Looking for a simpler, eco-friendly alternative to a regular toilet? Composting toilets are becoming a popular choice for Australians who want to save water, reduce waste, and live more sustainably at home, in a cabin, or on the road in a caravan.
If you’re new to the idea, it might sound a bit unusual. Do they smell? Are they hard to use? The truth is, composting toilets are practical, easy to manage, and a great fit for off-grid living.
Let’s take a closer look at what they are, how they work, and why more people are making the switch.
What is a Composting Toilet?
A composting toilet is a waterless toilet that uses natural processes to break down waste into a safe, dry material. Instead of flushing everything into sewerage or septic systems, the waste stays on site and is managed inside the toilet.
Many models keep liquids and solids separate, which helps speed things up and stops odours. Over time, the waste breaks down into a soil-like compost that can be disposed of safely, and in some cases reused in non-edible gardens.
How Do Composting Toilets Work?
Composting toilets use natural processes to turn human waste into a safe, dry material without the need for flushing water or complicated plumbing. They rely on air, moisture balance, and helpful microbes to break everything down.
Here’s what happens inside:
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Collection: Waste is collected in a chamber under the toilet seat. Many models keep liquids and solids separate to make things easier and reduce smells.
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Covering: After each use, you sprinkle in a natural material such as sawdust or coconut coir. This helps with drying, balances moisture, and keeps odours under control.
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Breaking down: Tiny microbes, with the help of air and warmth, turn the solids into compost. As this happens, the volume of waste shrinks a lot, often by more than half.
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Airflow: Composting toilets use ventilation to stay dry and odour-free. Some rely on natural ventilation, while others include a small fan to speed up the process.
- Liquids: Most liquid either evaporates or is collected separately for disposal.
Over time, what’s left is a dry, soil-like compost that can be removed and disposed of safely, or in some cases reused in non-edible gardens.
Composting Toilets for Homes
Composting toilets are a great option for houses, cabins, and tiny homes, especially in places where connecting to sewerage or septic tanks is tricky or expensive. They’re simple to use and don’t need any flushing water.
Here’s why they work well in homes:
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Save water: No flush means big water savings every year.
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Low cost: After installation, running costs are very small.
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Flexible: Can be used in full-time homes, eco-cabins, or holiday shacks.
- Eco-friendly: Helps cut waste and reduces pollution.
For everyday use, they feel much like a normal toilet. The main difference is that the compost chamber needs to be emptied now and then.
For families or busy households, larger models make this job easier. Ince great choice is the Nature Loo Alectura Composting Toilet. It is designed with double-walled chambers and a reliable ventilation system to keep moisture and odours under control.
Composting Toilets for Caravans
When you’re travelling, water and storage space are always limited. That’s why composting toilets are such a smart choice for caravans, campervans, and motorhomes. They don’t need plumbing or chemicals, and they’re easy to set up almost anywhere.
Here’s why they work well on the road:
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Water-free: No flushing means you save precious water for drinking and cooking.
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Compact: Designed to fit small spaces without taking up too much room.
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Odour control: With good ventilation and a covering material like sawdust, smells are kept to a minimum.
- Easy to empty: Liquids and solids are collected separately, making disposal simple and manageable during travel.
For travellers, composting toilets mean less reliance on caravan parks or dump stations. They give you more freedom to camp off-grid and still enjoy a comfortable, eco-friendly setup.
A popular choice is the OGO Origin Sleek Composting Toilet. It’s a compact, lightweight option with built-in ventilation to keep things fresh.
How to Choose the Best Composting Toilets
The best composting toilet for you depends on how you plan to use it. A family living off-grid will need different features than a couple travelling in a campervan
Here are a few key things to consider:
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Capacity: Larger units are better for families or full-time homes, while compact models work best for caravans and small spaces.
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Odour control: Choose toilets with good ventilation or built-in fans to keep the system fresh.
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Ease of emptying: Dual-chamber or removable container systems make maintenance quicker and simpler.
- Design and comfort: Some models come with porcelain pedestals for a familiar feel, while others prioritise portability and space-saving.
Tips for First-Time Users
Starting out with a composting toilet can feel like a big change, but a few simple habits make the experience easy and stress-free:
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Add cover material after each use: A handful of sawdust, coconut coir, or similar carbon-rich material keeps the system balanced and helps with drying.
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Don’t overuse water: Composting toilets are designed to stay dry. Only add moisture if your model specifically requires it.
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Empty regularly: Don’t wait until the chamber is completely full. Emptying a bit earlier makes the process quicker and cleaner.
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Stay on top of airflow: Make sure the vent or fan (if your toilet has one) is working properly to keep odours away.
And if you’d like more detailed tips on keeping your composting toilet fresh, check out our guide on how to keep composting toilets from smelling.
Conclusion
Composting toilets are a smart, eco-friendly alternative to traditional flush systems. They save water, reduce waste, and give you more freedom to live off-grid with confidence.
They might seem unusual at first, but once you get used to them, composting toilets are easy to use and maintain. With the right setup, they can make everyday life simpler, cleaner, and more sustainable.
Ready to make the switch? Explore our full range of composting toilets and take the next step toward sustainable living.
