The complete guide to Composting toilets for caravans.

Composting toilets have been around for a while but the interest in them has grown greatly in the last few years, due to the growth on off grid living, tiny house boom and people wanting to conserve water use in caravans.

They are a waterless, chemical free alternative to cassette toilets.

New composting toilets use clever design to separate liquids and solids, reducing odour and turning waste into manageable, eco friendly compost material. Features include 12volt electric agitation, removable solids container and large urine storage. They are convenient, comfortable and reliable.

If you are thinking of changing over to a composting toilet this guide talks about how they work, why they are effective and benefits that make the ideal for outback or off grid travel.

What is a composting toilet ?

A composting toilet is a waterless system that separates urine from solid waste, using a natural material, usually coconut husk fibres to dry and breakdown solids. Instead of flushing with water these toilets use an agitator to mix the composting material to reduce odour and accelerate decomposition.

As there is no plumbing, no chemicals and no cassette, composting toilets are easy to install and even easier to maintain. Also one of the benefits as there is no cassette needing to be removed from the outside of the van, you have many more options on where you locate the toilet as you no longer need to have access to an outside wall.

How composting toilets work.

New composting toilets have several smart features that make them efficient and user friendly:

Urine diversion

A trapdoor or funnel separates liquid from solid, preventing conditions that can cause odour. Composting toilets are made to be used whilst seated.

Electric or manual agitator

A push of a button the agitator mixes the composting material and the solid waste for around 30 to 45 seconds, this keeps the storage bin aerated and free of odour.

Removable solid waste bin

You simply slide out the solid’s container and empty it into a compost friendly bag.

Large urine storage 

Most toilets hold around 9 litres of urine, suitable for multi day off grid trips.

Easy clean

Designed to be easy and quick to clean. Use septic safe cleaning products or a simple vinegar solution.

Key benefits of Composting Toilets.

1. no chemicals, no cassette tank. Eliminate the  need for harsh chemicals and smelly cassette tanks. Waste removal becomes as simple as emptying a rubbish bin.
2. Waterless operation. Perfect for off grid and locations where water supply is limited. Each “flush” uses zero litres of water !
3. Odour free by design. By separating solids from liquids and adding a composting material the solids are dry and don’t emit smells. They are surprisingly odourless.
4. Easy Installation. With no plumbing or venting required (you can optionally add venting) and no need to mount to an outside wall, installation is surprisingly easy, even a DIY task.
5. Eco friendly waste disposal. Solid waste can be added to residual waste or composted at home (not suitable for vegetation gardens). No chemicals needed.
6. Compact. Space saving designs fit easily into small bathrooms. Access to all parts of the toilet is easy even in tight spaces.

Why composting toilets are perfect for of grid travellers

For weekend trips away or full time out back travel, composting toilets offer convenience and ease of use:

• No need for dump points
• No chemical smells
• No need for flushing water
• No cassette tank emptying

Easy, reliable, convenient.

What to look for in a quality Composting Toilet

Top brands offer the following features:

• Polypropylene construction - strong and robust 
• Comfortable seats ergonomically designed
• Effortless operation with Electric or manual agitation
• Easy disposal with removable solids container
• Large urine container for extended trips
• Up to 30 uses before needing to empty solids bin
• Easy to clean

The wrap up is this:

Transformational is what people comment on using a composting toilet to manage waste. They are efficient, odour less and so so simple to use.

If you are looking for an eco friendly, chemical free alternative to a cassette or chemical toilet, a composting toilet is a good investment.

A Complete Guide to Thetford Separation Toilets for Caravans & RVs

Separation toilets are rapidly becoming one of the most practical upgrades for caravans, RVs and off‑grid setups. Thetford - long known for its cassette toilets - now offers separation systems that give travellers a waterless, chemical‑free alternative without needing to replace their entire toilet. For many caravan owners, this makes separation toilets one of the most cost‑effective and convenient sanitation solutions available.

If you’re considering upgrading your existing Thetford toilet or exploring waterless options for off‑grid travel, this guide explains how separation toilets work, why they’re so effective, and the key benefits that make them ideal for modern caravanning.

What Is a Thetford Separation Toilet?

A Thetford separation toilet is a waterless sanitation system that divides liquid and solid waste into two separate containers. By keeping urine and solids apart, the toilet prevents the conditions that cause odour and eliminates the need for chemicals, flushing water or a traditional cassette tank.

Unlike full composting toilets, separation toilets focus on dry waste collection rather than active composting — but the user experience is very similar: clean, simple, odour‑controlled and easy to maintain.

How Thetford Separation Toilets Work

Thetford’s separation systems use a smart internal design to manage waste efficiently:

• Urine Diversion  
  Liquid waste drains through a dedicated exit valve into a sealed front or rear‑accessible tank. This prevents moisture from mixing with solids — the main cause of toilet odour.
• Solid Waste Collection  
  Solids drop into a lined container. Users add a small amount of drying agent such as sawdust, hemp fibres or coconut coir to help absorb moisture and reduce smell.
• Rotating Blade Cover  
  A mechanical blade closes over the solids container after each use, helping contain odour and maintain hygiene.
• Optional Electric Ventilation  
  Many setups include a small fan with an activated carbon filter. This draws air out of the toilet and removes odours before they can escape into the bathroom.
• Waterless Operation  
  No flushing water is required, making separation toilets ideal for off‑grid travel and long stays without access to dump points.

Key Benefits of Thetford Separation Toilets

1. Upgrade Your Existing Thetford Toilet — No Full Replacement Needed

One of the biggest advantages of Thetford’s separation kits is that you can convert many standard Thetford cassette toilets into separation toilets without replacing the entire unit.
This makes the upgrade extremely economical and avoids major bathroom modifications.

