Table of Contents
- About Compost Toilets for vans and boats
- How does a compost toilet work?
- Compost Toilet usage practices
- Comparison of portable Composting Toilets vs. Chemical Toilet
- Considerations for Choosing a Compost Toilet
- Popular Compost Toilet Brands for Van life and Sailing
- More High End Compost Toilets for Campervan life
- Summary of the best composting toilet brand for vanlife
- Where to buy a compost toilet?
Living a nomadic lifestyle, whether on the high seas, on wheels, or in a tiny house off the grid, requires a unique set of solutions to everyday challenges. One such challenge is managing human waste. The traditional flush toilet system is usually not viable due to its water and electricity demands. And the chemical editions are not part of the furniture of the naturally conscious. The compost toilet is a sustainable, practical, and eco-friendly alternative.
I’m beyond excited to have a toilet—a compost toilet, finally. What a game-changer in my nomad life! I won’t need to scout for toilet places in the wild anymore, which often took an hour of my day. A compost toilet is one of the best upgrades you can make for your campervan, camping trip or sailboat, if you haven’t yet. Whether you currently have a chemical toilet, or no portable toilet at all.
Get excited about the compost toilet revolution and make it a part of your sailing, vanlife, or offgrid lifestyle today! Learn more about compost toilets for nomadlife in this article and explore the best compost toilet for vanlife or boatlife for you.
About Compost Toilets for vans and boats
What are Compost Toilets
A compost toilet is a type of dry toilet that uses a biological process to break down human waste into compost-like material. Unlike regular flush toilets, compost toilets require no water, making them an environmentally friendly and cost-effective alternative to chemical toilets and flush toilets.
Compost toilets are popular among van lifers, campers, and more and more on sailboats too, as they provide an environmentally friendly way to manage waste while on the way.
Why you should decide to get a portable composting toilet for your van or boat
When you get a portable composting toilet for you van you embrace a more sustainable and environmentally friendly lifestyle while on the way. By using a compost toilet, you can reduce your ecological footprint, conserve water, and minimize waste production during your travels. And save tons of time! No need to scout for bathrooms anymore, whether in public or the wild.
In addition to the eco benefits, a portable composting toilet offers the flexibility to camp in remote locations and off-grid settings without compromising on sanitation and hygiene. It provides a self-sufficient waste management solution that aligns with values of sustainability and eco-conscious living. Choosing a compost toilet for enhances the van or boatlife experience by promoting a cleaner, greener way of traveling and camping in 2024.
Benefits of Compost Toilets for VanLife or boatlife
A compost toilet is environmental friendly and resourceful
One of the key advantages of compost toilets for vanlife, is that they do not require water for flushing, making them a resourceful solution for off-grid living. Additionally, they don't have chemical waste and can be used in remote locations where traditional toilets are unavailable. And no electricity is needed. You’re doing your part to protect the environment by turning waste into nutrient-rich compost.
It's cost effective
No more spending money on expensive plumbing systems or dealing with sewage issues. And no need to waste fuel on going to the empty-your-toilet stations or campsites.
It's convenient
Compost toilets are especially beneficial for those in van life or sailing communities because they are portable and easy to install. Unlike traditional systems, they do not require a complex sewage setup, making them a flexible choice for those constantly moving. Also, with a compost toilet, you’re no longer reliant on finding toilets or toilet discharge facilities.
I empty my liquids about once a week and the solid every two weeks more or less. You just need a shovel.
It brings freedom
One of the freedoms of nomadic and off-grid living is independence from mainstream infrastructures. With a compost toilet, you’re not attached to sewage systems or dependent on the poo stations, giving you a level of self-sufficiency that is both liberating and practical. Also, if you've never had a toilet in your van, like me, you'll win back tons of time instead of scouting for a suitable bathroom place, whether it's a public toilet or somewhere wild.
Its easy to maintain
No hassle, no mess – just simple and efficient waste management. All you need to do is empty it every 1-3 weeks (depending on your set-up). Like any toilet, you of course also want to clean it. For me that's in the ocean now and then. Of course being mindful about your surroundings. I only clean it when there is literally no-one on the beach. And ofcourse, without any chemicals. Just a sand scrub.
