Green living is not a new concept. In fact, it is fast catching up among environmental enthusiasts who strive to adopt eco-friendly living on every front; their homes, bathrooms, toilets, you name it.

Composting toilets are therefore not necessarily new facilities.

They have been lauded as excellent alternatives to conventional toilets since they are cheaper and don’t require complicated treatment plants and sewerage systems.

There has been skepticism about waterless composting  toilet dry flush systems for fear of foul odors and crawling gnats and insects.

You don’t have to live in Fear Ville, though. Once you understand how these waterless systems work you will have a most pleasant experience.

But first things first.

What is a composting toilet?

Systems that use natural or biological decomposition processes to break down human poop into humus before disposal are known as composting toilets.

The decomposition process makes use of anaerobic bacteria and the end product known as compost can be applied on gardens and farms as fertilizer when sterilized.

Essentially, there are two designs for composting toilets.

The first one is the DIY design that requires active human input to function. It entails the simple use of a large bucket and a toilet seat firmly installed at the top. It is easy to make and can fit into any small space available in the home.

The homeowner simply puts sawdust into the toilet and each time a user uses the facility, they also add some sawdust into it.

The waste is allowed to decompose naturally before it is collected and emptied into an identified compost pit.

The design is popular among households that seek affordability and ease of installation since the toilet uses basic materials to make. No complex hookups are required making it a cheaper alternative to traditional toilets.

The toilet is kept odor-free by separating urine from solid feces using a funnel since this prevents formation of sewage.

The other design is the active composting dry flush system that does not require active human input to function. This waterless toilet is built to do all the work, unlike the homemade DIY design.

The toilet is fitted with a composting container either within the unit or remotely placed in a different location altogether, mostly beneath the toilet or outside the house.

Since the design is not manual it runs on solar power, battery power or electricity. Non-electric models are also available.

For a better smelling environment, the design has a built-in fan for aeration. This keeps the system odor-free.

The decomposition process is hastened in the active composting toilet using optimal temperatures for the heating process.

How Waterless Toilet Dry Flush Systems Work

The technology behind waterless composting toilets works through accomplishing three main processes:

• Biologically decomposing the human poop and waste paper gradually and in an  odorless manner
• A complete breakdown of waste ensuring it is free of pathogens
• Segregation of the watery wastes through evaporation

Different designs are available from different manufacturers. The end result of the composting toilet, regardless of who manufactures it, aims at completing the above processes in an efficient manner.

Here are 7 reviews on the best waterless composting toilet dry flush systems for you to consider:

1. Nature’s Head Dry Composting Toilet with Standard Crank Handle
2. Nature’s Head Self Contained Composting Toilet with Close Quarters Spider Handle Design
3. Sun-Mar Excel Self-Contained Composting Toilet, Model# Excel
4. Sun-Mar Excel Non-Electric Self-Contained Composting Toilet, Model# Excel-NE
5. Sun-Mar Compact Self-Contained Composting Toilet, Model# Compact
6. Sun-Mar Dry Toilet Elongated
7. Sun-Mar Centrex 1000 Non-Electric Waterless Ultra Low Flush Central Composting Toilet System

1. Nature’s Head Dry Composting Toilet with Standard Crank Handle

Composting toilet flush systems need to run on an efficient composting system, if at all you wish to avoid bad odors and pests. This is so because the faster the composting process, the easier it is for the homeowner to empty the composting chamber to allow for fresh waste.

The active design toilet requires optimal temperatures to facilitate decomposition. Nature’s Head Dry Composting Toilet with Standard Crank Handle design allows for faster composting as a result of its hand crank agitator in its base, providing users with the ability to clean out the toilet faster.

Features of the toilet

• The toilet is self-contained
• Urine diverting mechanism
• Built with a 12v power plug
• It includes a bottle cap
• 5’ vent hose
• Fan available for low volume air circulation
• Comes in a molded design

Nature’s Head Self Contained Composting Toilet with Standard Crank Handle design is 19.8 x 20.8 x 20.5 inches in dimension and weighs 27.2 pounds.

The pros and cons of this model are:

Pros

• The toilet is odorless
• Sturdy and durable
• Easy to operate and use
• Maintenance is easy and straightforward
• No septic hookups required
• Waterless operating system
• Quick and stress-free installation process

Cons

• Toilet seat is a bit narrow for users
• Requires frequent emptying of the urine container

2. Nature’s Head Self Contained Composting Toilet with Close Quarters Spider Handle Design

The toilet is a self-contained and portable model that runs on a urine separating mechanism, making it ideal for homes, cottages and guest rooms due to its convenience and size.

Features of the toilet

• Durable and robust as a result of the stainless hardware.
• No holding tank which makes the toilet odor-free
• Comfortable  full-size elongated seat
• Comes with a built-in fan which makes air circulation better for a fresh smelling environment.
• Easy to install
• Easy to clean and maintain. Routine maintenance practices will ensure you enjoy your facility better and longer.
• Non- electric
• No complex plumbing setup required

Nature’s Head Self Contained Composting Toilet with Close Quarters Spiders Handle design is 22 x 20.5 x 21.7 inches in dimension and weighs 28 pounds.

