Best Composting Toilet Reviews 2024 [Most Selling Toilets List]

Composting toilets are the best option for people looking for an environmentally friendly toilet to use in their homes. These toilets don’t need water or a septic connection, which makes them a great option for off-grid toilets. Composting toilets are also ideal for cabins, RVs, cottages, boats, and even camps(Check here Portable Camping Toilet List). Moreover, these are easy-to-use one-piece toilets, and installing them isn’t a problem as well.

Users like it for-

• Affordable price
• Portable
• Environment-friendly
• Compact Design
• Less maintenance requires

Some users dislike it for-

• Sometimes smells bad
• Difficult to use
• Different from other units
• Permits may be required

Composting toilets change human solid and liquid waste into usable and hygienic fertilizer. All you need to do is to look for the best composting toilet that meets your needs and demands.

But with so many composting toilets on the market, you’re now probably wondering which one is the best and how I tell. Worry not, as we have included a buying guide at the end of this post, which will help you to make a well-informed decision.

Affiliate Disclosure- “This page contains Amazon affiliate links. When you buy through our links, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.”

Our Recommended 3 Best Composting Toilets of 2024 Comparison

Some of the factors to consider while searching for a composting toilet for your cabin or RV are capacity, electric or non-electric, self-contained composting or central unit, ease of installation, weight, safety, warranty, and much more. Knowing what features you want in a toilet will help you to narrow down and get the best deal possible.

Related: Best Macerator Toilet Reviews [Select Quality Upflush Toilets]

What is a composting toilet?

A composting toilet is a toilet that takes human waste products and tissue paper and changes it to compost. Composting toilets don’t use water of their own, and they might utilize electricity to take charge of the composting process.

The composting toilet works through a simple method where water is evaporated through a ventilation system which also helps to control the odor. The rest of the solid matter that remains is turned into fertilizer through composition.

In order for the composting process to take place, the moisture, oxygen, heat, and organic matter must be balanced very well. This allows the bacteria present to perform their work of turning the waste into compost. In addition, it makes sure that the final product is free of pathogens and viruses, making it totally safe to use as a fertilizer for your garden.

How do composting toilets work?

A composting toilet works by using the natural process of decomposition and evaporation to recycle human waste. The waste that enters the toilet is more than 90% water, which is evaporated and carried back to the atmosphere via the vent system. The rest of the solid material left behind, which is normally small, is then converted to useful fertilizing soil by natural decomposition.

Do composting toilets smell?

No, they don’t. This is because, in actively vented systems, the fan forms a negative air pressure flow, which draws air into the waterless composting system and vents out through a pipe or compost bin. As a matter of fact, the active venting system vents out the whole toilet or bathroom area, and as a result, it makes the systems smell less than a traditional flushing toilet. But these units require emptying every three to four weeks.

How do I clean my composting toilet?

Cleaning a compost toilet is just as easy as cleaning a normal toilet. Simply wipe your toilet using a disinfectant in the seating area. However, you should restrain from using chlorine or chemical agents in the toilet as it will kill the microbes performing the job for you in the tank. So the toilet containers need to be emptied frequently (every 4-5 days). Always use green-friendly products when cleaning a composting toilet.

Top 5 Best Composting toilet reviews

The composting toilets that we’ve selected in this review are some of the best. We did thorough research and read through many reviews before coming up with this list.

Choose the best durable composting toilet for your home and save more than 6 600 gallons of water every year.

Nature’s Head Self-Contained Toilets

Nature Head Self-contained is our highest-rated composting toilet on the market. The toilet is cheaper and can easily fit in tight areas. Actually, it was formally designed for marine use and had all the features that are needed for a small space toilet. The installation process is easy and quick as this toilet can be assembled or dissembled without any problem and quickly. You don’t need a supply line but just to connect the hose to the outside so that it can ventilate the unit and connect an electricity supply to power the fan on. Cleaning the toilet is also effortless. Just pour water and vinegar into a spray bottle and wash the surface with a toilet brush.

Related: What are Modern Toilet Facilities?

The toilet is also very durable as it is made of stainless steel hardware and cleaning it is also easy. It is comfortable to use as it has an elongated seat design. One of the unique features of this toilet is its handle which can be mounted on either side of the unit. This portable composting toilet is eco-friendly, energy-efficient, and great for small spaces.

