When it comes to portable composting toilets, there is a wide array of options available in the market. From compact design to advanced features like agitators, covers and carbon filters, understanding the key factors to consider will help you choose the perfect one for your needs.
Whether you're planning a camping trip or venturing into remote areas, having a portable composting toilet can make a world of difference. Not only does it offer convenience and comfort, but it also ensures that you leave no trace behind, promoting sustainable and eco-friendly practices.
Portable composting toilets offer a range of benefits that make them a must-have for outdoor enthusiasts. Here are some key advantages:
One of the primary reasons to invest in a portable composting toilet is the ability to stay in remote natural places longer than a chemical toilet. Unlike a chemical toilet because urine is separated at source it can be disposed of in nature - away from water sources and other people (hikers and campers). Always be considerate of others and choose a mature tree as it can be a potent fertiliser
Using a portable composting toilet promotes sustainable and eco-friendly practices. These toilets are designed to facilitate the decomposition of human waste using natural processes, such as composting and evaporation instead of masking smells with chemicals. By using a composting toilet, you contribute to minimizing pollution, protecting water sources, and preserving the environment.
Having a portable composting toilet with you quickly becomes a can't-live-without convenience, especially if travelling with children. An easily accessible toilet in your car or camper can turn any parking spot into a private, safe and clean restroom, saving time driving out of the way.
Additionally, most of the volume is urine which is more readily disposed of when separated from solids. This means less frequent emptying and so less time looking for the dreaded dump point.
One of the essential principles of responsible outdoor recreation is leaving no trace behind. With a portable composting toilet, you can ensure that you're not leaving any waste or harmful substances in behind so everyone can enjoy unspoilt nature.
When selecting a portable composting toilet, it's crucial to consider various factors to ensure the best fit for your needs. Here are the key factors to keep in mind:
It goes without saying but be sure to look for a portable toilet that makes carrying easier. Handles on the sides as well as access points in the front and rear are useful for moving a portable toilet in and out of tight spaces. Look for compact designs that are lightweight and easy to transport without compromising on comfort and functionality. For increased convenience a carry-bag is a good upgrade and can make setting up camp easier. If your portable composting toilet features a handle or ventilation holes, be sure the bag has access slots and vent holes for these as well.
Consider the capacity of the toilet's solids bin and urine canister as well as the durability of the overall construction. We recommend a urine tank capacity of at least 0.5Galon (2L) per day for adults (half for children) so you're not emptying constantly. For solids, we prefer a capacity that will surpass the requirements for your trip so that materials can be packed-out at the end of your trip, leaving no residual waste. for portable bag systems, be sure to allow space for carbon rich cover material in the solids bin to control odors.
Life in the wild can be tough. Look for a unit with strong quality materials and hardware, built to withstand rugged outdoor conditions and wear and tear.
Effective odour control is an important feature to consider in a portable composting toilet. Look for toilets that incorporate ventilation systems, carbon filters, or urine valves/membrane to minimise unpleasant odours. For units with external ventilation, ensure a fly screen is included as standard (as with all Cuddy composting toilets). This ensures a more pleasant experience and makes the toilet more suitable for use in convenient proximity to camping areas or other outdoor settings.
There are two main types of portable composting toilets, each with its own unique features and functionalities.
Self-contained units are a popular choice for outdoor enthusiasts due to their compact size and ease of use. These toilets feature a solids bin with an agitator and a separate compartment for urine. They are designed to be completely self-contained, requiring no external plumbing or water source. Self-contained units are often lightweight and portable, making them ideal for camping, boating, or RV trips. The biggest benefit of a self contained system is not needing to keep cover material nearby to add to the solids bin after each use.
Portable bag systems are a simpler alternative for outdoor adventures. These systems typically line the solids bin with a biodegradable bag. They are designed to have carbon-rich cover material added after each use to begin the composting process and reduce odor.
The biggest advantage of self-contained composting toilets is that no additional space or materials are required. Instead, the cover material is all added at the start and mixed after each use, avoiding hassle and spills when camping. An additional benefit of agitating is that the
The benefit of the portable bag system is the convenience of emptying as the solids bin remains clean once the bag is removed. This may be preferable for intermittent use.
To ensure the best performance and user experience, consider the following features when choosing a portable composting toilet:
To enhance the composting process and minimise odors, opt for toilets that separate liquid and solid waste. The separation of solids and liquids is achieved through a urine diverter in the toilet seat which allows urine to flow into a separate urine canister. This prevents the formation of anaerobic conditions and accelerates the composting process.
By separating the urine from solids, the urine can be disposed of separately. Always check local regulations in your country, however, if you are in the wilderness it is normally legal to dispose of urine away from any campsites over a mature tree. If you are on a campsite, you can dispose of it in a regular toilet or dump point.
A well-designed ventilation system is crucial for controlling moisture and promoting the composting process. Look for toilets with built-in fans or vents that facilitate airflow and prevent the accumulation of unpleasant smells.
An activated carbon filter is an advanced feature of a ventilation system and will help reduce odours even further.
Consider the ease of emptying the waste tank and the overall maintenance requirements of the toilet. Look for features such as removable solids and liquids tanks, hinges to prevent disassembly, and an easy to wipe-clean design. Easy maintenance ensures a hygienic and hassle-free experience.
At Compo Closet we don't believe in guessing when the liquids are full (or failing to guess!) so we installed a liquids level indicator. We also don't like looking at our poop (or anyone else's for that matter) so our drop zone features a retractable cover to hide the poo from view. The cover also diverts stray urine to keep the solids dry and reduce odour and moisture!