The pros and cons of this model are:

Pros

• Convenient and easy to use
• Waterless system
• Robust and durable
• Consumes less space
• Built with an onboard fan and vent hose for better smelling environment
• It one of the favorite composting models among users

Cons

• Small urine container which fill out pretty fast
• Difficult to clean out the solid wastes
• In case of a malfunction the toilet smells
• Cannot handle baby wipes or paper towels. Only toilet paper can be disposed into it.

3. Sun-Mar Excel Self-Contained Composting Toilet, Model# Excel

The toilet is an ideal waterless composting dry flush system for homes since it is an odor-free self-contained model fitted with a bio-drum that facilitates the composting process without a stench emanating from the system.

Features of the Excel Model

• The toilet is NSF/ANSI Certified
• Easy to maintain.
• Pest proof toilet so you won’t have to worry about gnats and insects.
• Low profile unit and can therefore easily complement any bathroom.
• A detachable footrest is included to serve short people who would find the toilet to be out of reach.
• Built with an emergency drain and a venting kit to make it user friendly.
• Includes a fan for better air circulation
• Suited for high capacity use with one facility serving 3-4 persons in a residential setting. It can handle even higher number of users if installed for weekend use in a cottage or cabin, accommodating at least 6-8 persons.   

The pros and cons of this model are:

Pros:

• No need for complex septic systems
• Odor-free system
• Waterless operation
• 100% non-polluting therefore is eco-friendly
• Minimal or no nuisance from pests
• Fairly priced given its features

Cons:

• Emptying solid contents of the drum can get a bit messy
• If not properly handled it may lead to hazardous leaks

The toilet is 33 x 22 1/2 x 33 in dimension and has a vent stack size of 2 inches. It weighs 100 lbs.

4. Sun-Mar Excel Non-Electric Self-Contained Composting Toilet, Model# Excel-NE

Homeowners seeking toilets ideal for off the grid applications will find this model useful. As one of the best composting toilet flush systems, the toilet is efficient in the composting process despite being non-electric and breaks down human waste without any stench emanating from the system.

Features of the Excel-NE Model

• Suited for high capacity use, at least 2-3 users in a residential setup and 5-7 persons if installed in a cottage or cabin for weekend use.

• The model has a variable diameter bio-drum fitted with a recessed handle that aids in the efficient processing of compost. 

The pros and cons of this model are:

Pros:

• It is NSF/ANSI Certified
• Waterless design
• Non-electric model
• Requires only one drain
• Includes a venting kit for better productivity
• 100% non-polluting

Cons

• There are cheaper models in the market

The toilet is 33 x 22 1/2 x 32 in dimension and has a vent stack size of 4 inches. Its standard weight is 90 lbs.

5. Sun-Mar Compact Self-Contained Composting Toilet, Model# Compact

This model is a favorite among homeowners seeking an eco-friendly waterless toilet system that emits no repulsive odors.

Features of the Compact Model

• It is a self-contained model fitted with one drain and an emergency drain.
• It is designed for single users in residential settings and 3-4 users for weekend use in cabins or cottages.
• Fitted with a detachable footrest.
• The toilet is built with a venting kit and has a venting stack size of 2 inches.

The pros and cons of this model are:

Pros:

• 100% non-polluting
• Requires no water to run
• Comfortable and easily accessible

Cons:

• There are cheaper alternatives in the market
• Is an electric system therefore not ideal for off the grid applications

The Sun-Mar Compact model is 33 x 21 1/2 x 28 ½ in dimension and complements any bathroom. Its standard weight is 90 lbs.

6. Sun-Mar Dry Toilet Elongated

The Sun-Mar dry elongated model is not self-contained. The toilet is designed for use with the waterless Centrex 2000 systems and Centrex 1000 systems.

To operate, an AF waterless kit is required and is purchased separately.

Features of the Sun-Mar dry elongated model

• The toilet is 14 ½ inches high to the top of the seat
• It comes with a regular sized toilet seat
• A bowl liner that fits beneath the seat is included
• Total height with lid up 16”- 31 ¼ inches
• The unit depth is 23 ¼ inches
• Unit width is 16 inches
• The distance from the back to the center of the waste inlet is 11 5/8 inches (260 mm)
• The minimum clearance between the toilet and the composter is 4 inches
• Includes a vent system on all AF units that continuously draw down air to prevent odors in the bathroom

The toilet weighs 15lbs (6.08 kg).

The pros and cons of this model are:

Pros

• Easy to clean as it allows removal of the bowl liner
• Durable and robust- It is made of sturdy fiberglass
• Odor-free

Cons

• The toilet is not self-contained. It is designed to go with the Sun-Mar Centrex systems purchased separately

7. Sun-Mar Centrex 1000 Non-Electric Waterless Ultra Low Flush Central Composting Toilet System

This is another release from the Sun-Mar brand. The toilet was first listed on Amazon on 1.4.2004.

Features of this model

• Weight is 100 pounds
• Waterless system
• Non- electric

The pros and cons of this model are:

Pros

• Eco-friendly
• Ideal for off-grid applications

Cons

• Little information about its operation
• The items dimensions are not given

Conclusion

Although composting waterless toilet dry flush systems are lauded for their environmental conservation abilities and sustainability in the home and off the grid, the toilets require extra care and maintenance.

Be sure to consider the availability of spare parts and accessories as you decide on your choice of composting toilet flush systems to make the best buy.

You should look forward to a pleasant dunking experience with these waterless designs.

Good luck!