Technical Specifications of Nature’s Head Composting Toilets

Features	Nature’s Head Self Contained
Piece:	One-Piece
Material:	Vitreous China
Shape:	Elongated
Color:	Granite
Installation Method:	Floor Mounted
Voltage:	12 volts
Size:	22 x 20.5 x 21.7 inches
Warranty:	Five years warranty
Price:	Check Today’s Price

Pros:

• It is ruggedly constructed for longevity
• It is very versatile in use as it can be used on water, land, or road
• Nature’s Head has no foul odors found in other holding tank systems
• It separates urine from solids for better composting
• It is very comfortable as it has an elongated seat
• Nature’s Head has a vent hose and fan for better air circulation and a nice-smelling toilet
• It is easy to assemble and disassemble
• This is a lightweight and portable toilet
• It is constructed in the USA
• 5-year warranty

Cons:

• This toilet doesn’t have major cons, as the only thing that we saw that was challenging was its initial price. But still, when compared to other composting toilets, this one is slightly cheaper.

Separett Villa 9215 AC/DC Toilet

The Separett Villa toilet is very popular in Europe and loved by the off-grid community. These Composting toilets use electricity that can be easily powered by the DC supply stored in a battery pack, solar panels, or wind turbines. You can also operate it on AC. This toilet is uniquely created as it features a pressure-sensitive toilet seat that senses when you sit on it. With the sensitive seat, this is a true self-composting toilet, as other toilet models are operated manually. Separate Villa is the best composting toilet for a tiny house.

Related: What is Pressure Assist Toilet Flush?

Apart from that, the Separett Villa 9215 toilet uses low power, and it is very compact for easy installation. It uses no water, and it diverts urine for an odorless toilet. On average, this toilet can hold liquid and solid waste for up to 3 weeks and then be emptied. Emptying the toilet is quite easy as you only have to remove the toilet seat layer and then put the lid on the waste container in order to seal the bin. If you’re looking for the perfect toilet for off-grid use, this is one of the best designs available.

Technical Specifications of the Separett Villa 9215 Composting Toilet

Features	Separate Villa 9215 AC/DC
Piece:	One-Piece
Color:	White
Installation Method:	Floor Mounted
Voltage:	12 volts
Size:	18.5 x 23 x 27.75 inches
Warranty:	5-year warranty and 3-year guarantee on the fan
Price:	Check Today’s Price

Pros:

• It is odor-free
• It has a low power consumption
• Separate Villa has a pressure-sensitive toilet seat
• It is very compact and lightweight
• It is perfectly designed and looks better than most composting toilets
• Separate Villa has a large capacity for use by several people
• 5-year guarantee

Cons:

• It is quite expensive, and finding this model is very difficult, unlike Nature Head.

Nature’s Head Dry best Composting Units

Nature head was created by two professional sailors who needed a toilet that would work perfectly for marine life. So, they ended up designing an off-grid toilet that would take off the water and be user-friendly. Nature’s Head dry composting toilet has the same features as the other Nature toilet we’ve talked about, but the main difference is the agitator handle.

This particular model has a standard handle with 2 inches extra to the width of the toilet. The first model we talked about comes with a spider handle, saving space while still excelling. So, this model takes up more space, but it is easier and quicker to use. In addition, this elongated toilet has the choice of utilizing an electric fan, which makes it perfect as a boat or RV toilet.

Technical Specifications of Nature’s Head Dry Toilet

Features	Nature’s Head Dry Composting Toilet
Piece:	One-Piece
Water Consumption:	1.28 GPF
Shape:	Elongated
Color:	Granite
Installation Method:	Floor Mounted
Voltage:	12 volts
Wattage:	0.72 watts
Size:	22 x 20.5 x 21.7 inches
Warranty:	5-year warranty
Price:	Check Today’s Price

Pros:

• It is very easy to assemble and disassemble
• It separates liquids and solids for an odor-free environment
• Nature’s Head is a waterless toilet
• It is ruggedly constructed to last long
• It comes with a vent, a trash bag, and a fan
• Nature’s Head is simple to set up
• It is user-friendly
• Made in the USA
• Outstanding USA customer support
• 5-year warranty

Cons:

• It is cumbersome to install if you don’t have a ventilation system.

