3 Best Composting Toilet Systems for Water Conservation That Save 6,600 Gallons
Discover the top 3 composting toilets that eliminate water waste, save 6,600 gallons per person yearly, and convert waste into fertilizer. Compare features, costs, and benefits.
Why it matters: Traditional toilets guzzle thousands of gallons annually while composting systems use zero water and transform waste into valuable fertilizer.
The big picture: You’ll slash your water bill and environmental footprint while gaining energy independence – especially crucial as drought conditions spread across the country.
What’s ahead: We’ve researched the top three composting toilet systems that deliver reliable performance without the mess or odor you might expect.
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Best Overall
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$1,065.00
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$495.00
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$22.90
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Understanding Composting Toilets and Their Water Conservation Benefits
These self-contained systems represent a significant shift from water-dependent waste management. They’re designed to break down human waste naturally without requiring water for flushing.
How Composting Toilets Work
Composting toilets use controlled decomposition to transform waste into compost through aerobic bacteria. You’ll add carbon-rich materials like sawdust or coconut coir after each use to maintain proper carbon-to-nitrogen ratios. The system requires ventilation and occasional mixing to ensure proper airflow and temperature control. Most units feature separate chambers for liquids and solids, preventing odors and accelerating the composting process.
Water Savings Compared to Traditional Toilets
Traditional toilets consume 1.6 to 7 gallons per flush, totaling approximately 24% of household water usage annually. Composting toilets eliminate this consumption entirely, saving your household roughly 6,600 gallons per person each year. You’ll see immediate reductions in water bills, particularly significant in areas with high municipal water rates. The savings become even more pronounced during drought restrictions when water costs increase substantially.
Environmental Impact and Sustainability
Composting toilets reduce wastewater treatment demands and eliminate pharmaceutical contamination in sewage systems. You’re converting waste into nutrient-rich compost that enriches soil rather than polluting waterways. The systems operate without electricity in many models, reducing your carbon footprint significantly. They’re particularly valuable in off-grid locations where septic systems would be costly or environmentally damaging to install.
Nature’s Head Self-Contained Composting Toilet
Nature’s Head leads the composting toilet market with its compact design and proven reliability in off-grid applications.
Key Features and Specifications
Dimensions measure 20.5″ x 16.5″ x 17.75″ with a 28-pound total weight. The unit features a stainless steel handle for rotating the composting chamber and includes both liquid and solid waste separation systems. You’ll get a 12-volt fan for odor control and proper ventilation. The toilet accommodates standard toilet seats and handles up to two full-time users.
Water Conservation Capabilities
This system eliminates 100% of toilet water usage while processing waste naturally. You’ll save approximately 6,600 gallons annually per person compared to traditional low-flow toilets. The separated urine collection requires emptying every 2-3 days while solid waste composts for weeks without water. Your household water bill drops significantly with zero flush requirements.
Installation Requirements and Process
Installation requires basic DIY skills and takes 2-4 hours for most setups. You’ll need to install a 3-inch exhaust vent through your roof or wall and connect the 12-volt fan to your electrical system. The unit bolts directly to your floor without plumbing connections. Professional installation costs $200-400 if you prefer expert setup.
Pros and Cons
Advantages include excellent odor control and compact size perfect for RVs and cabins. The spider handle design makes waste agitation easy while the urine diverter prevents liquid overflow. Disadvantages involve frequent urine bottle emptying and higher upfront costs around $960. The 12-volt fan requires consistent power and replacement parts cost more than basic models.
Sun-Mar Excel Non-Electric Self-Contained Composting Toilet
The Sun-Mar Excel stands out as a robust, electricity-free composting system that’s built for year-round reliability in residential settings. This Canadian-manufactured unit handles heavy use while maintaining effective waste processing without power requirements.
Key Features and Specifications
The Excel measures 33″ high, 22″ wide, and 33″ deep, weighing 87 pounds when empty. Its fiberglass construction includes a built-in mixing mechanism operated by a hand crank and features a 4-inch exhaust pipe system. The unit accommodates up to 3-4 people with full-time use and includes a removable finishing drawer for compost collection.