Compost toilets help vanlifers and sailors a more eco-conscious lifestyle by minimizing their ecological footprint. You can contribute to a cleaner environment and promote a greener way of living.
Environmental Impact and Sustainability
The journey towards a sustainable and eco-conscious lifestyle requires innovative solutions. A compost toilet is one of those steps towards reducing your environmental footprint while reaping benefits on both personal and global scales. Whether sailing the high seas, embracing vanlife, or dwelling off-grid, the time to make a change is now. I hope compost toilets are becoming more the norm. It’s such a simple and effective method, a great way to reduce power and water consumption and improve sanitation world-wide.
How does a compost toilet work?
So, how does a compost toilet actually work? It just looks and sits like a normal western toilet. Basically, a compost toilet works by separating liquids and solids with a urine separator, so the solids get dry, and you don’t have nasty odours and spills. A compost toilet is often called a ‘dry toilet’ because it doesn’t need flushing. The separation toilet has a spillguard to prevent any mess. The urine diverter ensures that liquids are redirected away from the solids, keeping everything nice and dry.
Main feature of a Portable Composting Toilets: the urine diverter
The key feature of portable composting toilets is the urine diverter, which separates liquid waste from solid waste, preventing odors and facilitating composting. This feature makes waste disposal easier and more hygienic for van lifers, ensuring a cleaner living environment.
By directing urine away from the composting chamber (fancy word for poo bucket), the diverter ensures that solid waste (poo) undergoes proper decomposition without contamination, reducing the risk of odors and improving overall hygiene.
Having a urine diverter in a portable composting toilet is essential for efficient waste management in a confined space such as a camper van. It's the main feature of a compost toilet, and it'll be hard to make your own.
How to empty the toilet?
The urine container is easy to empty, of course, thoughtfully in wild natural places and not in front of your neighbour’s van parking. To dispose of the solid waste, you take a shovel, choose a good spot (away from river streams!), dig a deep hole and compost accordingly. You do not throw compost toilet solids in the bin.
The downside of a compost toilet
Compost toilets are waterless. In my opinion, the cleanest way to clean your bum is with water. With a separator and a small space to navigate in, this makes this a little more challenging. Though with some practice, it's doable with a portable bidet, like culo clean.
Chemical-Free Operation
Portable composting toilets operate without the need for chemicals or additives, relying on natural processes to break down waste into compost. This chemical-free operation is great for the environment, and your wallet. It avoids the use of harsh substances and reduces the ecological impact of waste disposal. It's what makes a compost toilet a no brainer in my opinion.
Compost Toilet usage practices
Using bags or no bags?
I don’t use the bags, as they still create waste. Compostable bags don't compost unless the conditions are perfect. Also, compost bags are often weaker than plastic bags. The last thing you want is the bag to fall apart when you are emptying the toilet. I find using just the bucket for the solids easier and cleaner. I put a little sand in the bottom to make emptying smooth and easy to clean.
How to minimise smell?
To clean and avoid smelly liquids, I have a spray bottle of water, vinegar, and essential oil to rinse the liquid zone after peeing. Charcoal is great for minimising the smell. I have a little bag hanging in the bathroom.
Many also choose to have a fan with their compost toilet to have a drier environment, and with the more advanced compost toilets this is built in. I have not tried this, but I also haven't felt the need. I have a seperate room for the toilet. If you're often in a more humid environment this is something to consider.
Coconut fibres are great for making the solids drier.
Chemical-free composting toilets are safe, odor-free, and sustainable alternatives to traditional chemical toilets, making them ideal for van life enthusiasts seeking eco-friendly waste management solutions.
No need to align your digestion with the tide anymore ;)
Comparison of portable Composting Toilets vs. Chemical Toilet
I actually had a chemical cassette toilet in my campervan. I never used it as I didn't want to use chemicals, and also, the hassle of going to a disposal station didn't make sense to me. I often find myself for weeks in a natural spot and it just didn't make sense.
While chemical toilets rely on harsh substances to disinfect waste, compost toilets use natural decomposition processes to convert waste into compost without chemicals. This makes compost toilets a safer and more eco-friendly option for van life. Though you do have more environmentally friendly cassette toilet products on the market, they are very expensive, how environmentally friendly are they really? Still, you would have to deal with more driving to dispose human waste. A compost toilet is just more convenient.