Sun-Mar Excel Self-Contained Composting Toilet

Sun-Mar is another outstanding composting toilet brand on the market. It has lots of well-built and high-performing compost toilets. The Sun-Mar Excel self-contained toilet is one of the best-selling models. The Sun-Mar Excel doesn’t use electricity and water to operate; it is also odor-free. Thus, Sun-Mar Excel is called the best composting toilet for no electricity. The model has a minimalist design, and it is also a very compact composting toilet. It is purely created for small areas as it has its handle at the front instead of the side. It also separates liquids and solids into two different solids bins.

Related: What is a Dual Flush Toilet?

The installation and maintenance of the Sun-Mar Excel are easy, as you just have to hook up the ventilation vent, and you are good to go. It also has an optional electric fan, which can be utilized if you want to install a vent with some bends in it. With a good warranty and excellent design, this is a nice toilet for your cabin, off-grid home, or RV.

Technical Specifications of the Sun-Mar Excel Toilet

Features	Sun-Mar Excel Self-Contained Toilet
Piece:	One-Piece
Shape:	Elongated
Color:	White
Installation Method:	Floor Mounted
Voltage:	12 volts
NSF/ANSI Certified:	Yes
Size:	33 x 22 1/2 x 33 inches
Warranty:	5-year warranty
Price:	Check Today’s Price

Pros:

• It is sturdily constructed
• It is easy to install
• Sun-Mar is a large-capacity toilet
• It uses no water
• It doesn’t need electricity
• Sun-Mar Excel Self-Contained toilet separates liquids and solids
• It is a low-profile toilet that will match any bathroom
• It comes with 3-year parts and a 5-year tank warranty

Cons:

• The toilet is very heavy
• It was also expensive.

Nature’s Head Composting Unit with Spider Handle

Nature’s Head composting toilet with spider handle has a large capacity as two people using it full time can go for up to 4 or 6 weeks before emptying it. Just like the other Nature’s Head toilets, this model is also ruggedly constructed for longevity and very comfortable to use. The toilet is also easy to install or disassemble. The stainless steel hardware parts make the cleanup process simple and quick, which also helps to keep the toilet hygienic and odorless. It is the best composting toilet for an RV.

The eco-friendly design of the toilet and its exceptional decomposition system enable you to utilize the toilet without any hesitation. This toilet is fully self-contained and separated, just like other Nature’s Head toilets. Apart from the amazing features, this toilet can last for the entire summer, which is great news for campers. So, if you have no space and want a compact and functional toilet, this toilet model is perfect for you.

Specifications of Nature’s Head Toilet with Spider Handle

Features	Nature’s Head Composting Toilet
Piece:	One-Piece
Material:	Plastic
Shape:	Rectangular
Color:	Granite
Power Source:	DC. 12 volt adapter available
Installation Method:	Floor-Mounted
Voltage:	12 volts
Wattage:	3.00
Size:	17.8 x 17.8 x 21.5 inches
Warranty:	5-year warranty
Price:	Check Today’s Price

Pros:

• It is durably made
• It is eco-friendly as it uses no water
• Nature’s Head is compact and lightweight
• It is odor-free
• It is easy to clean up and maintains hygiene
• 5-year warranty

Cons:

• Nature’s Head Composting toilet is quite cumbersome to empty the toilet

Sun-Mar Excel Non-Electric Self-Contained Toilet

Sun-Mar is one of the oldest composting toilets on the market. They offer different types of toilets with the customers in mind. So, if you’re looking for a great off-grid toilet, Sun-Mar is one of the best brands.

The Sun-Mar Excel non-electric self-contained composting toilet features a low-profile toilet that easily blends with any bathroom. It is also non-electric and doesn’t use any water. This toilet comes with a Bio-drum with a recessed handle that processes compost much better than the Sun-Mar model that we talked about earlier.

Additionally, the one-piece toilet can serve a family of around 2 to 3 people without any problem. And if you intend to use it on a camping site over the weekend, this toilet can serve around 5 to 7 individuals. You also don’t have to worry about odor as this composting toilet doesn’t smell but keeps the bathroom fresh at all times. Use this toilet on your RV, boat, or off-grid home.

