“Which one do you have?”, “How is it working for you?” and “Have you heard of this or that new toilet?” are common questions whenever tiny house people come together – and it’s often one of the biggest and most daunting questions faced by those considering going tiny.
But fear not. We’re here to help. Over the following five issues of the Tiny Living Magazine, we will take a closer look at the different toilet options and their pros and cons. We will cover:
- Composting toilets
- Incinerating toilets
- Cassette toilets
- Standard flush toilets
- Other, less common options
Alright, let’s get into it.
Composting toilets are a sustainable and ecofriendly alternative to traditional flushing toilets. They are particularly well-suited for tiny houses. It operates on the principle of decomposition, transforming human waste into nutrient-rich compost that can be safely used as fertiliser. Unlike conventional toilets that rely on water for waste disposal, composting toilets utilise natural processes to break down and convert organic material.
Many composting toilets separate liquid and solid waste to minimise odour. The liquid waste is either captured in a separate compartment that needs to be emptied regularly or diverted directly into a septic tank or nature (where appropriate).
The solid waste is deposited into a temporary waste compartment – often simply a bucket within the toilet – and topped with organic materials like peat moss or coconut coir to aid in decomposition and minimise odours. In addition, many composting toilets have a fan built in for ventilation to help with the composting process and further minimise odour. As the temporary solid waste compartment fills up, it is periodically emptied into a composting chamber. Over time, beneficial bacteria and microorganisms work to break down the waste, transforming it into compost that can be used as fertiliser.
THE ADVANTAGES OF COMPOSTING TOILETS IN A TINY HOUSE
Waterless: Composting toilets require little or no water, making them ideal for areas with limited water resources, like off-grid tiny houses.
Environmental friendliness: Composting toilets reduce the strain on traditional sewage systems and minimise pollution caused by wastewater treatment plants.
Above floor and movable: Composting toilets are available as above floor, standalone units that don’t require extensive installation and can be easily moved.
Nutrient-rich compost: The resulting compost from composting toilets can be a valuable resource for gardening and landscaping.
Off-grid suitability: Composting toilets provide a practical solution for tiny houses in remote or off-grid areas without access to municipal sewage systems.
Odour control: Well-designed composting toilets incorporate proper ventilation and materials to minimise odours and ensure a pleasant indoor environment.
Cost: Compared to some other options, composting toilets can be cheaper. However, this depends on the model and setup.
THE DISADVANTAGES OF COMPOSTING TOILETS IN A TINY HOUSE
Maintenance requirements: Composting toilets require regular monitoring, occasional maintenance, and proper management of composting materials to ensure optimal functioning.
Limited capacity: Composting toilets generally have limited built-in waste storage capacity and require frequent emptying.
Learning curve: Users may need to familiarise themselves with the specific operating instructions and maintenance procedures of composting toilets to ensure effective use.
The ick-factor: For some people, having human waste left sitting in the toilet in their home in-between transferring it to the composting chamber – and then dealing with the compost – is simply not something they feel comfortable with.
Acceptance and regulations: Depending on the location, there may be specific regulations or local acceptance considerations related to composting toilets in tiny houses. You might also find that friends and family have difficulty accepting your toilet, resulting in less frequent and shorter visits (we will leave it up to you if that’s a disadvantage or advantage).
LEARN MORE ABOUT TINY HOUSE TOILETS Don’t want to wait till the next issue of the Tiny Living Magazine to learn more about the other toilet options? No problem. Head on over to the Tiny House Hub and download our Guide; Which Toilet is Best for Your Tiny House? Alternatively, savour the suspense and wait until the next issue to learn all about incinerating toilets
