A Smarter Way to Handle Waste
Whether you’re living off-grid, managing a remote cabin, or just looking for an eco-friendly alternative to traditional plumbing, waste management may not be the thing you want to talk about, but let’s face it – it’s a must. Especially when you’re considering things like maintenance, ease of use (and, let’s be honest – whether or not your family members will use it). Two of the most popular solutions, aside from the old outhouse, are compostable potties and incinerating toilets – but which one is right for you?
Both systems offer alternatives to conventional sewage-based solutions, but they definitely have some differences when it comes to functionality, convenience, and long-term maintenance.
So, to help you out, we’ve created this guide to break down the pros and cons of each option so you can make the best choice for your lifestyle.
How Compostable Potties Work
A compostable potty (or composting toilet) is designed to break down human waste into compostable material over time. It typically works through a combination of aerobic bacteria, organic bulking agents (such as sawdust or peat moss), and ventilation systems to facilitate decomposition.
Key Features:
- No Water Required: Composting toilets operate without water, making them ideal for areas with limited plumbing infrastructure.
- Requires Manual Maintenance: Bulking agents need to be added every now and then in order to help start the decomposition process and prevent odours.
- Separation of Waste: Many models require urine to be transferred or separated from solid waste to ensure efficient composting. Some models evaporate the urine with the aid of a heating element.
- End Product: After a designated composting period, the waste transforms into a soil-like material that can be used as fertilizer (depending on local regulations).
Limitations:
- Frequent Maintenance: Compostable potties require ongoing upkeep, including turning or stirring the compost and periodically emptying the chamber.
- Odour Control Can Be Tricky: If not maintained properly, unpleasant smells can develop.
- Temperature Sensitivity: Cold climates will slow down or stop the decomposition process (sometimes taking a year or longer to fully process). This will limit you to 3 seasons usage and require additional heating solutions in some cases.
- Space Required: You will need space for not just the toilet and venting but in most cases you will also have a drum below the cottage. When the drum is full it will need to be emptied somewhere it can finish decomposing and be used as fertilizer
- Special Care: You won’t be able to use just any toilet paper or cleaner. Something to keep in mind as these can affect the decomposition of the waste.
- Storage Required: Bulking agents are as the name suggests, bulky and take up space as you never want to run out.
How Incinerating Toilets Work
An incinerating toilet offers a completely different approach to waste management by turning human waste into sterile ash through high-temperature combustion. Instead of decomposition, waste is burned away, leaving behind only a small amount of ash.
Key Features:
- No Water Required: A waterless toilet solution, making them ideal for areas with limited plumbing infrastructure or freezing temperatures.
- No Waste Separation: Unlike compostable potties, incinerating toilets don’t require you to separate liquid and solid waste—everything is incinerated together.
- Eco-Friendly & Odour-Free: Because waste is instantly burned (and a venting pipe installed), there’s no lingering odour or risk of leachate contaminating the environment.
- Minimal Maintenance: The only upkeep involves periodically emptying the small ash tray (usually once every few weeks, depending on usage) and rinsing an air filter every 500 uses.
- Energy-Powered: These toilets require either electricity or propane to operate, making them ideal for any location including off-grid homes, cabins, or mobile setups like RVs.
- A four season solution: Can be used in an unheated space down to -20 degrees.
- End Product: The end product in the incineration chamber is sterile ash. This has beneficial qualities for the soil and can be added to your flower gardens.
- Clean: Bowl Liners transport or carry the waste from the toilet bowl into the ash tray in the lower half of the toilet when the lid is closed and the toilet is “flushed”. This also helps keep the toilet clean.
- Space Required: Being the size of a typical flush toilet the Cinderella solution will easily fit almost anywhere.
Limitations:
- Higher Upfront Cost: Incinerating toilets have a larger initial investment compared to compostable potties due to the higher calibre of technology and lower maintenance features.
- Power Requirement: They rely on an energy source, so they may not be suitable for locations without access to electricity or propane.
- Ash Disposal: Though minimal, ash must still be disposed of periodically. A family of 4, for example, will produce about one teacup of ash per week with regular daily use.
- Bowl Liners: Bowl Liners are required, one per visit. Thankfully they come in boxes of 500 and can fit in a small drawer.
Pros and Cons: Compostable Potties vs. Incinerating Toilets
| Feature | Compostable Potties | Incinerating Toilets |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Long-Term Maintenance | Labour-intensive | Minimal effort |
| Odour Control | Can be tricky | Completely odour-free |
| Waste Separation | Required | Not required |
| Eco-Friendliness | Waterless, Uses natural decomposition | Waterless, Energy-dependent but leaves no waste and ash is good for soil |
| End Product | Compost material | Small amount of sterile ash |
| Power Requirement | None (some models require power to run a fan and/or heater) | Electricity or propane |
| Ideal Use Case | Budget-conscious, eco-driven individuals comfortable with maintenance. | Users who prioritize eco-friendly hygiene, convenience, and odour control. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Are incinerating toilets more expensive to run?
While incinerating toilets do require electricity or propane, they consume minimal energy per use. The cost of operation varies based on usage frequency, but many people (including Cinderella customers) find the convenience worth the expense.
What are the environmental impacts of incinerating vs. composting?
Compostable potties use natural decomposition, making them highly eco-friendly—but they do require proper waste separation and management. Incinerating toilets do consume energy, but they eliminate waste entirely, reducing the risk of ground contamination. The remaining ash is also beneficial for the soil, making it very eco-friendly.
Do I have to separate my waste in an incinerating toilet?
No! Unlike compostable potties, incinerating toilets handle liquid and solid waste together, a complete solution. This is a huge selling point for those transitioning from composting toilets, because it eliminates the hassle and added maintenance from needing to separate your waste.
The Best Choice for a Hassle-Free Experience
When it comes to choosing between a compostable potty and an incinerating toilet, the right choice depends on your priorities. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option and don’t mind regular maintenance, a composting toilet may work for you. However, if you want a hygienic, odour-free, four season usage and low-maintenance solution, an incinerating toilet is the clear winner.
Ready to Upgrade?
Our customers tell us they love their Cinderella incinerating toilet for its cleaner, more efficient waste management solution – without the hassle of separating waste or constant maintenance. We have a team of experts who would love to chat with you about your current setup so you can find the solution that fits you best. You can check out our selection of high-quality incinerating toilets, or contact our team for support.
