Best Composting Toilets: 9 Best Waterless Composting Toilet Reviews (Both Off Grid and Electric)
Many people today are mindful of reducing their carbon footprint and want to live life more sustainably. If you too are amongst nature conscious people who care about Mother Nature, installing a composting toilet can be a good first step towards going green. Unlike the traditional flushing toilet, the best composting toilets do not depend on any plumbing system or water for waste disposal and the best waterless toilets use less to no electricity. Composting toilets are also ideal for people living off the grid in a holiday cabin, RV, on a boat, or camping amid nature. These toilets can easily be installed inside tiny houses that do not have any sewage system.
- What Is A Composting Toilet?
- Best Electric Composting Toilets
- Best Non-Electric Composting Toilets for Off Grid
- Buyer’s Guide for Selecting the Composting Toilet
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
What Is A Composting Toilet?
In case you don’t know what a composting toilet is, it is a dry toilet that decomposes the human waste into a manure-like material with the help of aerobic bacteria. The converted human-manure or humanure is put away in an easily-removable package and can be used as a fertilizer in your garden or for several other purposes. Now, if you want to know if these toilets generate odor or are prone to leakage, then rest assured that if maintained well, the best composting toilets work pretty much the same way as the common flushing toilets. In fact, they can also be used to dispose of kitchen waste effectively.
If you have already gone through the composting toilet reviews, you must have learned that some of the models are installed permanently with an outdoor vent and other best waterless toilets are more portable and can be taken along with you to different locations. However, there are several options in the market and the composting toilet reviews help you make a better choice for yourself.
So to make it a little easier for you, we tested out a few of the best composting toilets out there and have come up with some honest composting toilet reviews for the top rated composting toilets.
We have also provided a quick buyer’s guide to help you select the best model for your needs and have even tried to answer some of the most commonly asked questions regarding the best composting toilets.
We have categorized the top composting toilets along with their features, pros, and cons under the best waterless toilets and the best composting toilet for off grid use.
Our Top Picks
| Product | Rating | Price | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electric | |||
Nature’s Head Self-Contained Composting Toilet |
4.5 |
$960 | Buy Now |
Camco Portable Compost Toilet |
4.6 |
$61.64 | Buy Now |
Thetford Porta Potti Toilet |
4.5 |
$234 | Buy Now |
Sun-Mar GTG Portable Electric Waterless Toilet |
3.9 |
$629
|
Buy Now |
Separett Villa 9215 AC/DC |
4.4 |
$989 | Buy Now |
Sun-Mar Compact Self-Contained Composting Toilet |
3.2 |
$2042 | Buy Now |
| Non-Electric for Off Grid | |||
Sun-Mar Excel Non-Electric Self-Contained Composting Toilet |
3.2 |
$1,695- $2,719.90
|
Buy Now |
Stansport Portable Toilet |
4.6 |
$65 | Buy Now |
Sun-Mar CENTREX 3000 NE |
N/A | $1705-$2105 | Buy Now |
Best Electric Composting Toilet Reviews
1. Nature’s Head Self-Contained Composting Toilet
According to the popular composting toilet reviews our first best composting toilet is an all-rounder. The Nature’s Head self-contained composting toilet is the best rated composting toilet that has revolutionized the designs of waterless units. This economical and aesthetically pleasing toilet comes with a space-saving and self-sufficient design that does not require to be connected to any holding tank or needs pump-outs. Made of durable granite-colored plastic it is also easy to clean. This toilet has a separate urine collecting tank that bolsters its holding capacity and also makes it more user-friendly. The solid waste composting unit can handle up to 60-80 uses and also take care of toilet paper. If used full time by 2 or 3 people, you only need to empty the tank once every 3-4 weeks. While the urine bottle needs more frequent cleaning (every 2-5 days). This toilet is also fairly simple to install and maintain, and offers odor-free operation through its electrically-powered exhaust fan. This top rated composting toilet comes with an option of selecting a spider handle or the standard crank handle. The crank handle needs more effort to operate and also requires extra room for operation. The spider handle is more apt for tight spaces.
|
$960 |
4.5 |
Buy Now |
Features
- Dimensions – 22 x 20.5 x 21.7 inches
- Color – Granite
- Material – Plastic
- Voltage – 12 Volts
- Wattage – 3 Watts
- Installation – Floor mounted
- Liquid waste capacity – 2.2 gallons
- Weight capacity – 300 pounds
- Agitator Handle – Spider handle
- Warranty – 5-Years
Pros
|
Cons
|
2. Camco Portable Compost Toilet
Based on common composting toilet reviews, the next best composting toilet you can consider is the Camco’s portable compost toilet that is ideal for camping or using in an RV. This is the most affordable and best composting toilet for off-grid use as the flush tank is attached to the waste storage tank through firm latches making it easier to carry the whole unit around. Though both solid and liquid wastes go into the same holding tank, this tank is safely sealed off through a waterproof and odor-proof sliding gate valve. So, you need not worry about any smelly spills.
