Let’s be real—when you’re out exploring the great outdoors, dealing with the “call of nature” isn’t always glamorous. But composting toilets are here to save the day! These eco-friendly, off-grid solutions are becoming a game-changer for caravanners and campers alike. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know, answer common questions, and help you decide if a composting toilet is right for you.
What Is a Composting Toilet, and How Does It Differ from a Cassette Toilet?
Composting Toilets: Think of composting toilets as the sustainable heroes of the toilet world. They use natural processes to break down waste into compost, separating liquids and solids to keep things odor-free. Bonus? No water or chemicals needed!
Cassette Toilets: Cassette toilets are the classic caravan option. They use chemicals to manage waste, which collects in a removable tank. While effective, they’re not as kind to the environment and need frequent emptying at dump points.
The Big Differences:
- Eco-Friendliness: Composting toilets skip the chemicals, while cassette toilets rely on them.
- Maintenance: Composting toilets require organic materials like coconut coir, while cassette toilets need chemical refills.
- Odor Control: Both do the job, but composting toilets use ventilation for a more natural approach.
How Does a Composting Toilet Work in a Caravan?
Here’s the scoop: Composting toilets don’t use water or chemicals. Instead, they separate liquids and solids, which keeps smells at bay and makes disposal a breeze.
The Process:
- Liquid Waste: Urine flows into a separate container up front. Empty it every few days at a dump point or even down a regular toilet—it’s chemical-free, so no worries!
- Solid Waste: Solids drop into a separate chamber and mix with something natural like coconut coir or sawdust. You can stir it with a handy crank or let an auto-mixer do the work. Over time, this turns into compost.
By keeping things separate, composting toilets avoid the stinky mess of traditional options.
Why Separate Liquids and Solids?
Urine and solids combined? That’s how you get sewage. Separating them is the magic behind composting toilets. It reduces smells, simplifies disposal, and keeps things cleaner.
- Urine Disposal: Pour the liquid waste into a toilet or dump point. Easy peasy.
- Solid Waste Disposal: Solids only need emptying every few weeks. Once composted, you can use it in the garden (but not on edible plants) or toss it in a biodegradable bag for disposal.
Oh, and yes, men—you’ll need to sit down to pee. It’s not a big deal, and trust us, the benefits outweigh the change in routine.
What About Odor?
Let’s address the elephant in the room: smell. Surprisingly, composting toilets barely smell at all. Thanks to the separation of waste and a 12-volt ventilation fan, you’re more likely to catch a whiff of fresh dirt than anything unpleasant. Way better than the sewer-like odours of some traditional options!
How Often Do You Need to Empty a Composting Toilet?
- Liquid Waste: Empty the urine container every 2-3 days. Most hold 5-8 litres, so it’s typically not a daily chore.
- Solid Waste: The solid chamber lasts much longer—think every 2-4 weeks, depending on use. Some models, like Nature’s Head, can handle up to 80 uses before needing attention.
What Do You Do with Composting Waste?
Solid Waste: Disposing of composted waste is simple:
- Garden Use: Spread it around trees or non-edible plants as a nutrient-rich fertilizer.
- Compostable Bags: Tip the compost into a biodegradable bag and drop it at a dump point or in the trash.
Toilet Paper: Yes, you can toss toilet paper in your composting toilet. RV-friendly, biodegradable paper is best since it breaks down faster. For those who prefer, you can use a separate bin to keep the chamber from filling too quickly.
Pros and Cons of Composting Toilets for Caravans
Pros:
- No water or chemicals needed.
- Odor is minimal with proper ventilation.
- Environmentally friendly.
- Less frequent emptying compared to cassette toilets.
- Easy retrofitting—no plumbing required.
- Produces compost for your garden.
Cons:
- The upfront cost is higher.
- Requires a 12V power supply for the fan.
- Men need to sit to pee (a small adjustment for some).
- Can take up more space than cassette toilets, depending on the model
- You’ll see the composted waste when emptying (but it’s not as gross as it sounds).
Popular Composting Toilets for Caravans and Camping
There are many composting toilets hitting the market, but here are a few popular ones to start you off with your research:
1.Nature’s Head
- Features: Compact, durable, with a hand-crank for mixing solids.
- Best For: Long-term caravan use.
- Website: Nature’s Head
2. OGO Compost Toilet
- Features: Sleek design, automatic mixing, and easy-to-empty urine canister.
- Best For: Modern caravans.
- Website: OGO Toilet
3. CompoCloset
- Features: Stylish and portable with minimal maintenance.
- Best For: Off-grid setups and caravans.
- Website: CompoCloset
4. Joolca GottaGo (Budget Option)
- Features: Lightweight, affordable, and perfect for camping. Has tank options allowing you to choose between composting or chemical.
- Best For: Portability and short trips. These aren’t generally designed to be permanently mounted into your RV or caravan.
- Website: Joolca GottaGo
Tips for Maintaining a Composting Toilet
- Use the Right Materials: Coconut coir, sawdust, or hemp works well. Some also recommend peat moss, but we suggest researching its source to check for sustainability.
- Keep It Ventilated: A working fan is key to odour control and decomposition.
- Clean Regularly: Wipe surfaces and empty containers on schedule.
- Follow Instructions: Each model has its own quirks, so stick to the manual.
Final Thoughts
Composting toilets are a win for eco-conscious travellers. They’re low-maintenance, odour-free, and perfect for off-grid adventures. Sure, they’re an investment upfront, but the benefits—both for you and the planet—make them worth it.
Thinking about making the switch? At AllBrand Caravan Services, we’re here to help with professional installation and advice. Reach out today to get started!
Call Us: (07) 3869 2969
Visit Us: 113 Connaught St, Sandgate
Email Us: info@allbrandcs.com.au
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