What’s the difference between a chemical toilet & a composting toilet?

If you’re on the lookout for a toilet that will suit a recreational vehicle, cabin, tiny home or off-grid home and are trying to choose between a chemical toilet or a composting toilet, we run through the difference between these types of toilets. While both options have their pros and cons, at Natureloo we believe composting toilets are the superior choice for several important reasons, which we will outline below.

Composting toilets are more environmentally friendly
The first thing to keep in mind is that composting toilets are more environmentally friendly than chemical toilets. Chemical toilets rely on harsh chemicals to break down your waste, which are harmful to both people and the planet. 

Composting toilets, however, use the natural processes of aerobic processing, which turns waste into a nutrient-rich top-soil-like product that can be safely used to fertilize plants, fruit trees and gardens. This is a more sustainable and eco-friendly option that’s better for your health, the health of your property, and the environment around it.

Composting toilets save you money in the long run
Believe it or not, composting toilets are more cost-effective in the long run. While it may seem that chemical toilets are the cheaper option upfront (typically because of their lower cost), they require expensive chemicals to operate and maintain which adds up over time. Composting toilets require minimal maintenance, and you can use inexpensive organic materials like sawdust or coconut coir to help break down waste. 

Composting toilets don’t just manage waste; they turn it into a usable product
Perhaps the most compelling reason you may want to consider a composting toilet over a chemical toilet is the quality and usability of the end product. When you install a composting toilet, you're not just disposing of waste – you're creating something valuable for your gardens and lawns. 

The compost produced by a composting toilet is rich in nutrients and can be used to fertilize gardens, fruit trees and other plants (just don’t use it in your vegetable or herb garden). 

This is a more sustainable and eco-friendly way of dealing with waste than using chemicals to break down humanure, which can be harmful to the environment and to the health of your family.

What are chemical toilets?

Chemical toilets are a type of toilet that uses chemical treatments to break down and deodorize waste. These toilets usually consist of a plastic or fiberglass container that holds a reservoir of chemicals, as well as a seat and lid. When you defecate or urinate into the toilet, the chemicals in the reservoir mix with the waste to neutralize odors and speed up decomposition.

We appreciate one of the main advantages of chemical toilets is their convenience. Because of the way they are made, they’re lightweight, easy to transport, and can be set up and taken down quickly. However, there are also several drawbacks to using chemical toilets. First, they can be expensive to maintain because the chemicals used to treat the waste must be regularly replenished, and that can get expensive. 

Also, the chemicals used in a chemical toilet can be harmful to the environment if not disposed of properly. 

What are composting toilets?

Composting toilets are a type of toilet that uses natural composting processes to break down waste. These toilets consist of a container that holds a mixture of organic matter, such as sawdust, peat moss, or coconut coir, as well as a seat, lid and exhaust fan. When using a composting toilet, the organic matter mixes with the waste to start the composting process.

One of the most significant advantages of installing a composting toilet is its environmental friendliness. They produce no harmful chemicals or waste products (if maintained properly), making them an ideal option for outdoor environments, remote locations where water is scarce and sustainable living situations or off-grid homes. 

One thing customers need to be aware of is that composting toilets do require more maintenance than chemical toilets. The composting material must be regularly replenished and stirred, and the compost must be removed and used in gardens once it has been thoroughly broken down. 

So which one is better? 

Both chemical and composting toilets have their own advantages and disadvantages, and the best option for you will really depend on your specific needs and the type of home you’re installing your toilet into. 

If convenience and ease of use are your top priorities, a chemical toilet may be the better option. If environmental friendliness and sustainability are essential to you, a composting toilet might be just the thing you’re looking for. 

Ultimately, both types of toilets can provide a hygienic and practical solution for managing waste in a variety of settings if managed properly; however for off-grid homes, tiny homes and cabins, a composting toilet is the clear winner. 

We acknowledge that composting toilets may not be the right choice for everyone as they require a little more effort and maintenance than chemical toilets, but if you’re looking for a sustainable, eco-friendly, and cost-effective solution for managing waste, a Natureloo composting toilet is a great option.