require ventilation and power for the fan that helps eliminate odours. Ensure your fan is properly wired into your electrical system and that the vent hose is routed correctly to the outside. This may involve cutting a hole in the wall of your campervan, so plan this step carefully.

Cleaning and Maintenance

While composting toilets are known for being low maintenance, it is still important to clean and maintain them properly. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning and upkeep, including any recommended schedules for maintenance tasks such as emptying, mixing, or adding new organic materials.

Understanding the Process

Educate yourself about the composting process and how your toilet works. Understanding the different components and functions of your composting toilet will help you better maintain it and troubleshoot any issues that may arise. Resources like "The Humanure Handbook" can provide valuable insights into the process and best practices.

Best composting toilets for RVs

Composting toilets are a great option for RVs, offering an eco-friendly, water-saving alternative to traditional toilets. Here are some of the best options on the market:

Nature's Head Composting Toilet

Nature's Head is one of the most popular choices for RV owners. It's easy to install, relatively compact and lightweight, and features a 12-volt fan to keep odours under control. With a price tag of around $1,030, it offers good value for money, and its excellent customer service provides added peace of mind.

Air Head Dry Composting Toilet

The Air Head toilet is very similar to Nature's Head in terms of price and capacity, but its compact design may be better suited for smaller RVs. It also features a 12-volt fan and comes with a 5-year warranty. At $1,095, it's a good option for those needing to save space without compromising on features.

Trelino Composting Toilet

The Trelino toilet offers excellent flexibility, with three different sizes available to fit any camper setup. Prices range from $399 to $629, making it a more affordable option, and its compact design and ease of use make it a popular choice for Class B van owners.

Separett Composting Toilet

The Separett toilet is a Swedish-made urine-diverting model, with a 50L ejector tank and a 5-year warranty. At $989, it's a solid mid-range option, although it may be less suitable for smaller RVs due to its larger size.

Sun-Mar Urine Diverting Toilet

The Sun-Mar GTG is one of the most affordable models available, priced at $699. It features a 12-volt fan and a 5-year warranty for the tank. Sun-Mar also offers more advanced models with patented Bio-Drum technology, which helps speed up the breakdown of solids.

OGO Origin Composting Toilet

The OGO composting toilet offers unique features such as an electric agitator and a liquid level sensor. It's manufactured and assembled in Ohio and costs $984.99.

Bucket Composting Toilet

For those on a tight budget, a bucket composting toilet is a simple and affordable option, costing as little as $10. However, it requires more effort to maintain and may not be as aesthetically pleasing as other options.

When choosing a composting toilet for your RV, it's important to consider factors such as size, capacity, ease of use, and available features. Additionally, remember that proper maintenance and regular emptying of liquids and solids are crucial for a pleasant and odour-free experience.

Frequently asked questions