Homeowners are making eco-friendly additions to their living spaces, with composting toilets being a hit with most of them.
In the past, most people could not fathom the thought of installing composting toilets in their homes for fear of bad smells and pests.
Such concerns have since been put to rest.
These eco-friendly toilets are practical, low maintenance, and will serve you as well as the conventional flush toilets, if not better.
But first things first.
Composting Toilet—Why?
Yikes! Why would anyone opt for a waterless composting toilet while there is a cleaner alternative in a traditional flush toilet? How does a dry composting toilet work?
Don’t act grossed out just yet. As much as these questions run through most people’s minds at the mention of waterless composting toilets, the facilities may be the next best thing after sliced bread. No kidding.
To begin with, waterless does not necessarily mean dirty. So the issue of conventional flush toilets being cleaner is simply outdated.
Waterless composting toilets are clean, odorless, and pest-free waste management systems that work by safely converting human poop into safe humanure through natural bacteria decomposition.
The composting toilet has its advantages and disadvantages.
Pros
- Since the toilet is a waterless system, it is eco-friendly and can help to fix water problems in the home. It saves at least 7,000 gallons per flush typical of the modern flush toilet.
- The toilet is easy to use. Simply walk in, do your business, and walk out. You don’t have to worry about scrubbing the toilet bowl or flushing it after every use, thanks to its waterless nature.
- The care and maintenance of a composting toilet is easy, affordable, and less taxing.
- Waterless composting toilets are cheaper to install since no complex plumbing works are required. Installation can be as easy as fixing the toilet to the ground for the self-contained models or connecting the facility to a nearby septic tank.
- Composting toilets are environmentally friendly. They don’t leave ecological footprints since they are 100% non-polluting. In fact, they enrich the soil and the environment through by-products such as humanure.
- Composting toilet models are flexible. They are compact, lightweight, and come in different designs suited for any lifestyle; outdoor events, RVs and campers, Indoor events, and so on.
- There are composting toilets for tiny homes, which are popular among homeowners keen on saving space anywhere.
Cons
- There are composting toilet models that are not completely waterless, while others require electricity to run and cannot operate off-grid. This makes them expensive and out of reach for most homeowners.
- The non-compact models are inconvenient and less adapted for use in mobile homes and are least suited for RVs and camper lifestyles.
- Waterless composting toilets require proper maintenance and hygiene; otherwise, they are a breeding ground for dangerous pests and diseases.
- Some of the composting toilet models have complex running operations and require constant maintenance and servicing by an experienced professional. This can be quite expensive, especially where even typical DIY repairs have to be done by a qualified technician.
- Models that are less robust and have loose lids may be unsuited for outdoor living, like in choppy waters or rugged terrains.
It is important to consider a number of factors when choosing the brand of an eco-friendly toilet that meets your needs.
Let’s discuss some of them.
1. For what occasion do you need a composting toilet? Is it for constant indoor use? For an outdoor event? A road trip, perhaps? This will help you choose a toilet that is suited for your outlined activities. For example, you need a compact, well-fitted toilet for use on a rugged terrain.
2. Do you have sufficient space to install the composting toilet? A large model would be less ideal for a tiny space.
3. How durable is the model you select? If you are looking for something for the long haul, it will be sturdy to handle long-term use.
4. What is the number of expected users? The more users, the larger the toilet for it to withstand constant use.
5. Do you require a portable composting toilet? Then you have to select a model that is lightweight, compact, and easy to carry around.
6. Is the toilet for off-grid use? Do you need electricity to operate it? If the toilet is for use in a rural setup, consider whether it is suitable for rural use.
Despite the above considerations, there is no “one size fits all” composting toilet brand. You might find some of your preferences in one brand, and some in others or none in another.
Weigh your options and go for what works best for you.
Manufacturers aim to tailor-make composting toilets that cover as many needs as possible in a single model.
We have come up with a review guide for the top brands in the race for eco-friendly toilets based on expert reviews, customer reviews, and sales volumes.
The best brands that made it to our list include:
1. Nature’s Head
2. Sun Mar
3. Separett
- Separett Villa 9200
4. Pikkuvihrea
1. Nature’s Head
Mention ‘composting toilet’ anywhere, and any expert will pop up the Nature’s Head brand.
The developer is one of the top manufacturers of eco-friendly toilets that are the best known, especially for the models’ functionality and reasonable pricing.
Brand recognition is their forte, given the founders are behind the brand story. The units come with a 5-year warranty.
Composting toilets from the Nature’s Head brand come in designs that resemble regular toilets making it easy for users to identify with, as it gives a sense of comfort and familiarity.
The following are some of the most popular models from the Nature’s Head brand.
a. Nature’s Head Self Contained Composting Toilet with Close Quarters Spider Handle
If you are looking for a self-contained composting toilet that is sleek and compact, then this is your best bet.
With this portable design, you can be sure of a stink-free toilet space given that it has an attached exhaust fan that ensures constant circulation of fresh air as it expels foul smells. This also ensures the composting chamber is well aerated for natural decomposition to take place.
Its portable nature makes the emptying and cleaning process easy, making it less daunting to maintain hygiene. It has a funnel that helps in separating urine from other solid wastes. For this reason, this model is less stinky as the toilet stays dry most of the time.
Since it is not bulky and its size makes it easy to carry around, it is convenient for use in boats, RVs, or campers.
The model is non-electric, making it popular for off-grid use, such as in rural and mobile homes.
It does not require complex plumbing hookups; therefore, its installation process is not complicated.
This model has a sturdy design, making it one of the most durable composting toilets today.
b. Nature’s Head Dry Composting Toilet with Standard Crank Handle
This is another popular composting toilet design from Nature’s Head. It is famed for its crank handle, which comes in handy in speeding up the composting process by aiding in mixing solid waste.