Water Conservation Capabilities
This system eliminates 100% of flush water consumption, saving approximately 6,600 gallons per person annually. The Excel processes waste through controlled aerobic decomposition, requiring only occasional additions of peat moss or coconut coir. Your household water bill drops significantly while reducing strain on septic systems or municipal wastewater treatment facilities.
Installation Requirements and Process
Installation typically requires 4-6 hours and basic carpentry skills for proper ventilation setup. You’ll need to cut a 4-inch hole for the exhaust vent and ensure adequate clearance around the unit. The system requires no electrical connections, making it ideal for off-grid locations or areas with unreliable power supply.
Pros and Cons
Pros include zero electricity requirements, large capacity for families, and minimal maintenance needs. The Excel handles heavy use reliably and produces high-quality compost within 12 months. Cons involve higher upfront costs around $1,600, larger space requirements, and manual operation of the mixing system. You’ll also need proper ventilation planning during installation.
Separett Villa 9215 AC/DC Composting Toilet
The Villa 9215 stands out as a Swedish-engineered composting toilet that works seamlessly in both AC and DC power environments. You’ll appreciate its sophisticated urine-diverting design that maximizes composting efficiency while minimizing maintenance demands.
Key Features and Specifications
Dimensions: 23″ wide, 27″ deep, 20″ high with a comfortable standard toilet seat height that fits most bathroom spaces.
Dual power operation lets you connect to 110V household current or 12V DC systems for off-grid flexibility. The built-in mixing system automatically rotates every 10 minutes, ensuring proper aeration without manual intervention.
Weight capacity supports up to 300 pounds with a robust polypropylene construction that withstands daily use.
Water Conservation Capabilities
Zero water consumption eliminates your toilet’s contribution to household water usage entirely, saving approximately 6,600 gallons per person annually.
The urine-separation system diverts liquid waste to a separate container, reducing composting chamber moisture levels by 80%. This separation accelerates decomposition while preventing anaerobic conditions that create odors.
Composting efficiency increases dramatically when solids maintain optimal moisture content between 40-60%.
Installation Requirements and Process
Basic electrical connection to either 110V AC or 12V DC power source powers the ventilation fan and automatic mixing mechanism.
Ventilation pipe installation requires a 3″ diameter vent extending through your roof or exterior wall. Most installations take 3-5 hours with standard plumbing tools.
Floor mounting uses included brackets that secure the unit without permanent bathroom modifications. Professional installation costs $200-400 if you prefer expert setup.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Automatic mixing eliminates manual stirring requirements
- Dual power capability works in any electrical setup
- Large 7-gallon composting chamber reduces emptying frequency to 4-6 months
- Higher price point at $2,500-2,800 compared to basic models
- Requires electricity for optimal operation unlike purely manual systems
- Replacement parts must ship from Sweden, potentially extending repair timelines
Comparing the Top 3 Composting Toilet Systems
These three composting toilet systems deliver exceptional water conservation benefits while offering distinct advantages for different situations.
Water Conservation Performance
All three systems eliminate toilet water consumption entirely, saving approximately 6,600 gallons per person annually. The Nature’s Head and Separett Villa achieve this through urine-diverting designs that separate liquids from solids, optimizing decomposition. The Sun-Mar Excel processes combined waste through controlled aerobic composting, delivering identical water savings with a different approach.
Cost Analysis and Value
The Nature’s Head typically costs $900-1,200, making it the most budget-friendly option with excellent durability. The Sun-Mar Excel ranges from $1,400-1,800, reflecting its larger capacity and robust construction. The Separett Villa commands $1,800-2,200 due to Swedish engineering and automatic mixing features, offering premium convenience for the higher price point.
Maintenance Requirements
The Nature’s Head requires urine bottle emptying every 2-3 days and compost removal every 4-6 weeks. The Sun-Mar Excel needs manual mixing weekly and compost harvesting every 3-4 months with heavier use. The Separett Villa offers the lowest maintenance burden with automatic mixing every 10 minutes and compost removal every 6-8 weeks.
Best Use Cases for Each System
The Nature’s Head excels in RVs, boats, and tiny homes where space and weight matter most. The Sun-Mar Excel suits full-time residential use in cabins or off-grid homes with 3-4 occupants. The Separett Villa works best for tech-savvy users who want automated operation and can access reliable electricity for optimal performance.
