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Incinerator Toilet vs Composting Toilet: What's the Difference?
Choosing the right toilet system can make all the difference when it comes to off-grid living or sustainable waste management. Two popular options are incinerating toilets and composting toilets, with both being viable alternative waste management systems, especially where traditional septic systems are not feasible. We’ll dive into the differences and similarities between these two systems, finding out whether burning or fertilizing your poo is the way to go.
At a Glance
Incinerating and composting toilets offer viable off-grid waste management solutions, with incinerating toilets like the ECOJOHN TinyJohn and TinyJohn XL using high temperatures to burn waste into ash, requiring minimal maintenance and no water, but needing fuel. In contrast, composting toilets break down waste into compost, requiring more regular maintenance but offering a more environmentally friendly option. Both systems eliminate the need for a septic system and control odors effectively, making them suitable for off-grid or eco-conscious living, with the choice depending on user preferences for maintenance, power availability, and environmental impact.
The Basics: How They Work
Incinerating Toilets
Incinerator toilets, like the ECOJOHN TinyJohn and TinyJohn XL incinerating toilet, use high temperatures to burn human waste into ash. These toilets can run on either propane gas or electricity and do not require water, making them a suitable option for areas with limited power or no access to plumbing. After each use, the waste is collected in a combustion chamber and incinerated, leaving behind a small amount of sterile ash that you can easily dispose of. These toilets are known for their low maintenance needs and sanitary waste management, with no black water or septic system required.
- Cycle Times: How long it takes to turn your waste into ash depends on the model and amount of waste, but the burning process usually takes between 30 to 60 minutes per cycle. For example, the ECOJOHN TinyJohn has a typical cycle time of about 45 minutes, while the TinyJohn XL, designed for larger capacity, can burn waste in approximately 60 minutes.
ECOJOHN Propane vs Electric Models
The ECOJOHN TinyJohn and TinyJohn XL incinerating toilets come in both propane and electric versions, giving you flexibility based on your power availability and preferences.
- Propane Version: Ideal for off-grid setups where electricity is limited or unavailable. Propane burns waste at high temperatures, converting it into ash efficiently with minimal power requirements.
- Electric Version: Suitable for locations with stable electricity access, the electric model provides the same waste incineration process without the need for a propane supply. This version might be more convenient in areas where electricity is readily available and reliable. This version can use solar power too!
Composting Toilets
On the other hand, a compost toilet uses natural processes to break down human waste into compost. These systems often include a urine diverter to separate liquids from solids, reducing odors and enhancing the composting process. Composting toilets typically require peat moss or other carbon-rich materials to aid in decomposition, and they rely on ventilation systems, like a fan setup, to manage smells. Over time, urine and poop decomposes in a bag into compost, which can be safely used as fertilizer in some cases. Composting toilets are environmentally friendly and do not require water, making them ideal for tiny homes, cabins, and other off-grid applications.
Key Differences
Waste Management
- Incinerating Toilets: Incinerate waste into ash, which can be disposed of easily. There’s no need for a septic tank, black tank, or traditional waste disposal systems.
- Composting Toilets: Break down waste into compost over time. Requires regular maintenance, including adding materials like peat moss and emptying the compost container every few months.
Power Consumption
- Incinerating Toilets: Typically require propane gas or electricity to operate. The ECOJOHN TinyJohn and TinyJohn XL, for example, come in both an electric and propane version.
- Composting Toilets: Generally do not require significant power, only needing electricity for small fans or heating elements, making them more suitable for areas with limited power.
Environmental Impact
- Incinerating Toilets: Produce minimal waste and eliminate the need for water, but they do require fuel for incineration, which has an environmental footprint.
- Composting Toilets: Fully recycle human waste into compost, providing a more sustainable and environmentally friendly solution. However, they require ongoing management to ensure proper decomposition.
Installation and Maintenance
- Incinerating Toilets: Getting one of these installed is relatively easy to do, though a venting system and fuel supply (propane or electricity) are required. Maintenance is low, basically only requiring the ash container to be emptied every few weeks.
- Composting Toilets: Installation requires setting up a ventilation system and, in some cases, a drainage system for grey water. Maintenance includes adding composting materials, monitoring the composting process, and emptying the compost every few months.
