Composting toilets

Composting toilets are self-contained systems that don’t require water, electricity, or chemicals. They include one or more containers inside to capture all waste. Basic composting toilets gather both urine and solid waste in one single container. Those with a separation mechanism use two containers and have a urine diverter that directs urine into a liquids container, while solids go into a separate solids container. Collecting liquid and solid toilet waste in separate containers facilitates waste disposal enormously, while simultaneously reducing odours to a minimum. The whole process is absolutely hygienic and at no point do you come in touch with excreta. Since no connection to the sewage system or electricity network is needed, a composting toilet can be used self-sufficiently at any location.

Composting toilets are well-known for their odour-free operation. However, keeping them that way requires regular maintenance. Unpleasant smells usually happen when feces and urine mix and start to break down. It’s best to use a composting toilet with a urine diverter to avoid this issue. By separating solid and liquid waste, you prevent odour from forming right from the start, slowing down the process of smell development. Extra steps can be taken to completely avoid bad odours. For example, putting a bit of litter on top of the solid waste helps keep the container odour-free for extended periods.

Regarding emptying your composting toilet, you have several options. You can dispose of the solid waste by tossing it in with your household trash or composting it. Simply remove the inlay with the waste from the solids container and toss it into your household trash, similar to how you would dispose of a used diaper. Alternatively, if you prefer composting, place the inlay and its contents in your composter. Just make sure to use our compostable inlays for this option. As for the liquid waste, you can flush it down a regular toilet or dilute it with water and use it as natural fertiliser for your ornamental plants.

This question cannot be answered in a general way, as it depends on the size of the containers of the composting toilet on the one hand, but also on how often they are used. In addition, it plays a role whether you use your composting toilet with an electric exhaust system or with litter. If you opt for an electric exhaust system, you can wait until the solids and liquids containers are full before emptying your composting toilet.