Can I Have a Composting Toilet in My House?

Can I have a composting toilet in my house? You can certainly install a composting toilet inside your home. People who are civilized have composting toilets in their homes. If your tiny or mobile house isn’t equipped with the plumbing to allow for a flushing toilet, a composting toilet might be the answer.

Although it’s not everyone’s most preferred option for toilets, a modern, composting toilet is an excellent alternative for those living in tiny homes.

This unique type of toilet utilizes aerobic bacteria to digest human waste. It then stores it in a neat, simple-to-clean container.

The toilet is used to separate solids from liquids by breaking up solid waste using organic substances and bacteria, causing it to create manure.

You can dispose of the waste in a garbage bag, in the event that local regulations permit the practice, it is also be put in your garden if you decide to. This guide provides shopping suggestions and reviews the top composting toilets listed below.

Top Composting Toilets Available in the Market

After you have learned more about themost effective composting toilets, these are some of the most trustworthy choices.

Below, we’ve put together a list of compost toilets for tiny houses.

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Our Top Picks & Reviews

We selected the toilets based on their ability to function day-to-day and move about without spills in the event that you decide to take your tiny home out and about!

Nature’s Head Toilet

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TheNature’s Head Self-Contained Composting Toiletis rapidly becoming the best-selling item on the tiny bathroom market and is expected to soon be the top composting toilet for homes with small spaces. It’s a genuine toilet for urine separation and its simple design, the lack of moving parts as well as the obvious benefits of being small provide the toilet with a unique benefit.

Efficiency is crucial in the case of tiny composting toilets. First, the composted waste should not be smelly. The compost must be safe to handle after the compost is removed. The liquid component of the compost will eventually evaporate.

This could be carried out by using the head model of Nature without creating any smells or odors from compost or other byproducts. Toilets are able to remove liquid waste from its container by employing dry composting techniques.

To make sure that the container is well-maintained to ensure its cleanliness It is recommended to remove the liquid from the container every two weeks. After that, you can reuse the liquids around 80 times before needing to be taken away.

You can clean your toilet with a simple toothbrush and water. Making this sturdy product is easy. It’s also light and easy to carry. But, it’s not an easy task to adapt to the lock’s side and may take some time.

The drawback is it is that Nature’s Head composting toilet requires peat moss or sawdust, which you must purchase separately.

The materials you are using are not permitted to be used in the sewerage system of the public. So, you’ll need to choose a place that’s secure for disposing of the garbage in your bathroom. If you’re not into gardening, you could donate the fertilizers you use for free to your neighbor who is.

Thinktank Composting Toilet

Thinktank Waterless Composting Toilets can be described as extremely innovative and patent-pending. It’s a major breakthrough in the field of composting toilets.

