FAQ Compost Toilets
At Free Range Designs, we believe in sustainable, eco-friendly solutions that sit comfortably in natural surroundings. Our composting toilets are thoughtfully designed for off-grid living, reducing water waste and promoting a more environmentally conscious lifestyle.
Whether you’re new to composting toilets or simply curious about how they work, this FAQ section covers everything you need to know—from installation and maintenance to benefits and practical tips. Explore the answers to common questions and discover why a composting toilet might be the perfect choice for your space.
What is a composting toilet, and how does it work?
A composting toilet is an eco-friendly toilet system that processes human waste into compost by naturally breaking it down with the help of aerobic bacteria. Waste is collected, contained and composted, and can then be safely used as a fertiliser around fruit tress and bushes.
Do composting toilets smell?
No, a well designed and maintained composting toilet does not smell. The key here is urine separation.
All our toilets are fitted with a urine separator, which diverts the urine away at source, preventing that unwanted ammonia smell. The poo compost then stays reasonably dry, and a healthy mix is achieved by adding a scoop full of sawdust (or other carboniferous material) after each poo.
Where can composting toilets be installed?
Composting toilets are ideal for off-grid cabins, eco-friendly homes, allotments, campsites, canal boats, and other locations where conventional plumbing may not be available. They are versatile and can be installed pretty much anywhere.
How often do composting toilets need to be emptied?
The frequency of emptying depends on the usage and size of the poo bin. A 25 litre bucket - as used in the Basic Composting Toilet - will fill up much quicker than a wheelie bin, as used in the Bog Standard and our other composting toilets.
In general, most composting toilets need to be emptied every few months if used by one or two people. For larger families or higher usage, this may need to be done more frequently.
What type of maintenance is required?
Like any toilet, a composting toilet will need to be checked and cleaned regularly. In addition to the usual toilet paper, you will also need to keep the sawdust in the container inside the toilet topped up.
You then need to keep an eye on how full the bucket or wheelie bin is. Bucket systems will need to be emptied more frequently; the wheelie bin will take much longer to fill up. When the first bin is full, you wheel it out and replace it with an empty bin.
What are the environmental benefits of using a composting toilet?
Composting toilets reduce water consumption, minimise pollution from wastewater, and create a valuable byproduct (compost) that can be returned to the earth. They are an eco-friendly choice for sustainable living and off-grid homes.