🚽 Composting Toilets: What Are the Best Options?

Issue #4

Hi there,

When you're living tiny—especially off-grid—one of the biggest “ick-factor” questions is:

We get this question all the time, and the good news is: composting toilets have come a long way. They’re clean, eco-friendly, and super practical when done right.

In this issue, we’ll break down how composting toilets work, what your options are, what they cost, and which ones are worth a closer look. Plus, We’ve included a bonus option that might surprise you—especially if you’re into sustainability too.

But first, here’s your…

It helps control moisture and odor and kickstarts the composting process. Never use kitty litter or bleach—they harm the system and the environment.

If you’re done thinking about going tiny and your ready to step into a more peaceful way of life, we’re ready to invite you to come live in the Rio Grande Estates Tiny Home Community here in The Land of Enchantment, New Mexico. Bring your off-grid ready tiny home on wheels or come live in one of our cozy container homes. Send us an email and tell us a little bit about where you are on your tiny living journey and we’ll work with you to make tiny home living a reality for you. Here’s our email address: [email protected].

At its core, a composting toilet separates liquid and solid waste. This makes it easier to manage, breaks it down faster, and—when done properly—doesn’t stink.

Here are the main types worth considering:

These are all-in-one systems that sit right where a regular toilet would. No plumbing required.

💰 Cost: Around $1,000–$1,200

These connect to a central bin (usually in the crawl space or basement). Good for permanent tiny homes.

💰 Cost: $1,500–$2,500+

The simplest and cheapest solution: a 5-gallon bucket, a toilet seat, and cover material like sawdust.

💰 Cost: Under $100

If you're interested in going all-in on sustainability, a biodigester might be for you. These systems convert human and food waste into biogas (usable for cooking!) and liquid fertilizer.

💰 Cost: Around $900–$1,200

Dealing with waste isn’t the most exciting part of going tiny—but it’s one of the most empowering. You get to choose a solution that aligns with your values, saves water, and gives you freedom from traditional systems.

Whether it’s a composting toilet or a biodigester, the right setup will keep your tiny home clean, odor-free, and eco-friendly.

You’ve got this.

See you next week,

If you’re serious about living a sustainable, off grid, tiny home lifestyle, but you’re not sure where to start or even if you know a lot and you want to be sure what you know is accurate, we’ve got you covered.

This full color, deeply researched completely comprehensive guide leaves no stone unturned. It will not only increase your knowledge about what it takes to go tiny, it will catapult your confidence too.

We should be charging $100 for this 8 ½ x 11 inch, 30+ page, step-by-step guide to go from city-dweller to off grid expert. However, because you are a part of this community that is serious about sustainable, off grid tiny home living it’s yours for only $10.

Click HERE to download it instantly.

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