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Last Updated on August 23, 2024 by Paul Clayton
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Best RV Composting Toilet Buying Guide
RV composting toilets offer an eco-friendly waste management solution for those on the road. They significantly reduce water usage and eliminate the need for chemical additives, providing a sustainable alternative to traditional RV toilets.
- Functionality: Separate solid and liquid waste for odor reduction.
- Efficiency: No water usage, suitable for water conservation.
- Maintenance: Regular waste container emptying is required, but the frequency varies.
- Environmental Impact: Produces nutrient-rich compost for soil.
- Cost: Higher initial investment, long-term savings potential.
The best RV composting toilet can turn human waste & toilet paper into compost. Such toilets do not require water. They may be powered by electricity to process composting.
Nonelectric variants rely on the natural process of evaporation and decomposition.
Most toilets produce waste that contains up to ninety percent water. A ventilation system can evaporate this water.
The ventilation also eliminates or regulates odor. The solid waste is subjected to decomposition or a composting process to become fertilizer.
A composting toilet relies on moisture, oxygen, organic waste matter, and heat to be adequately balanced for the composting process to be effective.
Bacteria and other microorganisms facilitate natural decomposition. The ideal environment for the composting process should be reliable and steadfast.
A composting toilet is a quintessential requirement in recreational vehicles; it is an absolute RV essential. Such toilets are also used at homes, especially where there are gardens.
There are different types of composting toilets with varying specifications, and you should explore all relevant options to choose the best.
4 Top Rated RV Composting Toilets
1. Nature’s Head Self-Contained Composting Toilet
Summary
This is one of the best composting toilets for recreational vehicles. It is 22 inches x 20.5 inches x 21.7 inches in size. The toilet has an elongated seat and weighs 28lbs. It runs on 12 volts and 0.72 watts.
There is an integrated fan for air circulation that operates quietly. The pack comes with a vent hose and stainless steel hardware. The toilet is big enough for two people to use it full time and definitely for temporary use over the weekends or for a short period.
The product is manufactured in the United States and has a five-year warranty.
This Nature’s Head model works for most people. Those who are particularly large may not find ideal comfort in the seat, though. The height is OK, though.
It is one of the lighter models available now, so it does not add much weight to your vehicle. Installation and use are easy.
The electricity required is minimal, so running it should not be a problem for most recreational vehicles, even if the power source is a battery in some cases.
Nature’s Head has a reliable support team on standby whenever users need assistance. The company has a comprehensive warranty, so any possible malfunction is covered.
The price is slightly higher than you may want, but the product is worthwhile.
2. Separett Villa 9210
Summary
While Nature’s Head model is the best overall composting toilet, the Villa 9210 from Separett is the most compact and fitting for recreational vehicles.
The toilet is 18 inches x 26.5 inches x 21.3 inches. It weighs 47lbs and runs on 12 volts direct current and 2.5 watts power. It needs 6 kWh per day to operate the one-speed fan.
The fan operates quietly, producing less than 30 dB of noise. This composting toilet’s capacity is three weeks for average family use. The pack has all essential parts, including a battery cable, mounting components, and a power adapter.
The company offers a five-year warranty. The composting toilet’s compact size is one of its biggest strengths, but it is also slightly heavier. This should not be a problem since it weighs less than fifty pounds.
The toilet can be installed relatively easily and quickly. It does not require a professional or experienced technician. Villa 9210 can run on a battery or be connected to a generator.
The warranty is substantial, and coverage includes all parts. The price is not surprising, given the category of composting toilets.
3. Sun-Mar Excel Non-Electric Self-Contained Composting Toilet
Summary
This is the best option if you do not want an electric composting toilet. Weighing 90 lbs, the nonelectric self-contained composting toilet from Sun-Mar is 36 inches x 36 inches x 28 inches. It is larger and heavier than the options above.
The unit has a bio-drum with sufficient capacity for up to four people to use the toilet full-time. The waste contained will not overflow for up to eight weekends.
If you are using a recreational vehicle for full-time living, you should observe the cycle, and a weekly clearing out may be necessary during frequent use.
Sun-Mar offers an NSF/ANSI-certified warranty for five years on the fiberglass and three years on all other parts.
