Composting toilets for vans, caravans and tiny houses

We've been using a composting toilet for over six years. First in our camper van during trips around Europe, and later for several years in our tiny house. In that time, we've realized one thing – if you want to travel truly independently, a composting toilet is one of the best investments you can make for your RV.

When we started, like most travelers, we had a classic chemical toilet. But the more time we spent outside of campsites, the more we started to dislike things we once considered normal: buying chemicals, searching for service stations, or hauling a heavy cassette.

After switching to a composting toilet, we found that traveling could be much simpler.

In this article, we'll look at how a composting toilet works, its advantages and disadvantages, how to choose one, and for whom it makes the most sense.

Watch our experience in the video

If you don't want to read the whole article right away, we've prepared a short video demonstrating the differences between Trelino and TROBOLO composting toilets, their advantages, and practical experience from using them. In the video, you'll see both toilets up close and get a better idea of how they work in everyday use.

What is a composting toilet and how does it work?

A composting toilet works on the simple principle of separating liquid and solid waste. Using a specially shaped insert, urine and solid waste are collected in separate containers.

It is precisely the mixing of both components that is the main cause of odor in classic chemical toilets. Thanks to the separation of waste, there is no need to use chemical products, and operation is significantly more pleasant.

Modern composting toilets are designed to be hygienic, easy to empty, and take up as little space as possible.

Why are composting toilets gaining increasing popularity?

Compared to chemical toilets, they offer several key advantages.

Chemical-free

You don't have to buy chemical products or worry about refilling them regularly.

Minimal odor

With proper use, odor is minimal or non-existent. The reason is simple – liquid and solid waste do not mix.

Greater independence

No more searching for service stations for chemical cassettes. You can stay outside of campsites longer and travel more freely.

Easy maintenance

Emptying is hygienic, and individual containers are much easier to clean than classic chemical cassettes.

Lower operating costs

After a higher initial investment, you practically don't have to worry about buying chemicals or other regular expenses.

Composting toilet vs. chemical toilet

Classic chemical toilets work reliably but require regular refilling of chemical products and emptying cassettes at special service points.

A composting toilet works differently. Thanks to the separation of liquid and solid waste, no chemicals or service stations are needed. The whole system is simpler, cleaner, and more suitable for longer journeys off-grid.

Where is urine emptied?

The urine container is emptied much like a jerrycan or chemical cassette. In most cases, it can be poured into a regular toilet or designated disposal areas.

How often the container needs to be emptied depends primarily on its size and the number of users. For smaller travel models with a volume of around three liters, emptying may be needed daily. Larger models or external tank connections will significantly extend this interval.

Can the content be composted?

Yes. This is where the term composting toilet comes from.

If you use a suitable natural cover material (such as coconut fiber or sawdust) and have appropriate conditions, the solid waste can then be composted. However, in typical van life operation, most travelers simply dispose of the container's contents with general waste according to local regulations.

The possibility of composting is therefore more of an advantage for tiny houses, cabins, or long-term stays in one place.

How often is the toilet emptied?

The emptying interval depends on the size of the containers, the number of users, and how it is used.

For smaller travel models, the urine container is usually emptied daily, while the solid waste container typically lasts approximately three to six days.

Larger models designed for long-term use or tiny houses can offer significantly longer intervals between emptying.

Does a composting toilet have disadvantages too?

No solution is perfect, and the same applies to composting toilets.

Higher purchase price

Compared to chemical toilets, the initial purchase price is usually higher. On the other hand, regular expenses for chemical products are eliminated.

Takes some getting used to

The first few uses may feel unusual. However, in most cases, people quickly adapt to the new way of using it.

Regular emptying

Like any other toilet, a composting toilet requires regular maintenance. However, thanks to the separated system, handling is simpler and cleaner.

How to choose the right composting toilet?

The choice primarily depends on space, the number of people, and the type of travel.

For a small van

If every inch of space matters, compact models that can be easily stored under a bed or in a cupboard are the best choice.

TROBOLO WandaGo 4 990 Kč In stock TROBOLO WandaGo Lite 4 490 Kč In stock TROBOLO BilaBox 3 590 Kč In stock

For regular travel

For longer stays off-grid, larger models with higher container capacity make sense.

TROBOLO TeraBløm Lite 7 990 Kč In stock TROBOLO TeraBløm 9 490 Kč In stock TROBOLO TeraBløm Plus 10 490 Kč In stock

For a tiny house

For long-term use, we recommend more robust toilets with larger containers and the option of passive or electric ventilation.

TROBOLO SilvaBløm – Grey 12 690 Kč In stock TROBOLO SilvaBløm – Beige 12 690 Kč In stock TROBOLO SilvaBløm – White 12 690 Kč In stock

TROBOLO or Trelino?

Both brands are among the top in the field of composting toilets.

We ourselves used Trelino for several years during our travels across Europe. Later, we also discovered the TROBOLO brand, which impressed us with its quality craftsmanship, thoughtful details, and continuous development of new models.

More important than the brand itself is choosing a model that will suit your travel style, the space in your conversion, and your expected comfort.

Our experience after more than six years

We have been using a composting toilet for over six years. First in our camper van during trips around Europe, and later for several years in our tiny house.

Today we have a classic flush toilet at home, but we still use a composting toilet in our camper van.

We most value the freedom it gives us. We don't have to deal with chemicals, search for service stations, or plan our route according to cassette emptying options.

Thanks to our years of experience, we can advise you on choosing a suitable model for your camper van, caravan, or tiny house.

If you are unsure about your choice, we will be happy to help you select a toilet that will make sense for your travel style.