When it comes to outfitting your tiny house, every square inch counts. It’s all about finding the right balance between comfort, efficiency, and sustainability. And if you’re looking to create an off-grid, eco-friendly lifestyle, one of the most important features to get right is the toilet. Enter composting toilets – the perfect solution for saving space, reducing water consumption, and transforming your waste into something useful. In this guide, we’ll explore the best composting toilets for tiny houses and help you find the ideal fit for your unique needs.
Why Choose a Composting Toilet for Your Tiny House?
Before diving into product options, let’s talk about why a composting toilet is such a popular choice for tiny houses. Tiny homes are all about minimizing your environmental impact, and a composting toilet is an ideal partner for that mission. Unlike traditional toilets, which use gallons of water with each flush, composting toilets use little to no water. That means you’re saving water, reducing your environmental footprint, and getting one step closer to total off-grid living.
Another reason composting toilets are a favorite among tiny home owners is the ease of installation. Unlike standard plumbing systems, which often require a connection to a septic system or sewage line, composting toilets are self-contained and can be set up pretty much anywhere – making them perfect for the portability and limited space of a tiny house.
Now, let’s explore some of the top-rated composting toilets available on Amazon to help you make the best choice for your tiny house setup.
1. Nature’s Head Self-Contained Composting Toilet with Close-Quarters Spider Handle
If you’re looking for a well-loved, reliable option, the Nature’s Head Self-Contained Composting Toilet is one of the most popular choices for tiny homes. This toilet is known for its compact size, durability, and easy maintenance. With over 1,000 positive reviews on Amazon, it’s safe to say that many tiny home owners and RV travelers are satisfied with this product.
Key Features:
- Compact Design: The Nature’s Head toilet is specifically designed for small spaces, which makes it perfect for tiny homes.
- Stainless Steel Hardware: Built to last, it comes with stainless steel parts that are resistant to rust and wear.
- Odor Control: The built-in fan ensures odor is kept to a minimum, which is a huge plus in such small living quarters.
- Easy to Empty: The urine-diverting system and compost collection are easy to manage and empty, making this unit relatively hassle-free.
Many people love the Nature’s Head toilet for its comfort and the fact that it functions almost like a traditional toilet. It’s a high-quality product that is sure to make life in your tiny house much more convenient.
2. Separett Villa 9215 AC/DC Composting Toilet
If you’re looking for a high-end composting toilet, the Separett Villa 9215 is a fantastic option to consider. This composting toilet is designed for optimal user experience, with features that make it comfortable, efficient, and very easy to maintain. It’s suitable for both on-grid and off-grid living, and its versatile design makes it a popular option.
Key Features:
- Urine Diversion: Separates liquids and solids to help with odor control and make composting more efficient.
- Electric Fan: The fan helps ventilate the toilet and speeds up the drying process.
- AC/DC Power Compatibility: You can run it on regular AC power or use a 12V DC system, which is helpful for off-grid setups.
- Large Waste Container: This toilet has a large waste container, meaning you won’t need to empty it frequently, even if you’re using it full-time.
While the Separett Villa 9215 is on the pricier side, it’s well worth the investment if you want a more luxurious experience without sacrificing environmental values. Plus, it has many high ratings and reviews on Amazon, giving you confidence in the quality.
3. Sun-Mar GTG Portable Electric Waterless Toilet
The Sun-Mar GTG Portable Electric Waterless Toilet is another excellent choice for those who need a space-saving, no-fuss toilet solution for their tiny home. With a modern and sleek design, this toilet doesn’t take up much space and offers an easy solution for tiny homes, cabins, and even boats.
Key Features:
- Compact & Lightweight: This is one of the lightest composting toilets available, which is ideal if your tiny house is on wheels.
- Urine Diversion: Liquid and solid waste separation ensures better composting and helps keep odors under control.
- No Water Needed: This toilet is entirely waterless, making it a perfect solution for off-grid setups.