Technical Specifications of the Sun-Mar Excel Non-Electric Toilet

Features	Sun-Mar Excel Toilet
Piece:	One-Piece Toilet
Material:	Plastic
Color:	White
Self Contained:	Yes
Usage:	Medium to high capacity
Electric:	No
Size:	36 x 36 x 28 inches
Warranty:	5-year warranty
Price:	Check Today’s Price

Pros:

• It is a low-profile toilet
• It utilizes no water
• Great for off-grid use as it is non-electric
• It is eco-friendly as it is 100% non-polluting
• It has a recessed handle for processing compost
• Sun-Mar Excel has a large capacity
• It is ANSI/NSF certified
• It changes human waste into safe fertilizing soil

Cons:

• It is very expensive
• The toilet is quite heavy

Best Composting toilet buying guide

If you want to choose composting toilets for your home, RV, boat, or cabin, knowing what features to look for will make things a little easier for you. That’s why we have included this buyer’s guide to help people who know less about composting toilets make a well-informed judgment.

Related Article: Is Niagara Stealth Toilet Worth Money?

Advantages and disadvantages of composting toilets

Like any other toilet, composting toilets also have pros and cons. So, before installing a compost toilet in your home, ensure you know what to expect from it. Here are the pros and cons of composting toilets:

Advantages:

• It is very economical
• No water is needed
• It is safe for the environment
• The toilet is simple to set up
• It changes solid waste into useful compost

Disadvantages:

• They have to be manually emptied, which is a bit hectic and time-consuming.
• The major disadvantage of composting toilets is their limited capacity. A few people can only utilize these toilets.
• They are quite expensive when compared to traditional flushing toilets.

Must-have features of composting toilets

Self-contained or central units?

Normally, there are two types of composting toilets that you can choose from. These are the self-contained unit or the composting toilet with a central location. In simple terms, there is a toilet that composts the waste within a waste tank that is linked to the toilet itself, and there is another unit that links to a larger tank in a separate location.

Related: What is the Purpose of a Tankless toilet?

If the users of the toilet are few, then self-contained toilets are the best option and can easily fit in smaller areas too. But if there are many people who will be using the toilet, then a toilet that links to a central unit will work better for them. In addition, self-contained toilets are easier to set up and cheaper. This is because they don’t come with extra tanks for installation.

Electrical or non-electrical?

Depending on the area in which you want to use your toilet, you might want to think of taking advantage of an electrical system. These systems play a major part as they help to keep the composting fertilizer eco-friendly, which in return increases the speed of the composting.

Dimensions

When it comes to composting toilet installation, it is important to have the ideal dimensions of the toilet. Composting toilets are quite challenging to install due to their chunky appearance. This makes fitting them in tight areas really hard. Apart from its chunky appearance, you will also have to add a tank and ventilation system to it.

Therefore, when you set out to acquire a composting toilet, always check the toilet size and determine whether the dimensions will fit into your available space. You will have a rough time setting up the toilet with the wrong dimensions.

Capacity

The capacity of the toilet is important, and you should choose a toilet that can serve all family members. If you’re many, a toilet with a large capacity should be acquired, but if you are two people, a regular toilet with a small capacity is just fine. The capacity of the toilet determines how much solid waste it can hold and compost without overflowing.

Related: Kohler San Souci Review [Low-Profile Design Toilet]

Also, the manner in which you frequent the toilet can determine which type of toilet will be ideal for you. For most homes, it is a good idea to install a large-capacity toilet as t will be used many times a day.

Weight

Another crucial factor to keep in mind while purchasing composting toilets is their weight. The lighter the toilet, the easier it will be to move around with it. Most of the smaller capacity toilets are very light and can be installed anywhere. It doesn’t matter if it’s upstairs or downstairs; their small size allows them to fit easily in tight areas.

Many of the large-capacity toilets are very heavy and may not be suitable for moving around. For instance, installing a 100-pound toilet upstairs can be very challenging and cumbersome. That’s why checking o the weight of the toilet is really crucial.