Similarities
Despite their differences, incinerating toilets and composting toilets share some key similarities:
- Waterless Operation: Both types of toilets do not require water, making them ideal for off-grid or water-scarce environments compared to the traditional flushing toilet.
- No Need for a Septic System: Neither system requires a traditional septic tank or drain field, making them suitable for locations where installing a septic system is not feasible.
- Odor Control: Both systems are designed to remove any foul smell effectively, whether through incineration or composting with a proper ventilation system.
| Incinerator Toilet | Composting Toilet | |
| Waste Management | Burns waste into ash using high temperatures | Breaks down waste into compost through natural processes |
| Power Source | Propane gas or electricity (depending on the model) | Minimal electric power needed (mainly for fans or heating elements) |
| Environmental Impact | Minimal waste, but requires fuel for incineration | Fully recycles waste into compost, more environmentally friendly |
| Odor Control | Effective, as waste is incinerated immediately | Managed through ventilation systems and urine separation |
| Maintenance | Low, mainly involves emptying the ash container | Moderate, includes adding compost materials and emptying compost |
| Installation | Requires venting system and power/fuel supply | Requires ventilation and possibly a drainage system for grey water |
| Ideal For | Outdoor areas with limited water and a reliable fuel supply, or indoors with a proper vent system | Small and mobile homes, eco-conscious users willing to manage composting process |
| Output | Small amount of sterile ash | Compost that can be used as fertilizer |
Best Use Cases
- Incinerator Toilets: Best suited for outdoor use, cabins, an outhouse, or any other areas with good ventilation due to the fumes produced during incineration. Ideal for locations with limited water and reliable fuel supply. The ECOJOHN TinyJohn and TinyJohn XL models, for example, can be outfitted with a venting kit to help make them suitable as indoor toilets.
- Composting Toilets: Ideal for tiny homes, eco-friendly cabins, or any indoor setting where environmental impact is a priority. Composting toilets are great for users willing to manage the composting process and interested in recycling waste into usable compost.
Which One is Right for You?
Choosing between an incinerating toilet and a composting toilet depends on your specific needs and circumstances:
- If you’re looking for a low-maintenance, sanitary solution that doesn’t require much involvement, the ECOJOHN TinyJohn or TinyJohn XL incinerating toilets might be the better choice.
- If you prefer a more environmentally friendly option that recycles waste into compost and don’t mind regular maintenance, a composting toilet could be the ideal fit.
Both incinerating toilets and composting toilets offer practical alternatives to traditional flushing toilets and septic systems, especially in off-grid, tiny home, or remote cabin setups. Incinerating toilets are particularly suitable for off-grid living, where traditional septic systems may be impractical or expensive. Consider your power availability, maintenance preferences, and environmental goals when making your decision.
Whether you’re going for the ash-producing efficiency of an incinerating toilet or the fertilizing capabilities of a composting toilet, both options are great waterless ways to improve your bathroom experience.
Have any questions or would like to place an order? We'd love to help! Chat with our friendly customer service team by calling 1-844-945-3625, chatting in on our website or email us at customersupport@wildoaktrail.com. We look forward to hearing from you!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an incinerator toilet and a composting toilet?
An incinerator toilet burns waste into a small amount of sterile ash, while a composting toilet breaks waste down into compost over time. Both are waterless and need no septic system. Incinerators run on electricity or propane, while composting toilets need little power, mostly for a small fan.
Which needs less maintenance, an incinerating or composting toilet?
An incinerating toilet needs less maintenance. The main job is emptying the ash container every few weeks. A composting toilet needs bulking material added regularly and the compost emptied every few months.
Is an incinerator toilet more eco-friendly than a composting toilet?
No, a composting toilet is generally the more environmentally friendly choice. It recycles waste into compost and needs little power, while an incinerator uses fuel or electricity to burn waste. Both save water compared with a flush toilet.
How long does an incinerator toilet take to burn waste?
An incinerator toilet usually takes 30 to 60 minutes per cycle, depending on the model and the amount of waste. The ECOJOHN TinyJohn has a typical cycle time of about 45 minutes.
How much does an incinerating toilet cost compared to a composting toilet?
Incinerating toilets cost more than most composting toilets. The ECOJOHN TinyJohn starts at $3,095 and handles up to 30 uses a day in electric or propane models. Composting toilets at Wild Oak Trail start at $639 for the Sun-Mar GTG.
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