The Sun-Mar GTG is not only sleek but also highly functional. It’s praised by users for its easy installation, ease of use, and the fact that it requires very little maintenance.
4. Camco Portable Toilet (5.3 Gallon)
While not a traditional composting toilet, the Camco Portable Toilet is a great budget-friendly option if you’re just starting out in your tiny home and need a simple solution. This toilet is highly rated on Amazon and comes with features that make it convenient for those living in small spaces.
Key Features:
- Portable Design: It’s lightweight and easy to move, so you can reposition it as needed.
- 5.3-Gallon Capacity: The holding tank is large enough for multiple uses, yet easy enough to empty when needed.
- Sealed Valve: A sliding valve helps lock in odors and prevents leaks, which is great for minimizing smells.
The Camco Portable Toilet may not be as advanced as other composting toilets, but it’s very affordable and easy to use. It’s perfect if you’re just getting started with tiny home living and need something simple before committing to a more permanent composting setup.
5. Laveo Dry Flush Portable Toilet
The Laveo Dry Flush Portable Toilet is an innovative option for tiny house owners who want the convenience of a flushing toilet without the need for plumbing or water. This toilet uses a unique cartridge system that “flushes” waste into a lined compartment, making it incredibly easy to dispose of waste without the traditional composting process.
Key Features:
- Waterless System: No water or chemicals required, making it great for conserving resources.
- Cartridge System: Instead of emptying a compost container, you simply remove and replace the cartridge, which can handle approximately 15 flushes per cartridge.
- No Odor: The double-lined bagging system keeps odors completely contained.
This toilet is a bit pricier to maintain, as you’ll need to replace cartridges regularly. However, it’s incredibly easy to use and very portable, making it a good option for those who want minimal fuss when it comes to handling waste.
Tips for Choosing the Right Composting Toilet for Your Tiny House
Now that you’ve seen some of the best composting toilet options, how do you know which one is right for you? Here are a few things to consider:
- Space Availability: Tiny homes have limited space, so make sure to measure your bathroom area before choosing a composting toilet. Some models are more compact than others and might fit better in your setup.
- Composting vs. Bagging Systems: Decide whether you want a traditional composting toilet that actually composts the waste, or if a bagging or cartridge system is a better option for you. Bagging systems like the Laveo Dry Flush are less work but may be more expensive over time.
- Power Requirements: Some composting toilets, like the Separett Villa, require power for ventilation fans. Make sure you understand the energy requirements and have the proper setup in your tiny home.
- Ease of Use and Maintenance: Composting toilets vary in terms of how much maintenance they require. Look for models that match your comfort level. If you don’t mind turning a handle to mix waste, the Nature’s Head could work great. If you’d rather not deal with compost at all, a dry flush system like the Laveo may be ideal.
- Budget: Composting toilets can be an investment. The higher-end models, like Separett, have more comfort features, but they come at a higher cost. If you’re on a tight budget, the Camco Portable Toilet can be a good starter option.
Maintenance Tips for Your Composting Toilet
- Use the Right Materials: Composting toilets need certain materials like peat moss or coconut coir to work effectively. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Empty Regularly: Even with the best odor control, it’s important to empty your composting toilet regularly to avoid any build-up or unpleasant smells.
- Ventilation: Make sure the ventilation system is properly installed and maintained. This is crucial for reducing odor and ensuring the composting process works effectively.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right composting toilet for your tiny house is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. It’s all about finding a balance between efficiency, comfort, and practicality. Whether you decide to go with a well-loved option like the Nature’s Head or splurge on the Separett Villa for a more luxurious experience, there’s a perfect composting toilet out there for everyone.
Remember, the best composting toilet for you is the one that fits seamlessly into your lifestyle, keeps your tiny house fresh, and helps you live more sustainably. We hope this guide has given you a clear understanding of what’s available and helps you make an informed decision for your tiny home adventure.
If you’re ready to make the switch, check out the products mentioned above on Amazon and get ready to enjoy a clean, efficient, and eco-friendly bathroom experience in your tiny house!