2. Chemical‑Free Waste Management

Separation toilets eliminate the need for harsh chemicals used in cassette systems. This means:

• No chemical smell
• No ongoing chemical costs
• No environmental impact from disposal

Just simple, dry waste management.

3. Extended Off‑Grid Camping Time

Because separation toilets use no water and no chemicals, you can stay off‑grid longer without worrying about filling a black tank or finding a dump point.

4. Odour Control by Design

By keeping liquids and solids separate, odour is dramatically reduced. Add a drying agent and optional ventilation, and the toilet remains surprisingly fresh.

5. Easy Maintenance & Disposal

Solid waste is collected in a liner bag and can be disposed of in general household waste. Urine can be emptied into any standard toilet or dump point.

6. Simple Installation

Most Thetford separation kits are designed for DIY installation. They fit directly into existing Thetford housings, making the upgrade straightforward. Kits available for Thetford S260 and S220 Cassette Toilets.

For many caravan owners, separation toilets offer 90% of the benefits of a composting toilet at a significantly lower cost — especially when upgrading an existing Thetford unit.

Why Travellers Choose Thetford Separation Toilets

• Perfect for caravans, motorhomes, tiny homes and off‑grid cabins
• No plumbing or flushing system required
• No cassette maintenance and emptying
• No chemicals
• Easy to clean and operate
• Compatible with many existing Thetford toilet models
• Ideal for long‑term off‑grid stays

Final Thoughts

Thetford separation toilets offer an affordable and eco alternative to traditional toilet systems. With waterless operation, excellent odour control and the ability to upgrade your existing Thetford toilet, they’re one of the most practical sanitation solutions for caravans and RVs.

If you’re looking to reduce maintenance, eliminate chemicals and extend your off‑grid stays, a Thetford separation toilet is a highly cost effective upgrade.

A Complete Guide to Bag‑Sealing Toilets for Caravans

What Is a Bag‑Sealing Toilet?

A bag‑sealing toilet is a waterless waste‑management toilet that uses heat‑sealed bags instead of a traditional cassette or chemical toilet. Instead of flushing into a tank, waste is deposited into a hygienic liner that is automatically sealed after each use. Currently we offer Clesana and Freucamp brand waterless toilets - our research shows these to be the best brands and each end of the market.

Key Features

• Waterless operation
• Chemical‑free
• Odour‑free sealed bags
• No cassette to empty
• Hygienic, touch‑free disposal
• Suitable for caravans, RVs, motorhomes, boats, tiny homes, off‑grid setups

How Bag‑Sealing Toilets Work

While each brand does it slightly differently, the process is the same for all:

A liner/bag is automatically positioned inside the bowl, Waste is deposited into the liner, The toilet uses Heat sealing to seal the bag. The sealed bag drops into the collection bin. A fresh liner is automatically rolled into place

What’s Inside the Toilet System

• Roll of liners (film or bags)
• Sealing mechanism
• Waste collection chamber
• Control panel

Who Are Bag‑Sealing Toilets Best For?

Caravan Owners Who Want:

• No cassette emptying
• No chemicals
• No smell
• A hygienic, simple waste solution

Off‑Grid Travellers

Perfect for:

• National parks
• Free camps
• Long stays without dump points

Tiny Homes & Cabins

A clean, low‑maintenance toilet option without plumbing.

Boats

Waterless operation + sealed waste = ideal for marine use.

Running Costs

Running costs depend on liner usage:

• 1 sealed pod per use
• Film rolls typically last 40–60 uses
• Higher cost per use

Installation Requirements

Most bag‑sealing toilets require:

• A stable mounting surface
• Access to 12V (heat‑seal systems only)
• Ventilation optional
• No plumbing
• No water connection
• No cassette hatch

Waste Disposal

Sealed bags can be disposed of in:

• General waste bins
• Caravan park rubbish
• Council bins
• Boat waste disposal points

Important: Always follow local regulations. 

9. Common Questions Customers Ask (FAQ)

1. Does it smell?

No — the waste is sealed immediately.

2. Do I need chemicals?

No chemicals required.

3. How often do I empty it?

Whenever the collection bin is full (usually 3–6 days depending on use).

4. Can I use it off‑grid?

Yes, although heat‑seal systems need 12V.

5. Are the bags biodegradable?

Depends on the brand. Some offer eco‑friendly liners, most dont.

A Complete Guide to Cassette Toilets for Caravans

What Is a Cassette Toilet?

A cassette toilet is the most common caravan toilet system, combining a fixed toilet bowl inside the caravan with a removable waste cassette accessible from an exterior hatch.
Waste is flushed into the cassette using water, Chemicals are added to the tank to prevent decomposition of the waste and the cassette is manually removed for emptying at a dump point.

Key Features

• Fixed toilet bowl
• Removable waste cassette
• Uses water and chemicals
• Manual emptying
• Widely used in caravans, RVs, motorhomes
• Compatible with most caravan layouts

How Cassette Toilets Work

The system is simple and familiar:

1. Waste enters the cassette via a flush system
2. Chemicals break down waste and reduce odour
3. The cassette fills over time (typically 2–3 days for two people)
4. The cassette is removed via the exterior hatch
5. Waste is emptied at a dump point
6. Cassette is rinsed, re‑charged with chemicals, and reinstalled

What’s Inside the System

• Toilet bowl
• Flush system
• Waste cassette (10–20L)
• Venting system (optional)
• Exterior access hatch

Who Are Cassette Toilets Best For?

Caravan Owners Who Want:

• A familiar toilet system
• Easy access to dump points
• A cost‑effective solution
• Compatibility with most caravan layouts

Short‑Stay Travellers

Perfect for:

• Caravan parks
• Powered sites
• Weekend trips

Families

Cassette systems handle frequent use well.