
HomeBiogas 2021 Impact & ESG Report
With a wide portfolio of products, HomeBiogas helps businesses achieve Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Criteria, enabling them to demonstrate their commitment to safeguard the environment.
Read MoreComposting toilet for tiny house? It's an attractive solution with no plumbing or sewage systems.
While not everyone may find them appealing, composting toilets can be a practical on-site waste management solution for a tiny house — especially when you build off-grid or have limited access to utilities. That’s because they eliminate the need for a septic system while helping save space and resources.
Composting toilets for tiny homes come in multiple sizes and shapes, but overall, most models function on the same principles:
The simple answer is no; composting toilets for tiny homes don’t smell. However, this is only true for a properly maintained system. Foul odors coming from a composting toilet are a red flag, and it’s essential to troubleshoot the issue and fix it.
Some possible reasons a composting toilet might smell are:
Maintain your tiny composting toilet properly by checking the exhaust fan regularly, adding dry carbon-rich materials after every usage, and using environmentally friendly cleaning products in your bathroom. This way, your composting toilet stays an efficient and sustainable option for your tiny home.
One way to approach compost toilet maintenance in a tiny house is to tackle some simple tasks regularly — frequency can depend on the size and model of your system. These tasks include emptying the urine diverter and the solid waste bucket, cleaning the fan filters, sanitizing, etc.
Like a flushing toilet, wipe down your composting toilet once a week or whenever you clean the bathroom to keep it functioning efficiently and smelling fresh. You can use bicarb soda and vinegar for a regular deep clean.
Cleaning the urine diverter is a crucial maintenance task, especially when you have limited space. Start by emptying the container — you can dilute the urine with water before disposing of it to avoid any potential odor issues. Then, use a cleaning solution such as vinegar and water or a specialized cleaner to thoroughly clean the diverter and surrounding areas. Be sure to remove any buildup or residue that may have accumulated, which can slow down urine flow and cause odors.
It is also essential to regularly inspect the urine diverter for any signs of damage or wear, such as cracks or leaks. If you find any issues, replace the diverter to ensure the composting toilet’s continued functioning.
Emptying a composting chamber is a less frequent task. Here is a step-by-step guide:
When evaluating tiny house composting toilet options, keep a few things in mind to pick a solution that will make you love your home even more with time:
The space you have will determine the best toilet for your tiny house. You want to choose a system that fits comfortably, so measure your bathroom and consider all the elements it’ll include before deciding. Look for compact designs with space-saving features like a slim profile or a smaller base.
Space limitations also influence the type of composting toilet you choose. Self-contained models handle all the composting within the toilet unit, while central models direct waste to an external area for composting. For tiny homes, self-contained models are often the best choice, but you can expand your options when your small house has significant outdoor space.
Consider the capacity for liquid and solid waste, and remember that larger-capacity toilets may also take up more space.
How often will you be using it? Do you have a big family or plan to use it frequently? If you plan to use it sparingly, portable composting toilets, usually used for mobile homes or camping, might be a better (and sometimes cheaper) option.
Most tiny house toilet options typically have a small vent fan on a small solar panel or a 12-volt battery, which is easily rechargeable. Larger systems need a more reliable power source to operate a fan or transport waste to a central composting area.
If you plan to live off-grid or have limited access to electricity, a self-contained composting toilet is likely the best option.
Composting toilets can be cheaper than flushing toilets in the long run, but there’s still a significant investment between upfront installation costs and maintenance kits. Choose a composting toilet that is easy to clean and maintain, in line with your resources and availability for routine maintenance tasks.
Research, read reviews from other tiny house owners, and choose the best option. You’ll soon be on your way to a sustainable and efficient waste management system.
The HomeBiogas Bio-Toilet kit is a sustainable and eco-friendly solution, offering a superior alternative to regular composting toilets. Not only does the Bio-toilet kit break down waste, but it also produces renewable biogas for cooking and for effluent that needs simple further treatment through a mulch basin or drainfield. By turning waste into biogas, tiny house owners reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and decrease their environmental impact.
The HomeBiogas Bio-toilet kit includes a porcelain pedestal that blends seamlessly with modern bathrooms. It’s a unique and innovative solution for those seeking off-grid living without sacrificing comfort or hygiene. And it doesn’t require a traditional septic system (but works with septic tanks if there is one!), which is a big plus for tiny houses.
The HomeBiogas Bio-Toilet kit is easy to install and comes with hassle-free maintenance, ensuring you can enjoy a self-sustainable lifestyle without headaches. Moreover, waste management through anaerobic digestion is safe and environmentally friendly, reducing the carbon footprint and enabling a sustainable lifestyle for small house owners.
Composting toilets are becoming increasingly popular in tiny houses as homeowners look for eco-conscious living and sustainable practices. These systems offer several benefits over traditional flush toilets, including reduced water usage and decreased environmental impact. Plus, they don’t need a sewer connection, making them a cost-effective and space-saving option.
With a wide portfolio of products, HomeBiogas helps businesses achieve Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Criteria, enabling them to demonstrate their commitment to safeguard the environment.
Read MoreAt HomeBiogas, we are taking responsibility for our planet together with our customers. They are visionaries, changemakers and inspiring people creating a positive future for us all. We are thankful to our wonderfully courageous customers, and we are proud to share their stories.
Read MoreMost people take hot water, indoor plumbing, and flushing toilets for granted, but things aren’t always that easy. Outside centralized sewers, managing waste and wastewater can be a challenge all year round, and having the right equipment can become a game-changer for homeowners. Off-grid toilets and sanitation systems make waste management easier while providing comfort and sustainable solutions. You can pick from multiple systems, from flush toilets to compost toilets to waterless toilets. This blog post will tell you everything you need to know to make an educated decision for your homestead.
Read MoreModern homesteading isn’t necessarily rural farming or living off-grid. While these concepts can overlap, homesteading is not as much about isolating yourself from the rest of the world. The idea behind this shift is mostly about living independently, whether you own land to cultivate acres of crops or live in a small apartment and grow plants on your balcony. Homesteading had an unexpected comeback when the pandemic hit, as people had to slow down and find ways to provide for themselves and their families despite shortages and lockdowns.
Read MoreHow to improve a campground's reputation and make outdoor experiences more comfortable with top-notch bathroom facilities
Read MoreIleana and Ronit have been working together for months but it was only last week that they finally had the chance to set aside project planning and updates and really dive into the how and the why surrounding the important work that they do. Ronit, Head of Global Marketing for HomeBiogas, was in awe as Ileana shared her personal story and the stories of the people she encounters in her work distributing and assembling HomeBiogas systems across schools and rural communities in El Salvador.
Read More