Build or buy a composting toilet: What are the pros and cons?

A composting toilet is a wonderfully simple, sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to the conventional chemical toilet. Thanks to its waterless mode of operation and simple disposal, this quiet little toilet allows you to be even more self-sufficient on the road. The search for special black water stations is now a thing of the past.

If you can't find the right model when looking for a composting toilet, or if the current variants simply won't fit in your vehicle, many people are faced with the question: keep looking and buy, or build a composting toilet? To help you decide, we present the advantages and disadvantages of both options.

By the way, for all those who like to swing the saw and the hammer themselves, we have created a detailed article about the self-construction of a composting toilet . Here you will find valuable tips and suggestions.

Build or buy a composting toilet: What factors play a role?

There are various reasons for buying or building a composting toilet yourself. In most cases, the space inside the vehicle plays a decisive role.

What is the argument for buying a ready-made composting toilet? 

1. The place where your composting toilet will be located has enough space. This is the perfect starting point for you to start looking for a model that best suits your needs and requirements. In this case, you are spoiled for choice.

2. You have neither the time nor the inclination to build a composting toilet yourself. Maybe you don't like manual work at all. In this case, buying a composting toilet is clearly the right decision.

3. You find it difficult to plan a craft project from scratch. Before you can build a composting toilet, you must first consider and take into account many points. These range from size and volume planning to choose the right material and potential venting. If this is a horror to you, we recommend buying a ready-made composting toilet.

What is the argument for building a composting toilet?

1. The spatial conditions at the installation site of your composting toilet are too small or too special for common models from the trade. This may be the case in small vehicles or in the case of special factory features, such as a built-in bench toilet, into whose conversion the new toilet is to be perfectly integrated.

2. You love to take things into your own hands. As a passionate craftswoman or tinkerer, the construction of a composting toilet is an exciting project for you.

3. You love and live individuality. An "off-the-peg" toilet is out of the question for you. Then a self-built unique piece is just right for you.

Build or buy a composting toilet: Advantages and disadvantages

What are the advantages of building a composting toilet? What are the disadvantages of a purchased model? Here is an overview.

Are you already building or do you prefer to buy?

The decision whether you want to build or buy a composting toilet is, of course, up to you. If you have enough space, you are well advised to buy a composting toilet. Due to the large selection of models and materials, you are sure to find a great quiet place that fits your needs.

Generally speaking, DIY is time-consuming and labor-intensive, but with good planning and organization, it can lead to wonderfully unique results. So if you're passionate about tinkering in your workshop, a DIY composting toilet is a great project for the fall or winter months. Then you'll have plenty of time to build and extensively test before hitting the road with the new toilet in the spring. :)