The composting toilet is a favorite among most waterless toilet enthusiasts for two major reasons; it is affordable and easy to use.
It is also environmentally friendly and is lauded for its many accrued benefits. One of these being its ability to break down human waste into useful end products by natural mechanisms through a process known as decomposition.
There’s so much to say about this phenomenal waterless toilet technology.
However, the aim of this piece is to answer the mind boggling question most people who have embraced green living have. Can you use toilet paper with a composting toilet?
But first things first.
Understanding Composting Toilets
Composting toilets are not a necessarily new concept, they have been around for a while.
However, most people had no idea about them. Perhaps because fewer people embraced this waterless technology back in the day.
There are still so many people globally who are irked by waterless toilets as a means of waste disposal in their homes. That doesn’t have to be the case though.
The composting toilet is as hygienic, comfortable, and convenient as the modern day flush toilet. The fear of foul odors, gnats and other crawling pests is uncalled for. Really.
You can clean composting toilets using sanitizers and deodorants as you would the conventional flush toilets. You can read more about that here.
With the naturally occurring decomposition process in composting toilets you can use toilet paper. The big question should therefore be, what toilet paper can you use in a composting toilet? Toilet paper are categorized based on what they are made of.
Let’s first look at the various toilet paper available in the market.
· Recycled paper toilet paper
· Toilet paper manufactured from trees
· Toilet paper manufactured from bamboo, sugarcane and other alternative materials
The toilet paper is made with different ply thickness depending on its intended use. Durability and texture also vary with use and customer preferences.
Qualities of Good Composting Toilet Paper
1. If you are big on eco-friendliness then you will agree that recycled paper is the best source of toilet paper. The other two pose further damage to Mother Nature since they involve cutting down trees and plant cover.
For natural decomposition to take place quickly composting toilet paper is the best bet.
The recycled toilet paper decomposes faster than the other two types. Perhaps because its tough fibers had been broken down during the recycling process.
Meanwhile, those manufactured from trees and alternative materials have their tough fibers intact.
2. When it comes down to the weight of the compostable toilet paper, the lighter it is the better since this hastens the composting process.
1 ply toilet paper will break down faster than the 3 ply during the decomposition process. However, it might be too light for the user who might end up with poop on their hands. You definitely don’t want that.
It is therefore important to find toilet paper whose thickness is suitable for the user yet can easily break down in the composting toilet.
Most homeowners are at crossroads when it comes to the choice of waterless facilities for their homes, more so the composting toilets, how to use them and the use of toilet paper in such facilities.
Common Toilet Paper Questions
Here are some of the many questions that people also ask concerning toilet paper and composting toilets.
· Can toilet paper be composted?
Not all toilet paper can be composted especially where it has been used to clean poop or other yucky stuff. This is for the obvious reason that if it does not easily decompose the pathogens present might not be completely broken down and will act as active breeding grounds for pests and diseases.
· Can you use toilet paper in a composting toilet?
There is toilet paper manufactured specifically for use in composting toilets since not all toilet paper is able to decompose.
· Where does the toilet paper go in a composting toilet?
Used toilet paper can be dumped in the solid waste chamber of the composting toilet as it awaits decomposition.
· Can colored tissue paper be composted?
Colored toilet paper is not best suited for use in composting toilets because of its likelihood to release toxic chemicals during decomposition.
· Can shredded paper go in compost?
Shredded paper is safe to use in compost only if it is free of color and gloss which normally contains heavy metals that can be harmful to human health or the environment on decomposition.
· How long does tissue paper take to decompose?
Tissue paper can take as few as two weeks or as long as two months or more to decompose. The period of decomposition will largely depend on the weight of the toilet paper and the volume of tissue in the compost.
· Can you throw tissues in the toilet?
The type of tissue will largely determine whether or not it can be thrown in the toilet. Toilet tissue can be thrown in the toilet since it is manufactured for safe toilet disposal. Any other tissues such as wipes and paper towels should not be thrown in the toilet since they can lead to unnecessary blockage of the sewer system. Instead such tissue should be discarded in a waste bin for safe disposal.
5 Best Toilet Paper for Composting Toilets
Different manufacturers have come up with toilet paper suitable for composting toilet facilities.
The most suitable toilet paper brands for composting toilets are biodegradable. The suitable ply thickness will depend on your preference.
Here are the best 5.