Like the Close Quarters Spider Handle design, this sleek, compact model is lauded for its urine-diverting mechanism.
It has a built-in panel heater underneath it that evaporates the liquid wastes. It also has a fan for excellent air circulation and to drive out offensive odors.
The unit is easy to handle, making it possible for even a pre-teen to empty and clean.
Its features include a 12v power plug to run the heater and plug, and a 5-inch hose used for ventilation and light cleaning.
Being a popular American brand, Nature’s Head offers a 5-year warranty for this unit and excellent customer follow-up as an after sales service.
2. Sun-Mar
Sun-mar is another pioneer composting toilet brand on the lips of most composting experts. It is famed for its superior online presence and instructional videos that dispense a wealth of information on their products.
The brand is popular for its innovative designs. The toilets make some of the best purchase decisions in the world from one of the best manufacturers of environmentally friendly toilets.
The following are some of the favorite models from the Sun-mar brand.
a. Sun-Mar Compact Self-Contained Composting Toilet
This Sun-mar unit is popular among green-living enthusiasts since it works on waterless technology that has caused a buzz lately.
This compact, self-contained unit’s upside is its ability to efficiently turn human poop into practical, high-quality manure for garden use.
The unit has a small capacity and is therefore suited to serve a small number of users, around 1 to 4.
Its notable features include a detachable footrest, which makes it comfortable for kids and other shorter users.
The unit is designed with an emergency drain in case of an overflow. It works by filtering out urine through a funnel before depositing it to the well ventilated holding tank at the bottom of the toilet.
You won’t have to worry about offensive odors unless there is a power blackout for longer periods at a time.
Despite being a waterless system, this model is best suited for on-grid applications since it requires standard household electric current to run.
The Sun-Mar Compact Self-Contained composting toilet is constructed with a robust and durable frame that can hold weights as heavy as 300 lbs.
It has a fiberglass which comes with a 3-year warranty. The unit itself has a 5-year warranty.
b. Sun-Mar Model 510 Plus, 1 Pint Flush Toilet
Like the Sun-Mar Compact Self-Contained composting toilet, the Sun-Mar Model 510 Plus, 1 Pint Flush Toilet is compact with a lustrous design that is easy on the eyes.
However, it is ideal for both small and large spaces and has a larger capacity than the previously discussed Sun-Mar model.
The model requires a central composting unit to be used together with it so that it can run efficiently. An example of such a central composting unit is Centrex 1000 or 2000.
This ultra-low toilet is in many ways similar to the conventional flush toilet, the difference being that it does not require complex plumbing works.
The toilet requires gravity for the composting chamber to receive wastes effectively. This might necessitate the installation of the unit on a raised platform.
The 1-pint flush toilet is eco-friendly as it cuts down on water usage. It is built with a pedal that a user pushes with his foot after each toilet use, making it easy to use and clean.
3. Separett
Separett is a Swedish brand of waterless toilets famed for comfortable and excellently crafted products that are used and appreciated globally.
Separett is known to offer a variety of eco-friendly toilets.
a. Separett Villa 9215 AC/DC
This eco-friendly toilet is an odorless facility that thrives on urine-diverting technology. It is a waterless model that operates both on-grid and off-grid, given it has 110v and 240v AC, and 12v DC systems and adaptors.
The unit comes with 10 compostable liner bags that are easy to dump when doing toilet cleaning.
It has an additional child seat, which makes it user friendly for kids. Its built-in single speed fan makes air circulation possible and drives out any foul stench emanating from the system.
A waste container attached to a lid is an added accessory. This toilet’s upside is that you don’t necessarily have to wait for its contents to decompose fully before finally emptying or dumping.
Despite being Intertec ETL Certified, you have to seek prior consent for its use from your local area.
The Separett Company offers a 5-year warranty on manufacturing defects and a 3-year warranty for the single-speed fan.
b. Separett Villa 9200
Environmental enthusiasts fancy this waterless toilet from the Separett brand. The Villa 9200 model, like the 9215 AC/DC operates on urine diversion, which keeps the system odor-free.
The toilet is as comfortable and stable as the old-fashioned toilet that most people are used to. Its built-in 2-speed fan ensures excellent air circulation and drives out any offensive stench emanating from the system.
The unit is ideal for both off-grid and on-grid use, and like its 9215 counterpart, it comes with a child seat and offers a 5-year warranty.
The toilet is easy to install and use and can be easily maintained with standard household products.
The unit is compact, and its lightweight attribute makes it easy to move around. You can choose to fasten it to the ground in the space of your choice.
4. Pikkuvihrea
Pikkuvihrea has one popular eco-friendly brand.
a. Pikkuvihrea Composting Toilet 905 Waterless Electroless
This waterless composting model from the Pikkuvihrea brand is the classic “toilet on wheels. ” You literally can poop while moving the toilet around on wheels.
The toilet is a dry flush composting system that operates well both without water and off-grid.
The toilet is easy to use, and by effortlessly turning the toilet handle, you can dry flush and add peat moss to the system.
The automatic valve situated underneath the toilet closes when necessary and makes it easier for dumping to take place.
The high capacity toilet has a 120-liter container fitted to it and can be freely placed within any space on the floor.
The toilet is easily emptied when the wheels are moved out of the dock.
The Pikkuvihrea brand offers solid, robust designs that are durable.
If you fancy a stable, immovable toilet while pooping, this might not be your best choice because it tends to move around a lot!
Wrapping Up
Knowing the top brands in the race for eco-friendly toilets is a good move, but it’s not enough. You need to understand your needs and preferences for a composting toilet before settling for a specific composting toilet brand.
After all, as we mentioned earlier, there is no ‘one size fits all’ composting toilet brand.
