How to Use a Compost Toilet

Rachel Joel
1 day ago
3 min read

Understand the Setup

A composting toilet with urine diversion is cleaner and more sustainable than a traditional pit toilet. It helps reduce odors, separates liquids for easier management, and allows waste to be buried safely without contaminating groundwater.

Our compost toilet has two separate areas:

Front: Urine diverter – directs liquid waste into a separate container.
Rear: Solids container – for feces and heavily soiled toilet paper, combined with dry cover material like sawdust or coconut coir.

Position yourself properly when using the toilet

Always sit (don’t squat or stand) to ensure liquids go into the urine diverter.
Make sure feces go into the rear solids container.

After You Go

Place lightly soiled toilet paper in the trash can.
Heavily soiled toilet paper goes in the solids container.
Sprinkle a scoop of dry cover material (e.g., sawdust, coconut coir, or other organic materials) over the solids to reduce odor and absorb moisture.
Rinse the urine diverter by pouring a small amount of water into the front section. This helps dilute the urine for later disposal and keeps the diverter clean for the next user.
Wipe down the seat with the available cleaning wipes if needed, and place used wipes in the trash bin.
Close the toilet lid when finished.
Close the bathroom door when exiting to help keep bugs out.

What NOT to Do

❌ Do not throw wet wipes, sanitary products, or trash in the solids container, use the trash can provided. Content is later buried and these items are not allowed.

❌ Avoid urinating in the solids section. Doing so can make the content stink more than it does.

❌ Do not overload the urine bottle with liquids.

Cleaning & Maintenance

Check and empty the urine container daily or as needed to prevent overflow and odor.
Wipe down the urine diverter and toilet seat with cleaning wipes.
Keep the solids container dry – moisture causes odor.
Empty the solids container when it’s about ¾ full, using the disposal guidelines below.

Disposal Guidelines

Solid Waste: How to Dispose

Choose a discreet location at least 200 feet (about 70 steps) from water, trails, and campsites.

Dig a hole about 8–10 inches deep and 10–12 inches wide.
Wear disposable gloves if desired and bring a small trash bag.
Carefully empty the solid waste (minus the liner, if using one) into the hole.
Cover completely with dirt and disguise the spot using natural materials like leaves or rocks.
On private land, you may use a compost bin if it complies with local regulations.
Never dump waste on the surface or into water sources.

Urine: How to Dispose

Urine is generally sterile but should be handled with care to avoid odor or contamination.

If water is available, dilute urine with water (1 part urine to 8 parts water) and pour around non-edible plants, at least 200 feet from water sources, trails, or campsites.
If water is scarce, pour urine directly onto well-drained soil at the base of trees or large shrubs.
Rotate disposal spots to avoid odor buildup.
Always stay at least 200 feet from any stream, lake, river, or campsite.