Installation and Maintenance Tips for Maximum Water Conservation
Proper installation and consistent maintenance directly determine how much water your composting toilet saves over its lifetime. These systems require different approaches than traditional toilets, but following proven guidelines ensures optimal performance.
Proper Setup Guidelines
Position your composting toilet for maximum airflow by installing it away from direct sunlight and ensuring adequate ventilation. Install the fan exhaust at least 12 inches above the roofline to prevent odor backflow.
Level the unit perfectly using a carpenter’s level to ensure proper waste separation and prevent liquid pooling. Connect all electrical components according to manufacturer specifications, using marine-grade wiring for moisture resistance.
Regular Maintenance Schedule
Empty urine containers every 2-3 days for self-contained models to prevent overflow and odor buildup. Add carbon material weekly using coconut coir, peat moss, or sawdust to maintain proper compost ratios.
Rotate mixing handles 3-4 times weekly for manual systems to ensure adequate aeration. Clean ventilation fans monthly and inspect seals quarterly to maintain optimal performance and extend system life.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Address odor problems immediately by checking fan operation, adding carbon material, and ensuring proper ventilation connections. Most odor issues stem from inadequate airflow or improper carbon-to-nitrogen ratios.
Fix liquid backup issues by emptying containers more frequently and adjusting the urine diverter position. Resolve slow composting by increasing carbon additions, improving ventilation, and ensuring the chamber temperature stays between 60-80°F for optimal bacterial activity.
Conclusion
These three composting toilet systems offer proven solutions for dramatically reducing your household water consumption. Whether you’re looking for budget-friendly off-grid functionality or premium automated features you’ll find an option that fits your specific needs and living situation.
Your choice ultimately depends on your space requirements budget and maintenance preferences. The Nature’s Head delivers compact reliability for mobile applications while the Sun-Mar Excel handles full-time residential demands. The Separett Villa provides the most convenient hands-off operation for those willing to invest in premium technology.
By making the switch to composting toilets you’re not just saving thousands of gallons of water annually – you’re contributing to a more sustainable future while reducing your utility costs and environmental impact.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much water can composting toilets save compared to traditional toilets?
Composting toilets eliminate 100% of toilet water consumption, saving approximately 6,600 gallons per person annually. Traditional toilets use 1.6 to 7 gallons per flush and account for about 24% of household water usage, making composting toilets a significant water conservation solution.
Do composting toilets produce unpleasant odors?
When properly maintained, composting toilets don’t produce unpleasant odors. Most models feature ventilation systems with 12-volt fans and require regular addition of carbon-rich materials to maintain proper composting conditions and prevent odor issues.
How often do composting toilets require maintenance?
Maintenance varies by model. The Nature’s Head requires urine bottle emptying every 2-3 days, the Sun-Mar Excel needs weekly mixing, and the Separett Villa offers the lowest maintenance with automatic mixing. Regular carbon material addition is required for all systems.
What’s the average cost of a quality composting toilet system?
Composting toilet costs range from $900-2,200 depending on features. The Nature’s Head is most budget-friendly at $900-1,200, the Sun-Mar Excel costs $1,400-1,800, and the premium Separett Villa ranges from $1,800-2,200.
How long does composting toilet installation typically take?
Installation typically takes 2-6 hours depending on the model and complexity. The Nature’s Head requires 2-4 hours, the Sun-Mar Excel needs 4-6 hours, and the Separett Villa takes 3-5 hours. Basic DIY skills are usually sufficient.
Can composting toilets work without electricity?
Yes, several models operate without electricity. The Sun-Mar Excel is completely non-electric, while the Separett Villa works on both AC and DC power. The Nature’s Head uses minimal 12-volt power for ventilation but can function without it.
What materials need to be added to composting toilets?
Composting toilets require regular addition of carbon-rich materials like peat moss, coconut coir, or sawdust to maintain proper carbon-to-nitrogen ratios. These materials help control odors, absorb moisture, and facilitate proper decomposition of waste.
Are composting toilets suitable for full-time residential use?
Yes, composting toilets can handle full-time residential use. The Sun-Mar Excel accommodates 3-4 people with continuous use, while other models work well for smaller households or part-time use in cabins and RVs.