The capacity is sufficient for those with a large family or plenty of people using the toilet. It is substantially greater than that of both Nature’s Head and Separett models.
Hence, the toilet is much larger and will take up more space. There is no need for electricity, so there is modest utility savings. The flip side is that the composting process takes a while longer than what is required by electric variants.
Installation of this model is easier since there are no electrical connections to set up.
The three-year warranty on the parts is a bit limiting, especially for the price, but Sun-Mar is a reliable brand, so you are unlikely to be unlucky with your purchase. The large capacity and easy installation are the two noteworthy strengths.
The weight and the price are the wrinkles for many buyers.
4. Sun-Mar Compact Self-Contained Composting Toilet
Summary
This is one of the best composting toilets for limited capacity. Sun-Mar has quite a few low-profile options; this one is 33 inches x 21-1/2 inches x 28-1/2 inches. It weighs 90 lbs and comes with a venting kit.
The self-contained composting toilet is pest-proof. It is an electric model that requires a 110-volt standard power source and runs on 125 watts.
Like the other Sun-Mar model, this one has a bio-drum and an emergency drain. The warranty is the same: five years for the toilet, covering the fiberglass, and three years for the other parts.
The small capacity limits the number of people who can use the toilet full-time. At the most, two adults can use the toilet in a recreational vehicle. The warranty is NSF/ANSI certified.
Those who want a compact composting toilet with a small capacity will find this one relevant.
For others, the capacity may be too limiting. Smaller recreational vehicles will find this one more appropriate, but the weight does not put it in the lighter category of composting toilets.
The self-contained unit is safe, and the emergency drain is valuable. The pest proofing is also appreciable. The warranties are comprehensive. Installation is easy.
The venting kit is easy to work with. Price and weight remain concerns, but the capacity will be just enough for two people.
How to Compare Composting Toilets
Composting toilets are economical and environmentally friendly. Some are expensive, but you do not need to spend a fortune. Not all composting toilets are equally effective, so you must choose a reliable brand.
Before you can develop a shortlist, it would be best to compare everything from the capacity to how it works, the method of installation to the warranty. There are two types of composting toilets: self-contained and central.
A self-contained composting toilet is smaller. The tank where the composting will happen is connected to the installed toilet, while a central composting toilet has a separate tank.
The tank is connected to the toilet but is neither attached nor has to be precisely where it is. Central composting toilets have greater capacity but are unsuitable for recreational vehicles. You will need a self-contained composting toilet for your RV.
Self-contained composting toilets do not cost much, and the installation is more manageable. There is no separate tank. The size is compact, but the capacity is limited, so one must exercise caution to avoid waste overflow.
Composting toilets require more frequent maintenance compared to regular toilets. The compost generated should be cleared out from time to time.
If you choose a self-contained composting toilet that runs on electricity, you should ensure the connections work fine.
Otherwise, the composting process will be hindered, and you will have a crisis.
Always study the specifications and features, ease of installation, and warranty of every relevant composting toilet for your recreational vehicle.
Embark on an extensive comparison, where every important specification or feature is considered, and only the best are shortlisted. While dimensions or size are more significant, you cannot dismiss the weight either.
You must know how much additional weight your recreational vehicle will carry.
Depending on your energy availability, you may prefer electrical or nonelectrical composting toilets. Electrical toilets are better since they can expedite the composting process.
Always prioritize safety, warranty, and price without compromising on any quintessential feature you need. You may not want to spend much money, but cutting corners will result in an unsafe composting toilet.
You do not want the waste overflowing or any pathogen to find its way out of the tank.
It would be best to have a comprehensive warranty for a substantial period. Balance safety and warranty vis-à-vis the price to choose a reliable composting toilet.
Major Manufacturers
Dry composting toilets do not require plumbing. There is no need to flush, and chemicals are not involved. The natural process is environmentally safe and does not threaten the occupants of a recreational vehicle.
Composting toilets have a small ecosystem that does not interact with the environment inside or outside the recreational vehicle.
Of course, there is evaporation, ventilation, decomposition, and eventual composting, but the toilet will not threaten the safety or well-being of the passengers in an RV.
