RV composting toilets have taken off as a popular choice for folks on the road, especially those spending long stints off-grid. Standard RV toilets depend on complicated plumbing systems and chemical treatments, but composting toilets offer a simpler, ecofriendly way to handle waste. If you’re curious about how these toilets actually work, what benefits they offer, or how to choose the right one for your van, camper, or trailer, this guide brings together all the details you need to know.
Getting Familiar with RV Composting Toilets: An Introduction
Composting toilets for RVs have changed how people manage waste while traveling. These toilets break down human waste using natural processes, skipping the need for water or chemical additives. Their rise in popularity connects directly with the surge in van life, remote working, and longer stretches of off-grid travel. Those who love national parks or boondocking (that is, camping without hookups) find composting toilets particularly appealing since they’re waterless and don’t require the constant emptying of tanks.
RV composting toilets use aerobic decomposition, meaning waste is exposed to oxygen, letting natural microbes turn solid waste into compost while keeping liquids separate. The end result is a system that manages odors better than most people expect and doesn’t demand a lot of upkeep.
Switching to composting toilets is part of a bigger trend toward sustainability and simple living. You have less stress about black tanks, fewer concerns about plumbing leaks, and no need to track down dump stations every few days. This alone can mean a smoother ride and freedom to plan trips your own way.
Understanding How RV Composting Toilets Work
The key thing that sets RV composting toilets apart from regular RV toilets is the way they separate liquids from solids. When using one, urine goes into a separate holding container, while solids drop into a compartment mixed with peat moss, coconut coir, or sawdust. This keeps the inside environment of the solids chamber dry, which helps cut down on odors and supports the composting process.
- Urine Diverter: This funnel sends liquid waste to a separate, easy-to-carry container. By keeping urine away from the solids, the smell is kept almost neutral.
- Compost Chamber: The solids compartment is where waste mixes with organic material like peat moss or coconut coir, encouraging natural decomposition. A simple handle lets you mix the contents every couple of uses.
- Ventilation Fan: Small built-in fans carry any remaining smells outside and keep the composting environment dry and healthy with plenty of oxygen.
Using a composting toilet is easy. Most models only require you to empty the liquid tank every few days and, less often, swap out the composted solids. No need for water lines or chemical treatments in your plumbing. If you want to make upgrades later, most units are userfriendly and come with clear instructions, making it simple to do maintenance or swap out worn parts.
Step-by-Step: Setting Up and Using an RV Composting Toilet
Installing a composting toilet is straightforward, and most DIYers can do it with just a few tools. Here’s what the usual process looks like:
- Remove the Old Toilet: If you’re upgrading from a cassette or plumbed toilet, fully disconnect from the water lines and black tank system.
- Prepare the Space: Most composting toilets fit where a standard RV toilet used to be, but check the measurements before buying to avoid any surprises.
- Install Your Composting Toilet: Secure the toilet using provided hardware, connect the included vent hose to an external vent, and make sure it leads to the outside to carry smells away from your living space.
- Load Compost Medium: Add the first batch of peat moss or coconut coir. This material will absorb moisture and give beneficial microbes a place to start working.
- Ready for Use: After setup, you’ll notice the routine is similar to what you’re used to except for separating liquids and solids, which soon becomes second nature.
The urine container typically needs to be emptied every 2–3 days for two people, while the solids chamber can go several weeks before needing attention, depending on usage. Make sure you have some backup composting material handy for refilling after every empty.
Benefits of Choosing a Composting Toilet for Your RV
Composting toilets offer several benefits to RVers who like extended stays and a greener setup:
- Water Savings: These toilets require no water at all, giving you more fresh tank capacity for showers, cooking, and drinking during long trips.
- No Black Tank Issues: Composting toilets avoid the usual headaches with black tanks, so you’ll spend less time worrying about clogs, leaks, or finding a dump station.
- Minimal Odor: Good ventilation and separating liquids from solids almost completely removes the smell—it’s a noticeable step up from standard RV toilets.
- Ecofriendly: Properly disposed composted waste can put nutrients back into the earth, and you’ll send fewer chemicals down the drain, shrinking your eco-footprint.
- Stay Off-Grid Longer: Without the need to visit dump stations or refill water tanks as often, your adventures can last longer in remote or wild areas.
Families and group travelers often prefer composting toilets, since a traditional black tank fills fast with higher use. Less hassle with frequent dumping means more time to enjoy the destination.
