Composting Toilets - A Buyer's Guide

Composting toilets can be a complex product to shop for, because there are so many different styles and types to choose from.  If you don't know much about composting toilet systems or how they work, the process of shopping for one can be downright daunting.  In this article, we'll explain the ins and outs of shopping for composting toilets so that you'll know what to look for and all the right questions to ask during the buying process.

First, we'll begin with a basic definition of the product.  Composting toilets are a type of waste management system that turn human waste into clean, dry, non-offensive compost that can be applied to your gardens.  The toilet itself can be installed virtually anywhere because many of these systems require no water or sewer hookups.  The most important feature of any composting toilet system is that it should be 100% guaranteed odorless.  It should be a clean and low-maintenance system that is easy to own and operate.

With that having been said, how do you begin shopping for a composting toilet?  While many consumers want to see the product in person, this is sometimes easier said than done.  Because there are so few dealers of composting toilets in the United States, you may find your search relegated to catalogs and internet retailers as opposed to bricks and mortar stores.  This should not put you off of the buying process.  If you are purchasing from a good, reputable company, you will have nothing to worry about.  When deciding who or what company you want to buy from, you'll probably also be deciding on a brand or manufacturer, as most retailers only carry one brand of toilets.  The most important deciding factor in what brand you purchase should be the manufacturer's endorsements, testing reports, and certifications.  This information will tell you whether their systems have been independently tested and if they are certified to be odorless.  Only buy from companies that can show you such documentation.

When you begin shopping, you'll need to decide whether you want a central system or a self contained toilet.  The essential difference between these two systems is where the composting of the waste takes place.  In a self contained unit, waste is composted inside the toilet itself.  With a central system, the toilet is connected by a pipe down to a central unit in the basement or lower level, and this is where the composting process takes place.  Your decision will likely depend on the nature of your installation.  Central systems are a more complex installing process, where self contained units are quite simple to install.  To fully understand what is involved in installing any composting toilet system, you should ask for a copy of the installation and user manual.  While this may be a lengthy document, you should take the time to read it thoroughly so you'll have an understanding of what you're buying before you purchase it.

Another critical deciding factor will be whether you want a system that uses water or not.  Many people falsely believe that all composting toilets are waterless.  However, it is possible to have a very traditional looking, water flush toilet fixture in the bathroom that connects to a central composting unit below.  If aesthetics are particularly important to you, a water flush central system may be a good option for you to consider.

After you've hammered out these critical decisions, you'll probably have a few other choices to make such as capacity, style, and possibly a color choice.  By that time, you'll be well versed on composting toilets, so the final choices will fall into place quite easily.  With all that in mind, you should be on your way to making a good decision and choosing the composting toilet system that's right for you!