When you’re out on the road in your RV or Camper, comfort and convenience are top priorities. One of the most essential components of your mobile home is the toilet. There are various types of RV toilets available, but which one is the best for your needs? In this article, we’ll compare composting toilets, separating toilets, and chemical toilets to help you make an informed decision.
What is a Composting Toilet?
A composting toilet is an eco-friendly solution that transforms human waste into compost through natural processes. The Air Head Composting Toilet, in particular, is designed to be highly efficient and user-friendly, making it the best solution for RV enthusiasts.
Why Choose an Air Head Composting Toilet?
Diverts Urine and Solids
The Air Head Composting Toilet features a unique design that combines the best feature of separating toilets, and adds in the ability to compost effectively. This separation not only reduces odors but also makes the composting process more efficient.
No Smells
One of the standout features of the Air Head Composting Toilet is its odor-free operation. The rubber gaskets on the lid, seat, and bowl work together to prevent leaks and keep unpleasant smells contained. This design makes it perfect for installation in wet areas like shower stalls, as it ensures that water won’t enter the composting area. Additionally, our unique helical agitation system further eliminates any potential odors from the vent, keeping your space fresh and odor-free.
Easier Management
Contrary to some misconceptions, managing a composting toilet is surprisingly simple. Unlike other toilet types that require frequent emptying and maintenance, the Air Head Composting Toilet can go weeks or even months without needing to be emptied, depending on usage.
Less Emptying
Since the solid and liquid wastes are separated, the composting toilet requires less frequent emptying. This means more time enjoying your travels and less time dealing with waste management.
Separating Toilet
What is a Separating Toilet?
Separating toilets, also known as urine-diverting dry toilets (UDDT), are similar to Air Head Toilets in that they separate urine from solids. However, they do not involve the composting process, making waste management much worse.
Why Choose a Separating Toilet?
While separating toilets are a good short-term solution, they are not as ideal for long-term use. They do reduce odors by separating waste, but they still require regular maintenance and emptying. If you’re looking for a more temporary fix, a separating toilet might work, but for a more sustainable and low-maintenance option, a separating compost toilet like Air Head, will always be superior.
Chemical Toilets
What is a Chemical Toilet?
Chemical toilets use chemicals to break down waste and control odors. These are commonly found in portable restrooms and some RVs.
Why Choose a Chemical Toilet?
Chemical toilets are more traditional and are often seen as a straightforward solution. However, they come with significant downsides.
More Difficult Waste Management
Chemical toilets require the use of special chemicals to function properly, which means you need to store and handle these substances. Additionally, finding places to dump the waste can be challenging, especially in remote areas.
Need to Find Places to Dump Waste
Unlike composting toilets, which produce compost that can be safely disposed of or used in some cases, chemical toilets produce waste that must be disposed of at designated dump sites.
Need to Store Chemicals
You’ll need to keep a supply of chemicals on hand, which takes up valuable storage space in your RV and involves careful handling to avoid spills and contamination.
So, what is the best RV toilet?
When it comes to choosing the best RV toilet, the Air Head Composting Toilet stands out as the most efficient, eco-friendly, and user-friendly option. Its ability to separate urine and solids, eliminate odors, and require less frequent emptying makes it the perfect choice for long-term RV travelers.
Criteria
Air Head Composting Toilet
Separating Toilet
Chemical Toilet
Overview
Eco-friendly solution that converts waste into compost
Separates urine from solids without composting
Uses chemicals to break down waste and control odors
Waste Separation
Yes, separates urine and solids
Yes, separates urine and solids
No, combines all waste
Odor Control
Excellent, due to separation and gaskets
Good, reduces odors by separating waste
Depends on chemicals used
Maintenance Frequency
Low, less frequent emptying needed
Moderate, requires regular emptying
High, frequent emptying and chemical refills needed
Ease of Use
Easy to manage, minimal maintenance
Relatively easy, but more maintenance than composting
Requires handling and storage of chemicals
Environmental Impact
Very low, produces usable compost
Moderate, less waste but no composting
High, chemical waste and disposal issues
Installation Flexibility
Can be installed in wet areas (e.g., showers)
Requires dry area, not suitable for wet areas
Can be installed in various locations, but needs careful chemical handling
Cost
Higher initial cost, low ongoing costs
Moderate initial cost, moderate ongoing costs
Low initial cost, high ongoing costs due to chemicals
Suitable For
Long-term use, eco-conscious users, minimal maintenance
Short-term use, users needing odor reduction
Short-term use, users with easy access to dump sites and chemicals
Disposal Method
Converts waste to compost.
Requires regular disposal of separated waste
Must be emptied at designated dump sites