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A waterless toilet, also known as a dry toilet, is an umbrella term for any toilet system that does not use water to flush. These toilets are designed to manage human waste without the need for traditional water-based flushing mechanisms. There are various types of waterless toilets, including composting toilets, urine-diverting toilets, and other systems designed to reduce environmental impact. While a composting toilet is a type of waterless toilet, it’s important to note that not all waterless toilets are composting toilets. This distinction is crucial as some manufacturers may use the term “composting toilet” more broadly, which can lead to confusion.

A composting toilet is an eco-friendly alternative to traditional toilets that does not require water for flushing. Instead, it processes human waste using natural decomposition and evaporation. The solid waste is mixed with materials like sawdust, coconut coir, or peat moss, which facilitates aerobic breakdown, turning it into compost that can be used to enrich soil. Liquids are either evaporated or collected separately for disposal.

Importantly, while all composting toilets are waterless, not all waterless toilets are composting toilets. This type of toilet is an effective solution for water conservation and reducing waste, making it ideal for remote locations, eco-conscious homes, and outdoor recreational areas. For more details on the differences, please refer to our dedicated article on composting toilets and other types of waterless toilets.

 

A batch composting toilet is a type of waterless toilet that uses multiple interchangeable containers to manage waste. Unlike continuous composting toilets, which process waste in a single, fixed container, batch composting involves switching between two or more containers. When one container fills up, it is sealed and set aside to allow the waste to decompose fully into compost, while a fresh container is used in its place. This method is preferred by many for its hygiene benefits, as it minimizes direct contact with raw waste. Batch composting toilets are easy to maintain, require no tools or significant physical effort to service, and offer flexible capacity, making them an excellent choice for varying usage needs.

Find more information on our Batch composting toilets.

A continuous composting toilet uses a large, single container where waste is added consistently at one end and mature compost is removed from the other, allowing for an ongoing decomposition process. This type of toilet is ideal for those seeking an efficient, low-maintenance solution for eco-friendly waste management. The system operates with longer service intervals and produces high-quality compost, making it particularly suitable for tiny house and cottage owners.

Our Models: At Waterless Toilet Shop, we offer the CF4 and CF8 models, both known for their sturdy, simple design and ease of installation. They are designed to be low-profile and break-down proof, minimizing maintenance and maximizing reliability.

Find more information on our Continuous composting toilets.

self-contained waterless toilets blue iconA self-contained waterless toilet is a type of toilet that contains all the waste within the system, installed directly at floor level. These toilets vary widely in how they handle waste. Some, like urine-diverting toilets, simply collect waste for later disposal without processing it on-site. Others may include batch composting features where the waste is initially collected in the unit and then removed for external composting. The key characteristic of all self-contained waterless toilets is their compact design and direct installation on floor-level.

Find more information on our Self-contained waterless toilets.

split-systems composting toilets blue icon A split system composting toilet features a separate composting unit that is installed beneath the floor level, external from the toilet pedestal. This arrangement allows the waste treatment process to occur away from where the user sits. Split systems are favored for their greater capacity and ease of maintenance, which is conducted outside the toilet, keeping the space clean and hygienic at all times.

Explore our Split-system composting toilets.

Waterless toilets are not only an ecological choice that reduces water usage and waste, but they also facilitate a self-sufficient, off-grid lifestyle. By eliminating the need for a connection to sewer or septic systems, these toilets are ideal for locations without conventional plumbing infrastructure. Coupled with a greywater system, which manages water from showers, kitchens, and laundry machines, a household can achieve complete independence from external water and sewage services affordably.

Yes, waterless toilets can be installed both indoors and outdoors. They are versatile and can be placed in a variety of settings, including homes, cabins, RVs, and boats. Installation requirements may vary depending on the model, so be sure to explore different models for different use cases.

No, our composting and waterless toilets are completely odorless. They effectively prevent any odors by employing innovative designs that separate liquids from solids. This critical feature varies among models, each tailored to optimize the separation process in different ways. Additionally, all our toilets are equipped with efficient ventilation systems, ensuring that any potential odors are effectively managed and eliminated.

Yes, waterless toilets are safe to use. They are designed to manage waste hygienically and provide an excellent option for off-grid and eco-friendly living. It’s important to follow the instructions for maintenance and waste handling to ensure safety and efficiency.

Emptying a composting toilet varies by model due to different capacities and designs. Smaller units typically feature removable containers, such as a urine canister and a solid waste bin, which can be easily lifted out and emptied as needed.

Larger systems, which often have greater capacities, handle waste differently. These may employ batch composting, where waste is composted in separate batches, or continuous composting, where waste is continuously processed.

Above on the left side you see how a self-contained batch composting toilet called the Oz-e-Pod is emptied. On the right-side, you see how a split-system batch composting toilet called the Green Toilet Lux 330 is serviced.

The frequency of emptying depends on the toilet’s design and usage levels. For a little more detailed guide on the emptying process for various models, please see our full article on this topic: How to empty compost toilet.

