Waterless Sealing Toilets: What They Are, How They Compare, and Why They're an Ideal Choice for Portable Use

As the world of portable toilets evolves, there's an exciting new option making its debut—the waterless, separating sealing toilet. This innovative type of portable toilet combines unique features, offering a blend of convenience, hygiene, and sustainability for those on the go. Whether you're in a camper van, RV, off-grid cabin, or simply looking for a reliable backup toilet solution, a waterless sealing toilet could be just the ticket.

So, what exactly is a waterless sealing toilet, how does it compare to other portable toilets, and what makes a separating waterless sealing toilet a standout choice? Let’s dive in!

What is a Waterless Sealing Toilet?

A waterless sealing toilet is a type of portable toilet that does not require any water to operate and, instead, uses a sealing system to trap waste. Unlike composting or chemical toilets, which manage waste through biological breakdown or chemicals, sealing toilets contain and seal waste in specially designed bags after each use.

In a separating waterless sealing toilet, urine and solids are diverted into different containers, which makes disposal more efficient and hygienic. This setup reduces odor, minimizes the need for bag use, and means you only seal bags when you’ve gone number two—cutting down on overall waste and storage needs.

How Does a Waterless Sealing Toilet Work?

A sealing toilet operates by containing and sealing waste in a hygienic, odor-proof bag after each use. When you use the toilet, solids go into a special compartment where they’re wrapped in a durable bag. The system then heat-seals the bag, ensuring it’s completely closed off, preventing any risk of leaks or unpleasant smells. 

This heat-seal technology not only keeps odors locked in but also creates a leak-proof barrier, making it ideal for use in confined spaces like vans, RVs, or tiny homes. With no need for water or chemicals, a sealing toilet provides a clean, convenient, and eco-friendly solution for managing waste on the go.

Introducing CompoCloset's Patented Separating Waterless Sealing Toilet

At CompoCloset, we’re dedicated to providing eco-conscious travelers with practical and sustainable solutions for managing their… well, number twos. Continuing our mission to bring you the most convenient, eco-friendly options, we’re thrilled to announce our latest innovation: the CompoCloset S1, a patented separating waterless sealing toilet.

Designed to make portable sanitation easier and more environmentally friendly, our new toilet separates urine and solids, sealing only when necessary. This approach minimizes bag use, reduces odor, and extends the time between emptying, making it perfect for extended trips, off-grid living, and compact spaces.

Comparing Portable Toilet Options: How Does a Waterless Sealing Toilet Stack Up?

There are several types of portable toilets available, each with unique features and benefits. Here’s a breakdown of how waterless sealing toilets compare to portable composting, chemical, and other popular portable toilet types, including different models of composting toilets like the Cuddy and Cuddy Lite.

1. Waterless, Separating Sealing Toilet vs. Composting Toilets (with and without Agitators)

Composting Toilets come in two main types: those with agitators and those without.

• Composting Toilets with Agitators: Toilets like CompoCloset’s original Cuddy use an agitator to mix solids with a carbon material, such as coconut coir, which helps decompose the waste over time.
• Odor Control: Good odor control due to the natural breakdown of solids.
• Maintenance: Moderate; requires stirring and regular disposal of decomposed solids.
• Bag Use: No bags are needed, as the composting happens directly in the container.
• Composting Toilets without Agitators (Bag-Based): Bag-based composting toilets like the Cuddy Lite rely on a disposable bag that lines the solids container and adding material like sawdust after each use, collecting waste without the need for mixing.
• Odor Control: Moderate; bags help contain solids, and the material can help mask odor, but there is less breakdown without mixing.
• Maintenance: Simple; dispose of the bag when full, but it requires replacement each time.
• Bag Use: Bags are essential for every use, which can add up over time in terms of cost and waste generation.

In contrast, a separating waterless sealing toilet is simpler, as it does not require any agitation or mixing and is more discrete. 

• Simpler Functionality: No compost medium is needed, no agitation, and the emptying process is easier. 
• Less Frequent Emptying: With separate urine and solids containers, you don’t need to empty the system as often.
• Low Maintenance: No need for stirring, replacing bags frequently, or managing decomposition.
• Discrete: Since the toilet seals poo away after each use, it’s perfect for a rental RV or a shared space situation. (no seeing your poo!)