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• MUCH EASIER TO CLEAN! A majority of composting and waterless toilets have a basin with a trap door to collect solid waste. The result is messy, each time. The Thinktank Waterless Composting Toilet has a large, wide chute with walls that are vertical. It needs far less cleaning.
• Thinktank Waterless Composting Toilets are almost airtight in normal operating conditions! They draw outside air for ventilation as opposed to other toilets that draw through the bathroom. Other toilets quickly blow expensively cool or heated air outside. This Waterless toilet thanks to its airtight design, pulls all airflow from outside, circulates it throughout the toilet, then expels the same air out. This can save a lot of money in the long run and is much more efficient, and eco-friendly.
• Because the toilet is sealed, entry by insects is almost impossible. This eliminates a major issue that is present in other composting and waterless toilets.
• The trap door’s design lets men stand while they are urinating, contrary to other toilets that require men to sit.
• The trap door that is patent-pending hides the waste throughout the day, excluding when you are going to #2. Only in this case is the trap door open. In all other instances, the trap door is closed, waste is stored away, and you can go anywhere inside the bowl without needing to aim.
• The space to dispose of solid waste is huge and features vertical sides. This is a major improvement over the messy cleanup that comes with other waterless or composting toilets. Other toilets have a tendency to let waste could fall onto areas of the bowl, creating an unpleasant mess. With the Thinktank, there is a minimum amount of waste that is able to hit the sides, and cleaning up is much more straightforward.
• Thinktank Waterless Composting Toilets utilize the most powerful fans available. They are extremely efficient (high CFM rating) and high static pressure (strength of airflow rating) and are extremely quiet, draw very little power, and come with an extremely long lifespan (rated 150,000 hours). Two fans are supplied two fans – one for the air intake and the other for the exhaust. But, in the majority of installations the intake fan will become not be needed and you can save it in reserve. The intake fan is helpful for extremely long runs through the pipe that vents. Toilets are designed to allow the intake fans to be easily accessible and movable.
• All metal parts are made of premium stainless steel that is marine grade.
• It is the Thinktank Waterless Composting Toilet is exceptionally strong. The shell is made to rotate to resemble the White Water Kayak. This is the most durable method of building something from plastic. It is rated at 350 pounds or more. Big guy accepted!
• The Thinktank Waterless Composting Toilet operates with 12-volt power (a deep cycle battery with a 12-volt voltage) as well as 110-volt electricity (normal electricity used in homes) using the wall transformer.
• The pipe that drains urine can be switched between the two sides by using hand tools that are basic.
• Make use of inexpensive, widely-available compostable bags that are easily compostable.
• BEST WARRANTY IN THE INDUSTRY. The warranty covers the toilet for six years. (3 years for fans. They aren’t expensive and simple to replace).

Separett Villa 9215

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Wall-mounted Separett Villa 9215 has received high marks from those who have used other composting toilets past.

This is a dry-composting toilet, which means there’s no liquid that can contribute to stinky odors. There is a continuous fan built-in to reduce the chance of this happening.

It is used in many locations, from camping to tiny homes, the reviews note that the composting toilet is easy to set up even for those who are new to the process and it’s comfy to use too.

One of the most popular features of the compost toilet is that you do not need to look interior of the bin and there’s no requirement to use compost medium or turning.

For single use to large families of 10 people, there aren’t any concerns and the toilet can be used in high temperatures without issue.

We’d suggest this model Separett Villa 9215 for people who are looking for a good composting toilet for areas that do not have sewer lines or septic fields. The one real complaint from the reviewers is that it’s expensive, but when compared to the other composting toilets that are this good, we believe the price is very comparable.

OGO Composting Toilet

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The small OGO composting toilet is a fantastic choice for tiny spaces, or for use on a daily basis. With an electric agitator built-in, There is no need for auto-churning or cranking needed and the disposal process is as easy.

The container for liquids is believed to last between 25 and 30 years before it has to be empty and the indicator light indicates that it’s time to clean out your disposal device.

This compact composting toilet can be able to house two people daily up to 50 times. We suggest using the OGO composting toilet for small spaces or for families with small children who want something small.

Stansport Portable Camp Toilet

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It is more of a toilet for camping than a composting toilet The Stansport portable toilet for camping is a fantastic option the times when you have to be on the road.

An excellent accessory to your camping kit This bathroom comes complete with a bag for carrying bag that is ideal for mobility.

This toilet comes with the capacity to hold 250 pounds. It also comes with bags for sanitary use, so you don’t have to think about buying the other items you need prior to going into the toilet.

While the toilet appears to be good from its exterior, its bucket is quite small and will have to be emptied after only a few use.

If you are looking for a portable, low-cost option during bathroom break times, this could be a great option.

Types of Composting Toilets

When you are considering purchasing composting toilets, make certain that it is suitable for the area you live in. There are two types–self-contained and split/central systems–and while they both break down waste, they work a bit differently and have different requirements.

Self-Contained System

Self-contained compost toilet systems comprise a tiny toilet that has a tank that can be detached and an emptying drain to remove the waste. Certain self-contained systems can be portable, making them ideal for boat or camping rides. They can also be placed in an area where plumbing isn’t able to reach the area, such as garages, workshops, or workshops.