Things to Think About Before Switching to a Composting Toilet
Even with all the advantages, it’s important to keep a few considerations in mind before making the switch to a composting setup:
- Initial Cost: High-quality composting toilets can cost between $800 and $1,300 USD, so it’s a bigger upfront investment. While there are budget models, paying more at first can mean less trouble down the line.
- Maintenance: Instead of sensors or levers to maintain, you’ll need to keep up with emptying the urine bottle and refilling composting material—still less work overall, but regular attention matters.
- Size: Some composting toilets are chunkier than their standard RV counterparts. Measure before buying so you’re not caught off guard by the fit.
- Disposal of Waste: Most places allow you to seal composted solids in a trash bag for disposal, but double-check local laws or campground rules. Urine is generally fine to dilute and pour into a regular toilet or sewer connection.
Emptying and Cleaning Tips
Regularly emptying the urine bottle—ideally every two days—keeps odors away and cleaning quick. Choose a composting toilet with a handle-equipped container that’s easy to remove, carry, and empty into any common dump point or restroom. Basic cleaning with diluted vinegar or mild soap helps everything stay fresh between deep cleans.
Ventilation Makes a Difference
Every well-designed composting toilet has a small fan, usually powered by your RV’s 12V system, that pulls air from inside the solids chamber and sends it outside. This nonstop airflow keeps composting healthy and removes nearly all indoor smells. If you do notice odor inside, check the fan or vent hose for blockages and clean them when needed.
Popular RV Composting Toilet Options
Several brands focus on composting toilets made just for mobile use. Here are a few options seen regularly in RV setups:
- Nature’s Head: This model is rugged, easy to empty, and one of the most popular with van lifers and full-timers. (link)
- Air Head: A compact design for tighter spaces, known for solid odor control and a bit more trip-friendly size. (link)
- C Head: Features a paddle agitator for mixing and a straightforward build. Worth a look if you want something basic and durable. (link)
There are plenty of homemade composting toilet setups, too—often built using a urine-diverting seat atop a strong plastic bucket. If you decide on a DIY project, make sure to pay extra attention to odor control and cleanliness.
Common Questions About RV Composting Toilets
Here are some frequent questions people ask when considering the switch:
Do composting toilets smell?
With correct use and good ventilation, the smell is minimal. The magic is in keeping liquids and solids apart, and emptying the urine bottle regularly.
How often do you need to empty them?
With two people, urine bottles last 2–3 days. The solids chamber may only need emptying every 2–4 weeks, depending on use.
Can you use toilet paper?
Regular or RV-grade toilet paper is fine. It composts right along with the solids. Don’t overload the chamber, though—empty when necessary.
What about freezing temperatures?
In cold weather, composting is slower but the toilet still works. In extended cold, empty the unit a bit more often, or store compost until it can finish breaking down in warmer temps.
Are composting toilets allowed at campgrounds?
Most campgrounds and public land permit composting toilets, but make sure to follow local waste disposal guidelines. Occasionally, you’ll need to pack out the compost or use designated disposal points.
RV Composting Toilet Tips and Tricks From Experience
After spending quite some time on the road with my composting toilet, I’ve learned some tricks to make the experience even better:
- Only add as much composting medium as needed; just cover the bottom. Add a bit more after each empty for faster breakdown.
- If things look wet, add a scoop of sawdust or more peat moss; this keeps things dry and reduces odor.
- Spray vinegar in the urine bottle each time you empty; helps control odors and avoid scale or buildup.
- Keep up on maintenance; swap out the fan filter, and clean the vent tube every few months. This is especially crucial if you camp with pets or in dusty spots.
The composting medium you use really matters, too. Some folks swear by coconut coir for its lightness and easy storage, while others prefer peat moss to soak up moisture. Both work, but you might want to try each and see what fits your RV and your habits best.
As you get used to your composting toilet, try making a quick checklist for cleaning and maintenance so it doesn’t get overlooked. Your nose and fellow travelers will thank you.
Why RV Composting Toilets Are Worth Considering
If you’re hunting for more off-grid freedom, a simpler bathroom system, or a way to cut down on water use, composting toilets are a solid option. Many who switch wonder why they didn’t do it sooner. The convenience, savings over time, and environmental advantages quickly become reasons to keep using this system.
While the upfront spending can seem high, long-term savings come through with less money spent on toilet chemicals, plumbing repairs, and dump fees. Travel becomes less about hassle and more about the destination—and you truly feel independent.
Picking the right composting toilet depends on your travel style. If you love wild camping, dislike high-maintenance setups, or want a greener rig, a composting toilet is definitely worth checking out. Measure your space, look into disposal laws, and grab the model that matches your needs and goals. Happy travels!