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Best Composting Toilets for RVs, Vans, and Tiny Homes
Living in small spaces like RVs, vans, and tiny homes requires innovative solutions to everyday problems, and one of the biggest challenges is waste management. A traditional toilet relies on a black tank system, which involves flushing toilet waste with water into a holding tank that must be emptied at a designated dump station.
The best composting toilet for RV enthusiasts, van lifers, and tiny home dwellers should offer an eco-friendly, space-saving alternative that doesn’t rely on water or chemicals. Choosing a compact composting toilet manages human waste using natural processes. Hence, these composting toilets provide a practical and environmentally friendly solution.
Key Takeaways
The options discussed—Nature’s Head, Separett Villa, Sun-Mar GTG, and Laveo Dry-Flush—cover various needs and preferences.
- Best for Full-Time Use: With its large capacity and durability, Nature’s Head Self-Contained Composting Toilet is ideal for long-term travelers and tiny homeowners.
- Best for Off-Grid Living: The Separett Villa offers advanced features like urine diversion and odor control, making it perfect for off-grid homes and eco-conscious van lifers.
- Best for Compact Spaces: The Sun-Mar GTG Toilet’s small size and lightweight design make it a top choice for those with limited space.
- Best for Ease of Use: The Laveo Dry-Flush Toilet is incredibly easy to use and maintain, making it perfect for temporary setups or those who prefer a low-maintenance solution.
Table of Contents
- How Does a Composting Toilet Work?
- Best Composting Toilets for RVs, Vans, and Tiny Homes
- Nature’s Head Self-Contained Composting Toilet
- Separett Villa
- Sun-Mar GTG Toilet
- Laveo Dry Flush Toilet
- Comparison of the Best Composting Toilets for RVs, Vans, and Tiny Homes
- Choosing Your Own Composting Toilet
- Conclusion
How Does a Composting Toilet Work?
Composting toilets treat human waste using natural decomposition. Unlike a traditional toilet or traditional RV toilet, which flushes waste away with water, many composting toilets work by separating liquids from solids and using organic composting material to break down the waste into compost over time.
The composting process typically involves several key steps:
- Separation of Liquids and Solids: Most composting toilets, including the OGO composting toilet and other composting toilets, are designed to separate urine from solid human waste.
- Adding Composting Material: To aid in decomposition, materials like coconut coir, sawdust, or peat moss are added to the solids compartment. These organic materials help cover the waste, kick-start the decomposition process, and minimize the unpleasant sewage smell. Using compostable toilet paper also ensures that all materials in the system break down efficiently.
- Ventilation: A small fan and vent hose are often included to manage moisture and gases, further reducing odors and helping the composting material break down human waste effectively.
- Compost Bin: Once the waste has fully decomposed, the resulting compost can be transferred to a bin or compost pile for final disposal or use, making the entire system eco-friendly.
The Need for Portable, Easy-to-Empty, and Use Systems
In small living spaces like RVs, vans, and tiny homes, every inch counts. A compact composting toilet must be easy to install, simple to use, and portable.
Many people choose to own composting toilets because they eliminate the need for a dump station and reduce the frequency of emptying compared to a cassette toilet or traditional RV toilet. The best composting toilet systems are designed with ease of maintenance in mind, making them ideal for those who prioritize convenience and sustainability.
Best Composting Toilets for RVs, Vans, and Tiny Homes
Nature’s Head Self-Contained Composting Toilet
The Nature’s Head Self-Contained Composting Toilet is widely regarded as the best composting toilet for RV use due to its durability and user-friendly design.
Features
- Self-contained design: Eliminates the need for an external compost bin, making it perfect for confined spaces.
- Separate compartments for liquids and solids: This feature controls odors and simplifies waste management.
- Manual crank handle: Allows for easy mixing of the composting material, speeding up the composting process.
- Ventilation system: A small fan connected to a vent hose helps manage moisture and odor, ensuring a fresh environment.
- Comfortable toilet seat: Comes with a sturdy and ergonomic toilet seat that adds to user comfort during use.
Ideal for: Long-term travelers, van lifers, and tiny homeowners who need a dependable, low-maintenance RV composting toilet.
Pros
- Extremely durable with a long lifespan.
- Low power consumption, making it ideal for off-grid use.
- Effective odor control thanks to its ventilation system.
- Easy to install and maintain.
Cons
- Larger sizes may not fit very small vans or tiny homes.
- Manual mixing might be inconvenient for some users.
Separett Villa
The Separett Villa is another top contender, particularly well-suited for eco-conscious users looking for a composting toilet with advanced features.