Talking about the water-conserving capability of this best rated composting toilet, it uses just 2.5 gallons per flush to remove waste from the bowl which is almost half of what the standard flushing toilets consume. The flush tank can be filled with water through a dedicated cap below the lid and the other cab needs to be pushed down to use the flush. You can also buy Camco TST to partially treat the waste before disposal and also to keep the toilet deodorized. The seat is comfortable to use and can simply be wiped clean. Though a top rated composting toilet, it is not meant for regular house use as its waste tank is not very big and needs to be emptied every day. Therefore, it is the best composting toilet for off grid use and toilet emergencies.
|
$61.64 |
4.6 |
Buy Now |
Features
- Dimensions – 14 x 16 x 15.5 inches
- Color – White
- Material – Plastic
- Waste tank capacity – 5.3 gallons
- Flush tank capacity – 2.5 gallons
- Weight capacity – 330 pounds
- Installation – Floor mounted
- Sealed gate valve
- Bellow-type pump
- Side latches to secure the seat to the holding tank
Pros
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Cons
|
3. Thetford Porta Potti Toilet
If you want the best composting toilet that has a modern design with comfortable seating, you much check out the Porta Potti by Thetford. This portable toilet has some great composting toilet reviews due to its elongated bowl that gives a homelike experience while doing your poo business on an RV, camping, or while living off-grid. This best off grid composting toilet comes with a battery-operated flush. The flush tank can hold up to 4 gallons of clean water and the waste tank has a capacity of 5.5 gallons so it must be emptied daily. This is the best rated composting toilet that is fully integrated with a flush, toiler-paper holder, water-level gauge, comfortable seat, cistern, and a lid. The lower half of the toilet is also odor and leak-proof as it is secured with a seal valve. The rotating pour-out spout makes it easy to dispose of the waste and the valve prevents any splashbacks. Another useful feature that makes this toilet one of the top composting toilets is that you can pre-wet the bowl using the “add water” button so that the waste doesn’t stick to the bowl. The Porta Potti also comes with a deodorizer to keep the odd smells in check. Additionally, you can purchase the hold-down kit to keep the toilet secured to the floor inside your RVs.
|
$234 |
4.5 |
Buy Now |
Features
- Dimensions – 18.39 x 15.75 x 17.83 inches
- Color – White
- Material – Plastic
- Flush powered by 6 AA batteries
- Installation – Floor mounted
- Waste tank capacity – 5.5 gallons
- Flush tank capacity – 4 gallons
Pros
|
Cons
|
4. Sun-Mar GTG Portable Electric Waterless Toilet
If you are looking for the best waterless toilet that is also good looking then the Sun-Mar’s GTG is hands down the sleekest portable toilet amongst the top composting toilets. Its seamless conical design with a D-shaped seat can help you add a modern touch to your RV setup. Though a newcomer in the best waterless toilets, it has got some great feedback in the composting toilet reviews. This toilet has separate tanks to collect solid and liquid waste. Since it does not have any in-built decomposer it comes with a solid waste bin that needs to be lined with composting liners and requires frequent dumping in another toilet or septic tank. The toilet also has a good height of 18 inches so it is much comfortable to use than the other best rated composting toilets. To keep the odors in check, this toilet also integrates an electric exhaust and a vent. However, the downside to this is that this toilet may not be the best composting toilet for off grid setup since the exhaust needs a power supply. Other than that, this portable toilet is pretty easy to install and also comes with optional mounting brackets in case you want to permanently fix the toilet.
|
$629 |
3.9 |
Buy Now |
Features
- Dimensions – 24 x 15.75 x 19.8 inches
- Color – White
- Material – High-density polyethylene
- Fan Voltage – 12 Volts
- Wattage – 0.6 Watts
- Mounting – Floor mounted
- Weight capacity – 300 lb.