It would be best not to consider manufacturers you have not heard of. Only credible brands can be trusted to have a reliable and safe composting toilet. Such an installation is not complex for the user, but the specific processes are complicated.
A composting toilet should be easy to use and versatile. Sun-Mar and Nature’s Head are the two market leaders in this niche, but a few brands, such as Separett, are equally credible.
Nature’s Head is the largest brand of composting toilets. The company has a few models to choose from. While the models have many similarities, there are some differences in design and hence the price variation.
Nature’s Head makes practical and durable composting toilets for recreational vehicles. Sun-Mar specializes in composting toilets for recreational vehicles. It is not the most affordable brand by a mile, but it has some great options.
Many people gravitate towards Nature’s Head as Sun-Mar’s prices can be twice as high. Both these brands make portable composting toilets. Some models have additional features. The manufacturers also have replacement parts and accessories.
Choose the Safest and Most Effective Option
A distinction should be drawn between portable toilets and composting toilets. Companies are advertising portable toilets as appropriate for use in recreational vehicles.
While portable toilets can be used in recreational vehicles, they must be connected to a septic tank.
There should be a black water tank and a grey water tank. If your recreational vehicle or trailer does not have such tanks, you must choose a composting toilet. Portable toilets are not composting toilets by definition or description.
You will not get composting toilets priced below a hundred or anywhere close. The best composting toilets are priced close to a thousand dollars. There are some models priced at fifteen hundred and above.
You may not choose the most premium model but do not compromise on the safety or effectiveness of a composting toilet for your RV.
FAQs
Do composting toilets smell?
Contrary to common misconception, composting toilets, including RV composting toilets, do not emit foul smells.
When maintained properly, the decomposition process effectively neutralizes the odor. Emptying the waste from a composting toilet is hassle-free and does not produce unpleasant odors.
The dried solids that are collected no longer smell like human waste. The disposal process is simplistic and direct, regardless of whether the composting toilet uses an agitator.
However, the process is slightly more convenient with a non-agitator RV composting toilet.
How do you empty an RV composting toilet?
Emptying an RV composting toilet is straightforward. First, ensure you have the appropriate equipment, including gloves and compostable bags.
Disconnect the unit from any power source and remove the liquid bottle. The solid waste compartment can then be detached. Turn it upside down over a compostable bag and shake gently to dislodge the contents.
A brush can be used to clean the inside thoroughly. After emptying, reconnect all parts and replenish the compost material.
Always refer to your specific model’s instructions, as steps may vary.
How do you sanitize a composting toilet?
Sanitizing a composting toilet can be a simple and eco-friendly process. After each use, spraying a mixture of vinegar water or using a Kildwick bathroom cleaner can help maintain cleanliness and freshness.
A deep clean may only be necessary on an irregular basis. Use a damp cloth and mild detergent to gently clean the surface, focusing on the urine diverters designed without nooks or corners for easy cleaning.
This video has been included to clarify the topic. Credit goes to Lyf Uninterrupted
Summary
RV Composting Toilets are an innovative and eco-friendly solution for managing waste in recreational vehicles. One of the critical functionalities of these toilets is their ability to separate solid and liquid waste, which is essential for odor reduction.
The separation process ensures the toilet remains clean and hygienic, enhancing the user’s comfort.
When it comes to efficiency, RV Composting Toilets are a game-changer. They do not require water for operation, making them ideal for individuals concerned about water conservation.
This feature also makes these toilets perfect for use in areas with limited or non-existent water supply.
However, regular maintenance is necessary to keep the system running smoothly. This includes emptying the waste container regularly, though the frequency can vary based on usage levels and the unit’s capacity.
Despite this requirement, many users find the maintenance process straightforward and manageable.
The environmental impact of RV Composting Toilets cannot be overstated. They convert waste into nutrient-rich compost that can enrich soil, adhering to sustainability principles and reducing landfill waste.
While the initial investment in RV Composting Toilets may be higher compared to traditional models, they offer the potential for long-term savings. The lack of water usage and the potential to reduce or eliminate the need for sewer hookups can result in significant cost savings over time.
Ultimately, these toilets are cost-effective for those prioritizing sustainability and efficiency in their RV lifestyle.
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