The frequency with which a waterless toilet needs to be emptied varies significantly based on the model, the number of users, and how frequently the toilet is used. For some models and usage patterns, the toilet may need to be serviced as often as once a week or once every other week.

On the other end of the spectrum, some toilets are designed for less frequent use and may only require servicing once a year or even every other year. Given the variability, we encourage you to contact us directly with details about your specific circumstances. This way, we can provide you with the most accurate information and help you choose a toilet system that best meets your needs.

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Yes, our waterless toilets can be used even in winter when it’s freezing. However, there can be specific considerations to keep in mind for planning a toilet that will be used in such conditions. When temperatures drop below freezing, the composting process will temporarily stop as the compost freezes. It will resume in the spring when temperatures rise again.

For cold climates, you may need additional capacity since the composting process will take longer during the winter months. For more detailed information on using our toilets in freezing conditions, please find our article:

Can Composting Toilets Work in Cold Climates?

and refer to Composting toilets for cold climate and composting toilets for year-around use.

Yes, waterless toilets can be used in public facilities, including parks, campgrounds, and remote areas where traditional plumbing is not available. They offer a sustainable and cost-effective solution for managing waste in such environments. However, it’s important to check local regulations and ensure the toilet model is suitable for high-usage scenarios.

For more information, please find our Public use composting toilets.

Generally, waterless toilets do not require electricity to function. However, some models are equipped with electric fans to enhance ventilation. If you prefer or need a non-electric solution, our range also includes models with solar-powered fans or wind-powered whirlybirds.

While waterless toilets are designed to operate without the need for water to flush waste, you can still use water to clean the unit. This is particularly relevant for split system composting toilets, where cleaning the pedestal might be necessary.

However, it is important to use water judiciously. Adding too much water can adversely affect the moisture balance needed for optimal composting processes. Therefore, water use should primarily be limited to cleaning purposes.

For composting toilets, the use of dry material or bulking agents like peat moss or hemp is generally recommended to absorb liquids, reduce odors, and cover waste, enhancing both the composting process and the user experience. These materials can be added after each use or in larger batches, such as weekly, depending on usage patterns and personal preferences.

However, not all waterless toilets need dry materials. Urine diverting toilets, for example, do not typically need bulking agents since they separate liquids from solids directly in the seat design.

While separating liquids from solids is crucial for maintaining an odorless waterless toilet, the separation does not necessarily need to happen directly at the seat. In many of our models, liquids are separated within the composting container itself. There are various methods and models that handle the separation differently. However, the general principle remains: effective separation of liquids and solids is key to the functionality of waterless toilets, but it can be achieved through different designs of the toilet system.

The handling of liquids from waterless toilets depends on whether they are pure urine or excess liquids from a composting toilet. For urine, which is nutrient-rich, it should always be diluted before being safely disposed of into the soil, and never applied directly to edible plants. It’s also crucial to avoid disposing of liquids in areas with high water tables or near water bodies to prevent contamination.

For composting toilets, most of the liquids are typically absorbed into the compost mass and evaporated through ventilation, but any excess should be collected in a canister or external container. Regulations on liquid disposal vary by state and county in the U.S., so always consult local guidelines to ensure compliance. If you are using a batch composting toilet, one good option is to collect the liquids into a canister and poor into the spare composting container.

Given that urine-diverting toilets can generate significantly more liquids, particularly in high-usage scenarios, composting toilets are often recommended as they manage liquids more efficiently and require less frequent servicing.

The legality of waterless toilets in the United States varies widely as there is no nationwide regulation governing their use. Instead, regulations are determined at the state, county, and sometimes city level. Therefore, it’s crucial for customers to consult their local regulations regarding on-site waste treatment before installing a waterless toilet. Some regions may have no restrictions and fully allow waterless toilets, while others may have strict prohibitions or specific requirements in place.

Our warehouse, based in Las Vegas, Nevada, ensures quick delivery times across the United States. Orders to the West Coast generally arrive within 2 to 3 days. Deliveries to the East Coast typically take longer, ranging from 5 to 8 days from the date of order.

For detailed delivery information, please refer to our dedicated delivery information page.

We do not offer free shipping unless otherwise specified. Shipping costs vary between different products and states. Generally, smaller parcels cost a few dollars to ship, while larger packages that require delivery on a pallet may cost up to few hundred dollars. For detailed delivery costs and information, please refer to our dedicated delivery information page.

Yes, we provide a warranty for our waterless toilets. The specifics of the warranty vary between different products and components, but generally, all our products are backed by a warranty to ensure customer satisfaction and product reliability. For detailed information on warranty terms for specific products, please refer to the warranty documentation provided with your purchase or contact our customer service team.

Yes, we have an affiliate program. If you’re interested in becoming an affiliate and want more information on how to join, please contact us directly. We’d be happy to provide you with all the details on how you can partner with us and start benefiting from our program.

All our waterless toilets are designed and made by us either in Finland or in Australia.

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