The entire process of composting takes place in the toilet, which is why it gets the name. Once the tank is full, take it out of the tank and drain the manure. Some systems contain freshwater tanks, or supply lines too to flush waste out in the chamber below.

Split System or Central System

Composting toilets with central or split systems are like conventional toilets. They are connected to a network of pipes that transport the waste to a central bio-drum tank or hopper, in which composting occurs. The hopper is used to churn the waste which allows it to break down, while also releasing odorless gases. Once the tank is full then empty it as the self-contained toilet.

A split compost toilet is more expensive than self-contained composters as the latter requires a hopper generally located below the toilet. The hoppers are advantageous as they greatly boost the quantity of compost that they are able to store. They could be a desirable option for permanently off-grid or environmentally conscious homes, but the design makes composting toilets not a good choice for portable use.

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Composting Toilet

Take these considerations into mind when making the right selection of composting toilet that meets your requirements.

Available Space

Composting toilets occupy a little more space on the floor than conventional toilets, they do not have an additional tank to deal with. If you live in a small house or boat, consider an efficient composting toilet that has the smallest waste tank.

If the space to install a split system is readily available, it could be worthwhile to gain the added capacity of storage. Garages and cabins often have the option of the addition of a tank. For warmer weather, putting the tank outside can be a viable alternative.

Portable Vs. Composting

An irrigation system for a portable and composting one might appear similar, but there are some major distinctions. Composting toilets utilize bacteria to reduce human waste. They are able to separate liquid and solid waste, allowing bacteria to feed on organic compounds found in each.

Following the process of composting the humanure can be used to improve the lawn or garden. The result of the composting process is that it fertilizes the soil and supplies the plants with nutrients.

Portable toilets do absolutely nothing. In portable toilets, everything is thrown in one waste container where liquids and solids can’t be separated.

After pouring enzymes and deodorizers in tanks to help break the solids down and neutralize odors but the final product must be able to get to a septic or sewer system.

Although the portable toilet is useful for boating and camping trips, they might not be the right option for homes that are permanent, such as tiny mobile homes and tiny homes.

Tank Capacity

When looking for the most effective composting toilet, the number of people who will use it will determine the size of the tank needed. Manufacturers typically break this into the family size and the appropriate usage.

For example, a split system that has a tank with a large capacity could be able to handle the waste of three adults or five people and a composting toilet equipped with a five-gallon tank is sufficient for an adult. The idea is that by setting the size of the tank properly the waste will have sufficient time to be broken down into manure prior to the time when the tank is filled.

Utility Usage

Certain composting toilets make use of electrical energy to drive a turbine which is able to draw in air to the tank and over the waste. The air is oxygen-rich to nourish the aerobic bacteria that break down waste.

The process also helps to exchange carbon dioxide released by the bacteria and releases it out into the air. A lot of people work with their home’s 110V system, whereas some use both AC 110V and 12V DC from an RV or car battery.

A composting toilet could also require a water line. Though this might seem odd however, composting toilets that make use of water will consume only a small amount in each flush, much smaller than a typical household toilet.

The non-electric and electric models are also available and you should consider the installation and your budget for your home when choosing one that is going to work the best.

Odor Removal

The gas produced by a biodegradable toilet’s bacteria must be emitted. If not, odors may accumulate, and the efficiency of the bacteria may be affected by a lack of fresh oxygen.

The fan that some models employ for drawing air in the tank can also force gasses out of the vent, removing unpleasant odors. Incorporating organic material, like sawdust, into the waste after every use will help to block the smell while allowing the bacteria to degrade the solids.

Composting Toilet Codes and Policy

The regulations for composting toilets vary between states (and several states don’t have any codes applicable to these toilets at all). In many cases, composting toilets are not applicable to homes with flush toilets.

Permits for dwellings and permits are ones that are in search of an alternative water system (to put in an organic toilet in place of a sewer or septic system).

Some states permit composting toilets in lieu of sewers or septics, but generally, the only manufactured ones that are NSF-certified (and exclude the less expensive and frequently more efficient built on-site toilets).