Considerations for Choosing a Compost Toilet
When selecting a campervan composting toilet, consider factors such as your space and size, weight, capacity, availability near you, where you travel (humid or dry), and ease of installation—and, of course, your budget. The toilet should fit comfortably in the van's or boats limited space and be easy to empty and clean. If you don't have a separate bathroom in your van or boat, you may also want to consider the aesthetics and make sure it's 100% odor-free.
Whether it's a DIY compost toilet or a little more fancy portable composting toilet, selecting the right option brings comfort, sustainability, and style :)
Popular Compost Toilet Brands for Van life and Sailing
When it comes to composting toilets for van life, there are several popular options to consider. From compact designs to innovative fancy features, these toilets offer convenience and sustainability for all of us nomads and travellers living on the go.
In my search for a compost toilet that matched well with my needs, these 7 toilets made it to the shortlist. I saved you the research; here's a summary. I listed them from most budget friendly compost toilets to more expensive options. After those I also mention a few of the higher end brands that may suit your needs. That said, most brands have different editions and sizes. Pick your favourite :)
DIY Compost Toilet
You can make your own! For the hands-on adventurer, a DIY compost toilet offers the ultimate choice in customisation and cost-effectiveness. Using locally sourced materials, you can build a system tailored to your specific needs and space, creating a personalised, creative and eco toilet.
Pros:
- Cost-effective.
- Fully customizable to your space and needs.
- Utilizes locally sourced materials for sustainability.
Cons:
- Requires DIY skills and time.
- Maintenance can be more labor-intensive.
- Might lack the polish and sealing! of commercially produced models.
DIY compost toilets can be simple or advanced, depending on the user's requirements and skills. You can make one completely from scratch on your own. Which is not too difficult. Just be mindful that it must seal really really well ;)
I considered making my own but then realized it would be quite a project and the materials actually added up in costs too. I then opted for the DIY Compost kit of Kildwick. (Read on)
Boxio Compost Toilet
German Company
For the budget-conscious traveller, Boxio provides simple, efficient small size compost toilets that don’t compromise on quality. Lightweight and portable, Boxio toilets are perfect for campers and small spaces, ensuring you stay eco-friendly and odor-free on your adventures.
Boxio Pros:
- Budget-friendly.
- Lightweight and portable, ideal for small spaces.
- Simple urine separation keeps things clean and easy.
Boxio Cons:
- Limited features compared to higher-end models.
- Basic design might not suit your taste.
- Smaller capacity requires more frequent emptying
Boxio is a very compact budget option. You can use the toilet in small vans or even car camping trips, as it can be put in the back of the car. I also know ocean nomads that use them in their sailboat.
Learn More & Buy directly with Boxio
Kildwick Compost toilets
German Company
Kildwick compost toilets are designed for compact spaces and offer easy installation in camper vans. They come with urine diverters and composting chambers, making waste disposal hassle-free for van lifers. These toilets are known for their durability and odour-free operation, even without a fan (I don't have a fan), making them a popular and economical choice among campers. They are fairly simple and light weight.
Here I reviewed the Kildwick MiniLoo Hydro Compost toilet I’ve used for the past year in my campervan. I can recommend it to any vanlifer, sailors, offgrid person, and anyone really.
Quick facts about The Kildwick Compost Toilet:
- A DIY separation toilet
- It’s a complete DIY kit with a box, a separator, two canisters for separating solids and liquids, a toilet seat, and a lid.
- 8.2 Kilo
- Different models ranging from 399 – 799 euro
Why I choose the Kildwick Toilet:
- It’s simple, stylish, and great value for money
- It’s size. It’s less deep than other models
- It’s one of the lightest toilets out there
- A small local German company with a big heart for nature
- It doesn’t get smelly without a fan.
- Only need to empty it once in 2 weeks
- Waterproof
- It’s solid and has a 5-year material warranty
Learn More & Buy directly from Kildwick
Trelino Compost Toilets
Germany Company
Trelino offers a stylish solution to your composting needs, with high-quality, customizable toilets that blend seamlessly into your vanlife setup. Their urine-separating design and portable nature make them a top choice for those who value both aesthetics and functionality on the road.
