Composting toilets have become increasingly popular, offering an eco-friendly alternative for various settings, from off-grid cabins to tiny homes. These toilets utilize natural processes to break down waste without the need for water or sewer connections. Here, we present the top five composting toilets suitable for different needs and preferences.

Best Overall: Nature’s Head Self Contained Composting Toilet

Nature’s Head Self Contained Composting Toilet stands out as a top choice, featuring stainless steel hardware, a built-in fan, and a vent hose for odor control. Made in the United States, this toilet is self-contained and virtually odor-free, making it ideal for boats, RVs, or off-grid living. It utilizes peat moss or coco coir as bulking material and offers long intervals between emptying, ensuring convenience and ease of use.

Best Separating: Separett Villa 9215

The Separett Villa 9215, manufactured in Sweden since 1976, excels in separating urine and solid waste to minimize odor and volume. With innovative design features like a rotating screen and optional child seat, it offers both comfort and efficiency. This toilet comes with a fan for ventilation and requires minimal maintenance, making it suitable for residential use.

Best for Tiny House: Sun-Mar Compact Composting Toilet

For tiny house owners seeking a compact and affordable option, the Sun-Mar Compact Composting Toilet is an excellent choice. Designed for seasonal or residential use, it offers medium capacity and plugs into a standard outlet for convenience. With simple operation and minimal maintenance, it’s perfect for small spaces and rural areas.

Best Budget: Loveable Loo Starter Kit

The Loveable Loo Starter Kit provides a low-cost, no-frills solution for off-grid living. This simple bucket toilet requires no electricity, plumbing, or venting and uses sawdust for waste decomposition. Ideal for camps or temporary setups, it offers an economical and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional toilets.

Best Automatic: BioLet Composting Toilet 65

The BioLet Composting Toilet 65, made in Sweden, offers advanced features and automation for hassle-free operation. With a closed-system design, it breaks down waste internally and requires minimal user intervention. Equipped with a mixing arm, fan, and LED indicator, it ensures efficient composting and easy maintenance, making it suitable for full-time or part-time use.

What to Look for When Shopping for a Composting Toilet

When choosing a composting toilet, consider the following factors:

NSF Certification: While not mandatory, NSF certification ensures basic standards of odor control and capacity.

Capacity: Determine the toilet’s capacity based on the number of users and frequency of use to avoid frequent emptying.

Electrical and Plumbing Requirements: Decide whether you prefer a self-contained or connected unit based on your setup and preferences.

By evaluating these factors, you can select the composting toilet that best meets your needs for sustainability, efficiency, and convenience.