Ease of installation

Among all the home fittings, a toilet is one of the shakiest things to install. This is because it has to be sealed well, and if you fail to do so, you may have a lot of leaks to deal with later on. Unlike the regular toilet, installing a composting toilet is much easier to set up, more so the self-contained unit, which is smaller and lightweight. All you need to do is anchor the toilet in position and ensure that the ventilation pipe is properly installed. This makes them simple to get up and operate, regardless of skill level.

Maintenance

A traditional toilet needs zero maintenance, while composting toilets need regular maintenance. This is because a composting toilet comes with complicated parts that require regular maintenance. On the other hand, traditional toilets just need to be cleaned in the bowl, and they will remain sparkling clean. Composting toilets needs more than just cleaning the bowl; some come with electrical connections that you must constantly check to avoid malfunctioning. Always ensure that the connections are made well and there is no danger involved.

Safety

Composting toilets usually have two main safety concerns, with the first concern being a badly designed or malfunctioning toilet. If the toilet is bad or malfunctioning, it may make some awful pathogens or bacteria remain in the waste material. Therefore, the best way to keep your composting toilet in the best condition possible is by regularly maintaining it and acquiring the best toilet that you can lay your hands on.

Related Product Review: In-depth details of  American Standard Champion 4 toilet

The second concern is about toilets that utilize electrical hook-ups. Such parts have to be routinely inspected and maintained. While for those with toilets that aren’t utilized often, you might have a scenario where the electrical hook-up isn’t safer anymore and could endanger users.

Local laws

Every state in the US has laws that govern what should and shouldn’t be installed within its jurisdiction. So, before you buy anything, it is vital to know if it meets the recommended standards or if it is accepted within the state. For instance, some states haven’t updated their laws to account for hygienically treated human waste, as composting toilets are new. Therefore, if you install these toilets in a state that doesn’t account for them, you may end up being fined.

That’s why you need to confirm with the authorities before installing this type of toilet in your suburb. But if you’re in a rural area with a huge parcel of land, then you have nothing to worry about as they’re built for off-grid and cabins.

Price

As expected, you need to have a budget of how much you intend to part with for your new eco-friendly toilet. Usually, composting toilets are more expensive than traditional toilets because they come with more complicated parts. So, as you plan to go out and purchase a composting toilet of your choice, just know that you will have to dig deeper into your pocket in order to acquire a toilet of choice.

But it’s better to spend and get a quality compost toilet instead of acquiring a cheaper unit that won’t last long.

Warranty

With its high initial cost, it is wise to acquire a toilet from a brand that offers a warranty. However, it is very difficult for composting toilets to have issues. But still, a warranty guarantees you to repair or replace the damaged parts.

If you want your toilet to last longer even after the warranty expires, you should have to maintain it well, clean it every few days, and empty it as recommended. With this routine, it will be very difficult for your toilet to malfunction.

Composting Toilets vs. Regular Toilet: Quick Comparison

Features	Composting Toilets	Regular Toilet
Required septic tank connection?	No	Yes
Complex plumbing system:	No	Yes
Water Usage:	Less	High
Maintenance cost:	High	Low
Cistern cost:	Low	High
Flushing system:	Yes	No
Installation:	Hard	Easy
Price:	Low to High	High

Summary

The toilets that we’ve chosen above are some of the best, and you will love how they are easy to install. Some also make them the most reputable toilet brands. They have an outstanding capacity, are comfortable, and are safe to use. Additionally, these composting toilets have received a high rating with lots of positive reviews.

Depending on your needs, you can go ahead and select the best composting toilet of your choice. After all, we’ve highlighted all the factors you need to know before selecting your preferred toilet. Make the right choice and let your family save water and, at the same time, make fertilizer for your farm.

FAQs

Question: Will I have to use special toilet paper?
Answer: You don’t have to buy special toilet paper like in RVs and camper toilet systems. Composting units do a wonderful job of breaking down any toilet paper that you use together with human waste. So, any type of tissue will work, but the best toilet paper to use is a single-ply paper that breaks down faster.

Question: Should the venting fan run throughout, or do I have to switch it off after some time?
Answer: Most composting toilets come with some venting to help in the composting process. In most cases, the process involves a fan. If you’re using the compost toilet full-time, you must always keep the fan on. This is very vital as it allows the composting process to be quicker.