But, some states are beginning to modify this policy. For example Oregon. Oregon has now included composting site toilets as an option that is legal (find that section of the state’s “Reach Code”).

If you’re planning to build a new house and would like to use an alternative system for wastewater Be aware that many municipalities require a septic or sewer alternative (in other words, your land must be percolated in order for the septic system can be constructed in the future).

Make sure to check with the municipal department for environmental health or environment to find out the rules for composting toilets. If you’re struggling to find local information,this website(made by Joseph Jenkins in 1999) is a great starting point.

In homes that are in use the composting toilet isn’t usually violating any law (even when it’s not specifically permitted) If there are the conditions fulfilled:

1. Your composting toilet and your bathroom area are yours to keep. It is not possible to transport human waste over the boundaries of your property unless you’re legally authorized to do so (like the company that makes portable toilets). When you dispose of the waste in your backyard it is not in violation of the law.
2. There are no regulations in your locality that prohibit composting in your backyard. Be sure your compost pile isn’t causing unpleasant odors or creating other issues which could annoy neighbors.
3. There’s a flush toilet in your home. U.S. building codes typically require all legally habitable homes to have at minimum one flush toilet, connected to a sewer or the septic system.

What states allow composting toilets

Can I have a composting toilet in my house in the following States?

States that do not have rules for composting toilets include Alabama, Alaska, California, Delaware, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma.

States that permit composting toilets (or don’t have specific rules for these toilets) however, also require a wastewater disposal facility for gray waters in the first place are South Carolina and West Virginia.

In certain situations, it is possible to require permits as well.

States which allow composting toilets in certain situations include Connecticut, Mississippi, Massachusetts, Montana, New Jersey, New York, South Dakota, Rhode Island, and Washington State.

The next section will cover the states that have 27 of them where it is possible to build composting toilets.

States that permit composting toilets if you have a permit include Arizona, Idaho (also requires a grey water treatment infrastructure), Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, and Wyoming.

States which allow composting toilets as long as they are NSF-approved include Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Texas.

States that permit composting toilets include Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Minnesota, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Utah, Vermont, and Wisconsin.

States with no regulations regarding composting toilets are Alabama, Alaska, California, Delaware, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma.

States that permit composting toilets (or don’t have specific regulations against these toilets) however, also require a wastewater disposal facility for gray waters in the first place are West Virginia, South Carolina and South Carolina, and West Virginia.

In some instances, you might require authorization as well.

States which allow composting toilets under certain situations include Connecticut, Mississippi, Massachusetts, Montana, New Jersey, New York, South Dakota, Rhode Island, and Washington State.

The next section will cover the 27 states in which you are able to typically set up composting toilets.

States that permit composting toilets, provided you have a permit include Arizona, Idaho (also requires the installation of a grey water treatment system), Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, and Wyoming.

States which allow composting toilets as long as they are NSF-approved include Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Texas.

States that typically allow composting toilets include Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Minnesota, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Utah, Vermont, and Wisconsin.

Which States Do Not Allow Composting Toilets?

After reading that list, you could be thinking about which states don’t allow composting toilets.

The two states with the most difficulty include Indiana the state of Indiana and Virginia. North Carolina does permit composting toilets, however only if the regular toilet is available. This could be a hassle if you’re creating a composting toilet as there’s no space for traditional flushing toilets.

There are usually exceptions to these regulations, however, you must examine your circumstances with local authorities and experts in the laws of the state to determine the possibility of an exception being allowed.

FAQs

Can I have a composting toilet in my house (Conclusion)

As capacity is essential in choosing composting toilets with the capacity to manage multiple adults or entire families. Odor control is a must for composting toilets to work, which is why you should select models that are well-designed and have ventilation systems that will prevent the odor from consuming the space surrounding the toilet.

Also, as composting toilets intended for use in a tiny house, RV, or boat usage should be able to be installed in the smallest space, choose compact models while taking into consideration that the toilet’s seat needs to be spacious enough to seat the adult in a comfortable way.