Trelino compost toilets are a little more expensive but also a more stylish than other compost toilets. Trelino compost toilets feature innovative designs that prioritize user comfort and sustainability. Trelino toilets are lightweight and easy to maintain, making them ideal for van life.
Trelino Pros:
- Stylish and customizable design.
- High-quality materials.
- Efficient urine-separating system.
Trelino Cons:
- On the pricier side.
- Customization can add to the cost.
- Might be too stylish for those who prefer a simpler design.
Learn more and buy directly from Trelino
Trobolo
German Company.
Trobolo comes in various models to fit your needs, whether you're stationary or on the move. Their effective waste separation ensures a clean and hassle-free experience wherever your journey takes you.
Trobolo compost toilets combine functionality with eco-friendliness, making them a popular choice for van lifers seeking the best portable composting toilet. Trobolo toilets are designed for ease of use and are suitable for various van conversion setups.
Trobolo Pros:
- Multiple models to fit various needs.
- Effective odor-free waste separation.
- Ideal for both stationary and mobile setups.
Trobolo Cons:
- Higher end of the budget range for some models.
- Installation can be a bit tricky.
- Some models can be bulky for very small spaces.
I also liked this one, but my camper’s dimensions were less favourable.
Learn More and buy directly from Trobolo
Seperatt
Swedish company
Seperatt compost toilets are built for durability and ease of use, making them ideal for off-grid living. They offer their toilets on all continents, making changing a part easy if you're travelling. They have advanced toilets as well as super simple camping editions.
Sepperat Pros:
- Durable and robust, great for off-grid living.
- Reliable urine-diverting technology.
- Spare parts available globally
Sepperat Cons:
- Slightly heavier than other options.
- Fewer design options available.
- Can be bulky for tight spaces.
Sepperat is a generally more expensive (except for their camping edition) and advanced camper van toilet. I considered buying some of its separate parts and building my own compost toilet, but the cost added up, and I decided to buy the complete DIY compost toilet kit pack, and so I did (Kildwick). Sepperat can be a good choice if you are a global traveller or if you are looking to make your own with one of their parts, like their urine diverter. Spare parts are widely available.
Cuddy
US Company
The Cuddy Compost Toilet is a sweet blend of style and functionality for vanlifers. With its sleek, modern design and lightweight build (just 5-7 kg), it’s easy to fit in your nomad house. The urine-diverting system and the built-in fan ensures an odor-free experience, letting you enjoy your adventures without any worries. The Cuddy comes in two different editions and you need to connect to a power source. Optionally you have a wooden toilet seat. It's user-friendly, making it a breeze to use and maintain.
Pros:
- Sleek, modern design.
- Lightweight and odor-free.
- Easy to use and maintain.
Cons:
- Higher price range.
- Single size option.
- May require more frequent maintenance.
Funky Feature: LED pee light indicator to let you know when liquids is full
Learn More and buy directly from Cuddy
Overview of Budget friendly Compost Toilets for Vanlife and Sailing
| Brand | Price Range | Weight | Dimension Options | Origin | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DIY Compost | $50 – $300 (varies) | Varies | Fully customizable | Your own hands | Cost-effective, customizable to your unique needs and space, requires some DIY love, and can use locally sourced, sustainable materials |
| Boxio | €200 – €400 | 5 – 8 kg | Small and medium | Germany | Budget-friendly, super simple urine separation, lightweight and portable – perfect for vanlifers and tiny home enthusiasts |
| Trobolo | €200 – €600 | 8 – 15 kg | Multiple sizes | Germany | Various models to suit your needs, whether you're stationary or always on the move. Effective waste separation and odor-free for a hassle-free adventure |
| Seperatt | €300 – €600 | 10 – 12 kg | Compact and standard | Sweden | Built tough for off-grid living, with reliable urine-diverting tech. Low maintenance so you can focus on your travels, not the toilet |
| Kildwick | €350 – €600 | 5 – 10 kg | Compact and standard | Germany | Lightweight. Eco-friendly and easy to install. High-quality materials mean it's built to last, making it a solid choice for sustainable nomads. |
| Trelino | €400 – €700 | 7 – 14 kg | Various sizes | Germany | Stylish, customizable, and high-quality. Urine-separating system for those who want their toilet to look good and work even better |
| Cuddy | €500 – €700 | 5 – 7 kg | Single standard size | USA | Sleek, modern, and designed to blend seamlessly into any space. Lightweight, built-in fan, odor-free, and super easy to use – the perfect vanlife companion |
More High End Compost Toilets for Campervan life
The below toilets all originate in the USA. But also have distributors in Europe.