- ADA compliant
- Warranty – 1 Year
Pros
|
Cons
|
5. Separett Villa 9215 AC/DC
Another best composting toilet that can help you stay both on and off the grid is the Villa 9215 since it works on both AC and DC. According to the composting toilet reviews and as the company claims, this Villa model is the most advanced waterless and urine-diverting toilets out there and has therefore made it to our list of the best composting toilet for off grid use. This toilet incorporates a single speed fan that supports venting up to 20 feet and comes with adaptors for both AC and DC supply. Instead of a separate urine collector present in top composting toilets, this toilet consists of a urine hose that sends the liquid waste to the greywater system, and the solid waste is collected separately in a removable compost bucket that also comes with its own lid. Its body is made of sturdy plastic that can simply be wiped clean and the compost bucket can be disinfected with white vinegar once every week. Though this model uses a Swedish design, it has been adapted to meet the US requirements and also provides full local customer support.
|
$989 |
4.3/5 |
Buy Now |
Features
- Dimensions – 18.5 x 23 x 27.75 inches
- Color – White
- Material – Plastic
- Fan Voltage – 12 Volts
- Wattage – 2.5 Watts
- Mounting – Floor mounted
- Average family use up to 3 weeks
- Intertec ETL certification
- Guarantee – 5-Year guarantee against manufacturing defects and 3-Years guarantee on the fan
Pros
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Cons
|
6. Sun-Mar Compact Self-Contained Composting Toilet
Another Sun-Mar’s model that we would like to feature in our best composting toilets is its Compact Electric waterless toilet. As per most of the composting toilet reviews available online, this model is one of the best waterless toilets that has an elegant design and can fit into tiny dimensions. What truly makes this one of the best composting toilets is the Sun-Mar’s patented three-chamber system that contains a Bio-drum, finishing drawer, and an evaporation chamber that synergistically creates the right environment for decomposition. This system helps compost waste quickly without any odor. It also ensures that the decomposed manure is safe to handle and that the liquid waste is dealt with separately. Another feature that makes it the best waterless toilet is the single agitator handle present in the front that helps to save space and makes the toilet ideal for super tight dimensions. The toilet plugs into a standard 110 Volts outlet and is ideal for regular use by 1-2 adults and seasonal use by 3-4 adults.
|
$2042.70 |
3.2/5 |
Buy Now |
Features
- Dimensions – 28.5 x 21.5 x 33 inches
- Color – Bone/White
- Material – Plastic
- Voltage – 110 V
- Fan Wattage – 35 Watts
- Heater Wattage – 200 Watts
- Average Wattage – 125 Watts
- Mounting – Floor mounted
- Capacity – 1-2 adults for regular use/3-4 adults for seasonal use
- Single agitator Handle
- Patented Bio-drum
- ANSI/NSF certification
Pros
|
Cons
|
Non-Electric Best Composting Toilet for Off Grid
1. Sun-Mar Excel Non-Electric Self-Contained Composting Toilet
One of the biggest concerns of users is the odor that the composting toilets are prone to emitting. However, this concern is well taken care of by Sun-Mar’s Excel non-electric variant making it the best composting toilet for off grid usage. The reason we have included this model in the top composting toilets is that it features Sun-Mar’s iconic Bio-drum that helps decompose human waste safely and quickly. Despite not having a fan and a heater, its 4-inches vent suffices to keep the entire process odorless, making this toilet the best composting toilet for off grid usage. However, the company does provide an option of installing a 12V fan in case the toilet needs to be installed with some bends. According to the composting toilet reviews, this best waterless toilet is suitable for moderate to high capacity use and is therefore fit for both residential and remote location. Another feature that makes it a qualifier for the best rated composting toilet is its NSF Standard 41 certification for its efficient composting ability. Also, it has a detachable footrest that provides added comfort to the users. All in all, it is the best waterless toilet that that is eco-friendly and 100% non-polluting.