1. Green Forest Premium Unscented Tissue
The toilet paper is manufactured from 100% recycled paper. 90% of content left of consumer recycled materials is also used in its processing. This makes it one of the most eco-friendly toilet paper brands. It is biodegradable therefore appropriate for composting toilet use.
Features of Green Forest Premium Unscented Tissue
1. Chemical –free
2. No Chlorine or dyes used in processing
3. Zero fragrance
4. 2 ply therefore breaks down quickly
Advantages
1. Biodegradable
2. Environmentally friendly
3. Hypoallergenic
4. Easily decomposes therefore septic safe
5. Soft
6. Durable
7. Suitable for both camping and household use
Disadvantage
1. Can be a bit expensive if bought in single rolls
2. Coleman’s Campers Toilet Paper
This is one of the most popular compostable toilet paper for camping. Its flexibility in packaging and dispensing makes it a favorite with most campers and hikers. It is made to fit in most backpacks making it convenient to use in campgrounds that don’t provide toilet paper in their facilities.
The toilet paper is suited for use in composting toilets.
Features of Coleman’s Campers Toilet Paper
1. 2 ply therefore breaks down quickly
2. Packaging acts as a dispenser
3. A roll is packed with at least 65 squares of tissue
Advantages
1. Biodegradable
2. Eco-friendly
3. Easily decomposes therefore septic safe
4. Compact
5. Soft
6. Comfortable
Disadvantage
1. Costs more than your usual toilet paper
3. Scott 1000 Bathroom Tissue
This is another composting toilet paper ideal for boats, campers and RVs. It has no fragrance and works well for users with sensitive skin.
Features of Scott 1000 Bathroom Tissue
1. Unscented
2. 1 ply
3. 1000 sheets per roll
Advantages
1. Suitable for people with sensitive skin
2. Decomposes faster than the average toilet paper (up to four times)
3. Ideal for campers, boats and RVs
4. Budget friendly
5. Lasts longer
Disadvantage
1. Too light in thickness since it is 1 ply
4. Coghlans Toilet Paper, 2 Rolls
This is another toilet paper best suited for use in composting toilets. It is light in weight and is highly biodegradable. It is easy to carry around since it is manufactured without an inner core making it less bulky. This makes it a popular compostable toilet paper for camping.
Features of Coghlans Toilet Paper
1. 2 rolls packaging
2. Biodegradable
3. 1 ply tissue
4. Each roll contains 140 sheets
5. Light in weight (2 ounces)
6. Less bulky- rolls do not contain a core
Advantages
1. Ideal for camping and rafting
2. Decomposes quickly
3. Suitable for composting toilet use
Disadvantage
1. You would have to consult on waste rules from specific land management agencies since it is an imported product
5. Portawipes Compressed Toilet Paper Tablet Coin Tissues
The product is intended for the US market. It is therefore advisable to confirm the appropriateness of the ingredients on the label before purchase.
Features of Portawipes Compressed Coin Towels
1. 50 pack
2. 5 carrying cases
3. Compact
4. Biodegradable
5. Fragrance free
6. Includes a free waterproof case
Advantages
1. Easy to carry
2. Ideal for hikes and camping
3. Hypoallergenic
4. Easily decomposes
5. Soft
6. Larger and stronger than your average toilet paper
Disadvantage
1. You must add a tablespoon of water to make it ready to use
A Fun Extra:
Kardashian Toilet Paper
Looking for a fresh gift loo roll for friends, family or your secret santa? This could just be it.
Krap on Kim K gives you the opportunity to change the way you wipe your bum with this novelty influencer toilet paper. The Kim Kardashian toilet paper has the influencer’s picture printed on the roll giving you the “krapping on Kim K” feel each time you poo in the toilet.
The loo roll comes in an aesthetic matt finish box that gives it a fashionable touch best for a prank present. This adult novelty box also contains adult only gags.
Features of Kardashian Toilet Paper
1. The toilet paper is 3-ply
2. The loo roll is 3.9 x 3.9 x 3.9 inches in dimensions
3. Weighs 4.6 ounces
Pros
1. Fun to use
2. Perfect for a funny gift
Cons
1. A bit overpriced
Final Word
There you have it. The next time you come across someone who poses the question “can you put toilet paper in a composting toilet?”
The answer is an emphatic YES. However, take into consideration its weight and ability to decompose naturally for you to have flawless use of your waterless composting toilet and enjoy some happy pooping!