Nature's Head
The most popular one amongst sailors and advanced RV-ers: Nature’s head. Nature’s Head composting toilets are the gold standard for off-grid living. Renowned for their durability and efficiency, these American-made toilets feature a hand crank agitator and urine-diverting system. If your budget and space allow, they are a smart more advanced solution for boats, RVs, and vanlife.
Pros:
- Highly durable and efficient.
- Hand crank agitator makes composting easy.
- Perfect for off-grid and sustainable living.
Cons:
- Higher price range.
- Bulky for very small spaces.
- Requires a bit more maintenance.
Nature's Head compost toilets are renowned for their quality construction and efficient waste processing capabilities, making them contenders for the best portable composting toilet on the market. These toilets feature urine diverters and composting chambers that turn human waste into next level compost. Nature's Head toilets are compact, durable, and ideal for van life enthusiasts seeking a reliable composting toilet solution.
Ogo compost toilet
The OGO Compost Toilet is a top choice for vanlifers seeking convenience and efficiency. This sleek, American-made toilet features an automatic mixing system and urine-diverting technology, ensuring an odor-free and easy-to-maintain experience. Weighing just 13 kg, it’s compact and sturdy, perfect for life on the road. Enjoy the freedom of vanlife with the OGO, a reliable and eco-friendly solution designed for modern nomads.
Pros:
- Sleek and modern design.
- Automatic mixing system for convenience.
- Compact and user-friendly, perfect for vanlife.
Cons:
- Highest price range.
- Requires power for the automatic system.
- Limited size options.
Learn more and buy directly from Ogo
Summary of the best composting toilet brand for vanlife
When choosing what kind of toilet you want, consider your budget, space availability, maintenance preferences, availability near you, and whether you prefer a ready-made solution or are willing to build your own.
Kildwick and Trobolo are both German companies offering high-quality urine-diverting compost toilets with multiple size options and mid-range prices. Sepperat, also from Germany, provides a robust and low-maintenance option. Trelino offers a customizable and aesthetically pleasing product. Boxio is a budget-friendly choice ideal for small spaces. Nature's Head and Ogo is a premium product from the USA known for its durability and advanced composting mechanism. DIY compost toilets offer the most flexibility and can be made very economically, but they require DIY skills and time.
Where to buy a compost toilet?
Buy directly from the company or from a supplier near you.
To to shorten the supply chain and therefore less impact on the environment buy as local and directly as you can.
Where to buy a compost toilet in the Netherlands / Belgium?
Offgridcentrum in the Netherlands has a range of different compost toilets, including Separett and Trobolo. All the german brands also ship directly to the Netherlands.
Where to buy a compost toilet in Germany?
Many of the compost toilet brands originate in Germany, like Boxio, Trobolo, Trelino, Kildwick. You can directly buy from them. For the fancier toilets like Ogo or Nature's head you can buy them at Tomtur.
Where to buy a compost toilet in the rest of Europe?
All the above compost toilets ship within Europe.
Where to buy a compost toilet in the USA?
Cuddy, Ogo and Nature's heads are US brands and you can buy directly from them. Nomadic Supply has a variety of compost toilets in their assortment.
Happy digesting ;)
Good luck choosing a compost toilet! It's all sound so simple, and it is. Worth the investment!
Have you tried a composting toilet? If so, which one? Please comment and feel free to ask any further questions.
Disclaimer: As always, opinions are my own. What drives me is care for nature, get your into nature, and encourage for natural living. saving the ocean. If you’re looking to purchase a compost toilet, Huge thanks if you purchase it via this website Oceanpreneur.co. At no extra cost to you, orders and bookings through this website give me a tiny piece of the pie that helps me keep investigating, exploring, and creating content about on ocean action and solutions! Kildwick sent me a toilet for in partnership with me and the Ocean Nomads community. I’m not getting paid to write any of the above, and it’s 100% my opinion.
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