|
$1,695.00 – $2,719.90 |
3.2/5 |
Buy Now |
Features
- Dimensions – 32x 22.5x 33 inches
- Color – White
- Material – Lightweight fiberglass
- Mounting – Floor mounted
- Capacity – 2-3 people for regular use and 5-7 people for seasonal use
- Agitator Handle – front-operated
- Warranty – 3-Year warranty on parts and a 5-Year warranty on tank
- NSF/ANSI certified
- Bio-Drum technology for composting
Pros
|
Cons
|
2. Stansport Portable Toilet
If you are looking for the best composting toilet for off grid with good composting toilet reviews then you can go for the Stansport Portable toilet. This toilet comes in a simplistic design, is priced economically, and does its work effectively. While this toilet is not self-composting it can make it easy to transfer the waste to the appropriate dumping locations due to its inbuilt handles. Its compact design and full-size seat make it one of the best off grid composting toilets to use both indoors and outdoors. This toilet has a waterless and non-electric functioning that further makes it the best off grid composting toilet. Its bin shaped design can handle waste up to 350 lbs. and its sturdy plastic body can easily support the average adult weight. All you need to do is line the toilet with the disposable bag to begin using the toilet and once the bag is full you can dispose of the waste into a regular toilet or any appropriate dumping site. The toilet is easy to clean since it is made of plastic and uses specialized disposable liners that control odor. It also comes with a lid to contain all the smells inside the toilet. The only thing to remember is that this toilet does not help in treating the waste so you will have to handle raw waste carefully during disposal.
|
$65.44 |
4.6/5 |
Buy Now |
Features
- Dimensions – 14 x 14 x 14 inches
- Color – Green
- Material – Plastic
- Mounting – Floor mounted
- Capacity – 350 lbs.
Pros
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Cons
|
3. Sun-Mar CENTREX 3000 NE
The last entry in our best composting toilets is again a Sun-Mar’s model CENTREX 3000 NE which is a non-electric central composting system. This toilet comes in the top composting toilets that can handle large loads. This best composting toilet for off grid use features a continuous flow system that rotates the compost along a long drum and drops it into the collection unit. So you need not worry about rotating the drum backward to empty it. As per the composting toilet reviews, it can easily handle 5 adults for regular residential use and up to 8 adults for seasonal or weekend use. The system comes with a 4-inches vent stack to keep the system odorless and also has an option of installing a 12 V fan. The composting unit requires emptying once every few months in case it is used regularly and once or twice a year if used sparingly. The CENTREX 3000 central comes fully assembled. All you need to do is connect it to a low water-consuming gravity-fed toilet and it will work efficiently without any power supply, which makes it the best composting toilet for off grid setups. This central composting toilet can also be connected to multiple toilets depending on the usage. Though slightly premium-priced, this best off grid composting toilet is worth investing in for users who do not want the hassle of emptying the toilet frequently.
|
$1705-$2105 |
4.6/5 |
Buy Now |
Features
- Dimensions – 29.25 x 27.5x 71 inches
- Color – Bone
- Material – Plastic
- Capacity – 5 adults for regular use and 8 adults for seasonal use
- NSF/ANSI certified
- No odor design
- Non-electric ultra-high capacity
Pros
|
Cons
|
Buyer’s Guide for Selecting the Best Composting Toilet
Portable vs. Self-Composting Toilets
While the terms portable and composting toilet may be used interchangeably, they are quite different in their functioning. A top rated composting toilet helps convert human waste into manure with the help of bacteria. The by-product can be used as a fertilizer for plants. On the other hand, a portable toilet simply collects liquid and solid waste but does nothing to treat it. While you may be able to semi-treat the waste to get rid of odor, the content ultimately needs to be emptied into a septic tank or sewage system. So when going for the best composting toilet, a portable toilet may be a good choice for camping or boating, but self-composting toilets are better suited for a tiny home and more permanent setups.
Space Availability
The best composting toilets today come in compact design but they still occupy more space than the standard toilets due to an additional holding tank. If you have very limited space, go for the best rated composting toilet that offers a front agitator handle. Also, if space permits, you can also consider investing in a split-system that has a central composting unit. These units can also be installed in garages and cabins and if you live in a warmer climate the tank can even be fitted outside. Though a little costly, it is worth investing in these top composting toilets as they can significantly increase the holding capacity and require less frequent cleaning.
Tank Capacity
Before you begin looking at the composting toilet reviews to get a composting toilet, you must know how many individuals will be using the toilet. The usage will determine what capacity the toilet will be best suited for your needs. Most of the manufacturers of the top rated composting toilets define the capacity according to family size and usage.