2. Waterless Sealing Toilet vs. Chemical Toilets

Chemical Toilets use chemicals to break down waste and reduce odor. They’re common in RVs and at events but can have limitations, especially when used in off-grid environments where access to chemical refills and disposal sites may be scarce.

• Odor Control: Chemicals help control odor but can have a strong scent.
• Environmentally Friendly: Disposal is less eco-friendly due to chemicals.
• Bag Use: None; however, the entire waste container requires frequent emptying and disposal.

In contrast, Waterless Sealing Toilets:

• Eco-Friendly: Operates without chemicals.
• Bagged Disposal: Only solids are bagged, making disposal more convenient and environmentally friendly.
• Less Frequent Emptying: As with separating models, fewer bags mean less waste.

3. Waterless Separating Sealing Toilet vs. Regular Dry-Flush

Dry-Flush Toilets wrap or seal liquids and solids into a bag for each use, which provides some odor control but requires more frequent bag replacements since you have to “flush” with every use of the toilet, including #1’s!

This is problematic for multiple reasons: 

• Liquids and solids are not separated, so you’re filling bags quicker and bagging liquids every time you pee. 
• The use of coagulative agents is often encouraged to help congeal liquid. This is a plastic additive and not eco-friendly. 
• Many dry-flush toilets don’t have a base to keep wrapped waste in, so you must remove the bags after each use.
• Some dry-flush toilets only “wrap” waste without a true seal. This means leakage and pest infestation can occur before disposal. 

With waterless, separating sealing toilets, fewer bags are used, and only solids are bagged, reducing overall bag use and disposal frequency.

Comparison Table: Portable Toilet Types

Here’s a quick-reference table to visually compare how different types of portable toilets stack up.

Key Benefits of a Waterless, Separating Sealing Toilet

Opting for a waterless, separating sealing toilet offers a host of advantages, particularly for eco-conscious travelers and those seeking convenience. Here’s a quick rundown of its main benefits:

1. Efficient Use of Bags

Since the bag is only sealed for solid waste, you only need a fresh bag if you go #2, and is not necessary for #1. This efficiency in bagging means you go through far fewer bags over time, which is more sustainable and cost-effective.

2. Extended Period Between Emptying

With urine and solids stored separately, there’s no need to empty the containers as frequently. You can dispose of the urine separately (at an appropriate site), allowing the solids container to be emptied only when it’s full, providing convenience for extended trips.

3. No Water Needed

Being waterless means no water consumption, which makes these toilets perfect for off-grid and remote environments. Plus, there’s no risk of leaks or spills, and no need to store or carry water specifically for flushing.

4. No Chemicals Required

A major environmental plus! Since the system operates without chemicals, it’s gentler on the environment and doesn’t require purchasing and storing chemical refills.

5. Simple to Operate and Maintain

Compared to composting toilets that require adding compost medium and mixing, or chemical toilets that demand regular disposal of chemical-laden waste, a separating waterless sealing toilet is straightforward. Use it, seal it, and dispose when necessary—no mixing, adding medium, or stirring needed.

Who Will Benefit Most from a Waterless, Separating Sealing Toilet?

If you’re a frequent traveler, live off-grid, or simply want a backup toilet solution that’s low-maintenance and environmentally friendly, a waterless, separating sealing toilet is an ideal choice. By separating liquids and solids, it provides efficient, sustainable waste management while ensuring sanitation and odor control. This type of toilet is perfect for:

• Van Lifers and RV Travelers who need a toilet that’s compact, easy to use, and requires minimal maintenance.
• Car Campers who want to practice Leave No Trace or find themselves in areas that restrict digging catholes. 
• Off-Grid Living setups, where water conservation and waste disposal options are limited.
• Tiny Homes and Cabins without a direct sewer or septic connection, offering a simple and hygienic solution.

Is a Separating, Sealing Toilet Right For You?

Waterless, separating sealing toilets are quickly becoming a go-to solution for portable sanitation. Combining efficient waste management with simplicity and sustainability, they address many of the common pain points associated with other portable toilet types. 

If you’re looking for a toilet that minimizes waste, extends the time between emptying, and operates without water, CompoCloset’s S1 separating waterless sealing toilet could be the perfect addition to your travels or off-grid lifestyle.