homestead
Composting Toilets vs Incinerating Toilet:
Best for 2025
When considering alternative toilets for 2025, two options stand out: composting toilets and incinerating toilets. Each offers distinct benefits and challenges, making them suitable for specific needs. As we move towards more sustainable living, these toilets provide innovative solutions for water conservation and waste management. They are particularly popular in tiny homes, mobile homes, construction sites, and off-grid living. Let’s explore the key differences between composting toilets and incinerating toilets, helping you make an informed decision on the best choice for your situation.
What is a Composting Toilet?
A composting toilet is a waterless toilet that uses natural processes to break down human waste. These toilets typically rely on a compost bin, which combines solid waste with organic material like peat moss or sawdust. Over time, microorganisms decompose the waste, producing nutrient-rich compost. This compost can be used for gardening after it has been processed and fully composted.
In addition to being a low-maintenance, eco-friendly option, compost toilets reduce water usage. Traditional flush toilets consume gallons of water per flush, whereas compost toilets require no water at all. For people living in remote areas, tiny homes, or off-grid locations, compost toilets are a popular choice for minimizing water consumption.
Infographic shown was created by Occidental Arts & Ecology Center to show how a compositing toilet works.
What is an Incinerating Toilet?
An incinerating toilet, on the other hand, uses high temperatures to burn human waste into sterile ash. The incineration chamber of the toilet is heated using electricity, natural gas, propane gas, or even solar panels. The heat is sufficient to convert the waste material, including solid waste and liquid waste, into a small amount of odorless ash, which can be easily disposed of.
While incinerator toilets may have higher initial costs due to the need for an incineration chamber and heating element, they offer the advantage of no waste left behind. They are particularly suitable for remote locations and off-grid living, where waste management systems may not be readily available. However, they require regular maintenance and access to power sources such as solar power or propane gas.
Graphic below shows how to use a popular brand Cinderella’s incineration toilet.
Comparing Composting Toilets and Incinerating Toilets
Water Usage
A major difference between composting and incinerating toilets lies in their water usage. Composting toilets are waterless, making them the ideal option for reducing water consumption. By eliminating the need for a septic system or a black water tank, they significantly conserve water resources. This is especially beneficial in areas with limited water supply or where water conservation is a priority.
In contrast, incinerating toilets do not require water for waste processing. However, they often rely on electricity, propane gas, or natural gas for the incineration process. This means they can still be considered waterless, but their energy consumption can be substantial, especially with electric models.
Environmental Impact
When considering the environmental impact, composting toilets are a clear winner. By turning human waste into compost, they help return valuable organic material to the earth. This natural composting process supports sustainable gardening and reduces the need for chemical fertilizers. Additionally, composting toilets can significantly reduce the carbon footprint compared to traditional flush toilets, which waste gallons of clean water per flush.
Incinerating toilets, while also waterless, use energy to create high temperatures for waste incineration. Depending on the energy source—whether natural gas, propane, or electricity—this process can have a higher environmental impact in terms of energy consumption. However, incinerating toilets do offer the benefit of eliminating waste entirely and leaving behind a small amount of sterile ash, which is easier to handle than liquid waste or solid waste from traditional toilets.
Maintenance
Both types of toilets require regular maintenance, but the level of upkeep differs. Compost toilets are generally low maintenance. The compost bin needs to be emptied periodically, and the organic material used to mix with the waste should be replenished. A small amount of odor may occur, so proper ventilation is necessary to ensure comfort and hygiene.
Incinerating toilets, in comparison, have higher maintenance requirements. While they eliminate waste completely, the incineration chamber must be regularly cleaned, and the catalytic converter or combustion chamber must be inspected for efficiency. Some models even have a computer fan to help with air circulation, ensuring proper ventilation. Regular use and proper maintenance can prevent malfunctions and prolong the lifespan of the toilet.
Popular Composting Toilet Models
Nature’s Head Self-Contained Composting Toilet
The Nature’s Head Composting Toilet is a popular option for tiny homes, RVs, and off-grid living. It features a separate urine diverter to keep liquid and solid waste separate, which reduces odors. The toilet is made of stainless steel and is designed for low maintenance. It’s highly rated for its ease of use, reliable performance, and relatively low cost.Air Head Composting Toilet
The Air Head Composting Toilet is another highly rated model, ideal for mobile homes or cabins. It uses a simple design with a urine diverter and a ventilation system that helps keep odors at bay. The composting bin is easy to empty and manage, and the toilet offers efficient waterless operation, making it a great choice for those looking to conserve water.The Sun-Mar Excel Composting Toilet
The Sun-Mar Excel is a well-regarded option for those looking for a higher capacity composting toilet. It can accommodate the waste needs of up to five people, making it suitable for larger families or guest houses. This model features a composting drum that turns the waste for faster decomposition and a thorough ventilation system to eliminate odors.
Popular Incinerating Toilet Models
The Incinolet Electric Incinerating Toilet
The Incinolet is a top-rated electric incinerating toilet known for its clean and efficient waste disposal. Using an electric heating element, it burns solid waste into sterile ash, leaving behind no waste. This toilet is ideal for off-grid living, construction sites, or remote locations where traditional plumbing is not available. Its energy consumption is moderate, but it provides a reliable, odor-free solution.Cinderella Freedom Incineration Toilet
The Cinderella Freedom is a high-end electric incinerating toilet. It uses a patented combustion chamber to incinerate both solid and liquid waste. This model is designed for minimal maintenance and leaves behind a small amount of ash that is easy to dispose of. The Cinderella Freedom is particularly popular in off-grid homes and remote locations due to its energy-efficient design and reliable performance.The Aqua-Magic V Incinerating Toilet
The Aqua-Magic V is a propane-powered incinerating toilet designed for use in mobile homes, RVs, and remote areas. This model is compact and easy to install, offering a quick, high-heat solution for waste disposal. It burns waste efficiently, leaving behind only a small amount of sterile ash. It’s a great option for those looking for a low-maintenance, odor-free alternative to traditional toilets.
Choosing the Best Toilet Types
When deciding between composting toilets and incinerating toilets, the best option depends on your specific needs. If you’re seeking an environmentally friendly, low-maintenance, waterless solution, compost toilets are the clear choice. They are ideal for tiny homes, off-grid living, and areas with limited water resources.
However, if you need a system that completely eliminates waste with minimal involvement and you’re comfortable with higher energy consumption, incinerating toilets offer a great solution. Both composting and incinerating toilets are excellent alternatives to traditional flush toilets, reducing the environmental impact and offering more sustainable waste management options.
Ultimately, the best toilet for 2025 will depend on factors such as energy sources, waste management preferences, and environmental considerations. Whether you opt for a compost toilet or an incinerating toilet, both provide innovative ways to manage human waste, contributing to a more sustainable future.
