Does your survival plan include bugging out to an off grid location away from major cities? If it doesn’t already; it should. In the case of a SHTF type scenario you won’t be able to rely on power and water utilities. So how do you use the toilet?
Composting toilets do not require water and some of them do not require any electricity. Composting toilets make for a great option in any off grid living condition.
We have identified the best composting toilet options for you to consider in building out your off grid survival site, bug out location, cabin, or tiny house.
Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF) –
Our top pick for the best composting toilet is the Nature’s Head Self Contained Composting Toilet. This waterless portable unit does a fantastic job of separating liquid waste from solid waste which means it has very little odor. The Nature’s Head units are built in the USA and have a 5 year manufacturer’s warranty. The spider handle makes it great for installations where space is an issue. It is easy to use and built to last.
| Product | Features | Image |
|---|---|---|
| Nature's Head Composting Toilet with Spider Handle | Elongated Seat Stainless Steel Hardware 27 pounds |   |
| Separett Villa 9210 AC/DC | Solar or Battery Power Looks like normal toilet |   |
| Sun-Mar Excel Non-Electric Composting Toilet | Non-Electric Model Ideal for off grid installs |   |
| Nature's Head Composting Toilet with Standard Handle | Elongated Seat Stainless Steel Hardware 27 pounds |   |
How Does a Composting Toilet Work?
Human waste products are roughly 90% water. In many composting toilets the liquid is separated from the solid waste and the liquid evaporated. The evaporated liquid is vented to the outside.
The solid waste is converted to high quality fertilizer and turned to compost by mixing with organic material such as peat moss. When properly composted the remaining waste will not hold any pathogens or viruses and is safe for plant fertilization.
The best composting toilets will properly mix organic materials with the waste and separate the liquids from the solids resulting in an odor free process. This complete composting of solid waste is important to reducing odors and developing a nutrient rich fertilizer for your garden.
Top Factors to Consider Before Purchasing a Composting Toilet
When making a decision on what model of composting toilet is right for you it is important to take several factors into consideration. Some of the main features of the best composting toilets are as follows:
Features
Capacity – Do you want to empty the compost bin daily? If not, you may want to look at composting toilets that have a higher capacity.
Size – You will want to take careful consideration of the size of the space you plan to install your composting toilet. The height of toilet can also be of concern. Some models have a higher seating position than others which may be of concern for taller people or shorter people.
Price – Like with any major item you are looking to purchase, price is an important factor to consider. Composting toilets can be a bit pricey, but they are worth every penny in water and fertilizer savings. You also get what you pay for.
Can You Use Toilet Paper in a Composting Toilet?
Absolutely! The toilet paper actually aids in the decomposition process by adding additional organic matter to the waste. Most models of composting toilets suggest using single-ply toilet paper to improve breakdown time, but you don’t need to use any special toilet paper in these units.
Do Composting Toilets Smell Bad?
Believe it or not, no they don’t. If the composting toilet vent system is properly installed and the toilet has sufficient organic matter to aid in complete composting you will not smell it at all. Additionally, some models do a great job of separating liquid and solid wastes which also prevents your house from smelling like an outhouse.
Top Choice – Nature’s Head Dry Composting Toilet with Spider Handle
Nature’s Head has become one of the leading manufacturers of composting toilets on the market and they have hit a home run with this model. It is designed for use in a small location so it can be easily installed in a small cabin, RV, boat, or other close quarters situation.
It is light weight at only 28 pounds which makes it easy to move where needed and get installed. This design will also produce absolutely no odor when properly vented. The Nature’s Head also has a huge capacity allowing full time use for two adults for 4-6 weeks before emptying.
One of the best features of the Nature’s Head design is the molded toilet seat. Rather than a cheap plastic toilet seat that can break easily this unit has a molded design that you sit directly on.
Runner Up – Separett Villa 9210 AC/DC Composting Toilet
The Separett Villa 9210 is a urine diverting composting toilet with a waterless design. The unit is a bit on the pricey side, but is well worth the money due to its ease of use and quality construction.
The Villa 9210 is capable of being wired with AC power for on-the-grid usage or can be used with DC power from a battery or solar power. The Villa 9210 looks very similar to a traditional water toilet so it will not look out of place in just about any installation.
One of the coolest features of the 9200 series toilets is the addition of an accessory (purchased separately) child seat. This toilet also comes with a basin extension that is used to divert urine to the front of the basin. Though on the more expensive side, the Separett Villa is a solid choice for a composting toilet.
Non-Electric Option – Sun-Mar Excel Self Contained Composting Toilet
The Sun-Mar Excel is ideal for off-the-grid living or RVers that plan to do some boodocking. While it definitely comes with a large price tag it is also worth the price for its ease of installation and use. The fact that it requires absolutely no power to operate is a huge advantage to this unit.
The Sun-Mar Excel is designed for medium to high capacity use which makes it a good option for use with higher numbers of people. This unit is great for 2-3 people using it full time or up to 5-7 people using it over a weekend.
Additional Option – Nature’s Head Dry Composting Toilet Standard Handle
Yes. This is the exact same toilet as our top choice except for one difference. This unit has a larger handle for installations with a little bit more room. Otherwise this unit is exactly the same as the Nature’s Head with spider handle.
The Nature’s Head composting toilets are by far the best self contained composting toilets available on the market. These are the best composting toilets for a tiny house, RV, cabin, or off-the-grid location. They are easy to use, simple to install, and come with a 5 year manufacturer’s warranty.
You cannot go wrong with either of these Nature’s Head models.
Conclusion
If you are doing any sort of off-the-grid living a composting toilet is a no brainer. Whether it be your cabin, tiny house, RV, or emergency bug out location, you want to invest in the best composting toilet available.
The ability to turn human waste into non-toxic premium fertilizer is a great advantage for folks wishing to live off of the utility grid. This capability will be even more fantastic if you find yourself in a SHTF type scenario and are forced to flee the city to a remote location.
While there are not a lot of great all inclusive units on the market today, the options we have pointed out in this post are the best available right now. Of course you could always build a DIY composting toilet option! We will be posting a DIY composting toilet post in the near future. Sign up for our email list to be notified when it comes out!