The best composting toilets in terms of capacity are definitely the split systems while the self-composting best waterless toilets with an average 5-gallon tank suffice regular usage by one or two adults. It is important to keep the capacity in mind since self-composting toilets need time to decompose the waste before they fill up completely.
Utility Setup
Selecting the best rated composting toilet also depends on utility. Some composting toilets use a small amount of water for flush while some of the best waterless toilets depend on electricity to power the inbuilt fan for aeration. Also, the electrically powered toilets work either with AC, and the best composting toilet for off grid use work with both AC and DC. However, all these features come at extra cost and can add to your electricity bills. So, when shortlisting the best composting toilet for your needs keep your budget and the utility setup in mind. When going for a self-composting toilet, make sure that the composting material that it uses is easily available.
Odor Management
Top rated composting toilets are quite efficient at managing the odor of the gases that build up in the holding unit. Check the composting toilet reviews to be sure of your preferred toilet’s performance in managing the odor. Go for the best composting toilets that come with an in-built fan to supply fresh oxygen to the tank and also to vent out the gases. Some of the best waterless toilets also require adding sawdust or peat to block to control the odor and to assist the decomposition. These materials will have to be bought separately.
Installation Guidelines
Some regions require special permission from the government to install composting toilets. You can check with the local sewage representative about the guidelines and also get the list of approved composting toilets. While the portable toilets are quite easy to install, the top composting toilets require more space than the standard flushing toilets. Therefore, you must have the precise measurement of the space where you intend to install your unit. Also, the composting toilets have a ventilation system; these toilets require sufficient space for the ventilation pipes to ensure proper odor management.
Construction Material
While the standard toilets are usually made of ceramic, most of the composting toilets are made of high-gloss polypropylene or ABS plastic. Some of the models may contain components made of stainless steel such as the fan or latches, but the body is usually made of plastic to keep them lightweight and portable. When selecting the best off grid composting toilet, do check the maximum weight capacity that the plastic body can withstand.
Price
If you are looking for a budget toilet, you may get several options in portable toilets that you can use for camping or in your RV. The self-composting toilets are usually more costly. Those with dual chambers for separate liquid and solid waste collection and with a ventilation system cost up to $1000. If you want to go for a permanent installation or split system, they are usually priced over $2000.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a composting toilet make my RV smell?
The best rated composting toilets generate very little to no odor compared to the models that use water for disposal. However, odor control depends on ventilation and regular cleaning of the holding tank. To be sure you can check the composting toilet reviews before finalizing a model.
Can a composting toilet be used the same way as a traditional toilet?
In terms of usage both traditional and composting toilets work the same way. However, some of the top rated composting toilets have separate sections to collect solid and liquid waste. With such models, you may have to adjust your aim accordingly.
How does a composting toilet work?
A composting toilet has a holding tank that collects your solid waste. The waste is decomposed in this tank with the help of aerobic bacteria that break down the organic waste into a manure-like by-product. When the tank reaches its full capacity, this by-product is emptied and can be used as a fertilizer for the plants and for other uses.
How do you install a composting toilet?
Most of the portable toilets have a pretty straightforward installation. The self-composting best waterless toilets however need some work to install the ventilation pipes. Most of the manufacturers provide installation guides along with vent-pipe measurements.
Can you put toilet paper in a composting toilet?
Most of the best rated composting toilets can handle a moderate amount of toilet paper since they are biodegradable. It is better to use single-ply toilet paper with a composting toilet.
How long does a composting toilet take to break down waste?
While the bacteria start working immediately, the duration will depend on how frequently it is supplied with fresh waste. As per the composting toilet reviews on average it takes a few weeks to convert waste to humanure.
Where is a composting toilet emptied?
The byproduct can be used as compost for your garden. In case you do not want to use it as a fertilizer, you can check with the local code enforcement about adequate disposal. If allowed, you can also bag up the waste and throw it in the garbage.
Conclusion
Switching to a composting toilet comes with a myriad of benefits. Using the best waterless toilet helps you save water and cut down your water bills. You are putting your waste to good use and getting free fertilizer for your garden. You also help the environment since using composting toilets reduces the release of sewage in the waterways. Plus, selecting the best off grid composting toilet gives you independence from the sewage system, so you are free to install a toilet anywhere and carry it along wherever you go. So, if you are geared up to give back to nature, do go through the composting toilet reviews and then select from these top composting toilets that include the best composting toilet for off grid as well as for permanent installations.