Adventure Essentials

An outhouse is a traditional pit latrine that relies on anaerobic (oxygen-free) decomposition, whereas a composting toilet uses aerobic (oxygenated) decomposition and urine diversion to break down waste without odors.

The Process In a traditional outhouse, liquids and solids mix in a deep pit, creating a sludge that produces methane gas and attracts pests. In contrast, a modern composting toilet like the Green Toilet separates liquids from solids immediately. This separation allows the solids to stay dry and oxygenated, which facilitates a clean, garden-style composting process.

The Example For instance, while a family of four must abandon and move an outhouse building every 2 to 5 years once the pit is full, the same family using a Green Toilet simply swaps a removable, wheeled canister every four months, allowing the waste to finish composting into nutrient-rich soil that can be used on non-edible landscaping.

Nature's Head compost needs 6–12 months of secondary composting before garden use. Learn the safe process, where to apply it, and how to use urine as fertilizer.

Step-by-step guide to emptying your Nature's Head — solids bin and urine bottle. Includes trash bag method, disposal options, cleaning tips, and common mistakes.