Features
- Urine-diverting bowl: Automatically separates urine from solid waste, which minimizes odor and reduces maintenance.
- Electric ventilation fan: Quietly removes any potential odor, ensuring the space remains fresh.
- Concealed solid waste: Solid waste is hidden from view, making it more user-friendly.
- Easy-to-empty containers: The urine and solid waste containers are easily accessible, simplifying the emptying process.
Ideal for: Off-grid homes, RVs with solar power setups, and those looking for a more sophisticated composting toilet solution.
Pros
- Hygienic and user-friendly.
- Efficient ventilation system with low power consumption.
- Suitable for families due to its larger capacity.
- Minimal odor due to advanced design features.
Cons
- Requires electricity, limiting its use in non-powered situations.
- Higher upfront cost compared to simpler models.
Sun-Mar GTG Toilet
The Sun-Mar GTG Toilet is known for its compact design, making it one of the best options for small spaces.
Features
- Compact design: Small enough to fit into tight spaces, making it a popular choice among van lifers.
- Solid and liquid waste separation: Helps control odors and makes the composting process more efficient.
- Simple installation: Minimal setup is required, making it easy for those new to composting toilets.
Ideal for: Smaller RVs, camper vans, and tiny homes where space efficiency is essential.
Pros
- Small footprint, perfect for compact living spaces.
- Easy to install and use.
- Effective odor control with minimal power requirements.
- Affordable compared to more feature-rich composting toilets.
Cons
- Smaller capacity means more frequent emptying.
- Limited features compared to larger or more expensive models.
Laveo Dry Flush Toilet
The Laveo Dry-Flush Toilet is an innovative option that requires no water or chemicals, making it incredibly portable.
Features
- Dry-flush system: Waste is encapsulated in a sealed, compostable bag with each flush, eliminating the need for a solids bin.
- No water or chemicals required: Ideal for locations with limited water access or where plumbing is not feasible.
- Battery-powered operation: Completely independent of plumbing or electrical hookups, making it versatile for any situation.
Ideal for: Temporary setups, minimalist van conversions, and situations where water is not available.
Pros
- Extremely portable and lightweight, perfect for temporary setups.
- No odor due to sealed waste bags.
- Simple and quick to use, with no mess.
- Ideal for emergency or temporary use.
Cons
- Higher ongoing costs due to the need for replacement bags.
- Not as eco-friendly in the long term due to the disposable bag system.
- Less suitable for full-time use because of frequent bag changes.
Comparison of the Best Composting Toilets for RVs, Vans, and Tiny Homes
| Size | Medium | Medium | Small | Small |
| Capacity | High | High | Low | Low |
| Power Requirement | Low | Moderate | Low | None (battery- powered) |
| Ease of Use | Moderate | Easy | Easy | Very Easy |
| Maintenance | Low | Low | Moderate | High (bag changes) |
| Cost | High | High | Medium | Medium |
| Usage | Long- term, off- grid living | Eco- friendly, solar power setups | Small spaces, occasional use | Temporar setups, minimalist setups |
Choosing Your Own Composting Toilet
Selecting the right composting toilet involves considering several factors:
Space Considerations
The size of your living space dictates the size of the toilet you can accommodate. Measure carefully to ensure a good fit.
Frequency of Use
If you’re living full-time in an RV or tiny home, a high-capacity RV composting toilet like the Nature’s Head or Separett Villa is recommended. For part-time use or minimalist setups, the Sun-Mar GTG or Laveo Dry-Flush might be a better fit.
Maintenance and Emptying Needs
Consider your comfort level with handling waste. If you prefer minimal interaction with excrement, opt for a model like the Separett Villa, which has easy-to-empty containers.
Power Requirements
If you’re off-grid or in a van without a power hookup, choose a toilet with low or no power needs. When you have electricity, the Separett Villa offers more features with its electric fan.
Conclusion
For those looking for the best composting toilet for RV or tiny home use, Nature’s Head remains the top choice for its durability, ease of use, and off-grid capabilities.
The Separett Villa is ideal for those who prioritize hygiene and have access to electricity. For smaller spaces or temporary setups, the Sun-Mar GTG and Laveo Dry-Flush offer excellent composting toilet solutions.
Investing in a quality composting toilet is not just about convenience; it’s about making a commitment to a more sustainable lifestyle. Whether you’re living on the road or downsizing into a tiny home, choosing the right composting toilet will ensure that waste management is simple, eco-friendly, and hassle-free.
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!
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